Metrology and Measurement Standards Summary - September 2025

Looking back at September 2025, the metrology and measurement landscape was notably enhanced by the release of five influential standards in the Physical Phenomena domain. These publications collectively addressed rapid radioactivity screening, specific safety in wireless exposure assessment, acoustic performance of household appliances, and the essential guidance for thermal energy meter deployment. For industry professionals, maintaining awareness of such progress—and analyzing its ramifications—remains critical to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance. This summary provides a thorough retrospective on each standard, connecting the dots between technological progress, regulatory developments, and practical implementation.

Monthly Overview: September 2025

The standardization activity for Metrology and Measurement (ICS 17) in September 2025 reflected both the breadth and precision demanded by today’s measurement challenges. Noteworthy was the focus on:

• Rapid response and screening methodologies in radiological protection,
• Enhancement of test codes for common household appliances to reflect new consumer and environmental demands,
• Rigorous simulation and validation protocols for electromagnetic exposure from modern wireless systems,
• Updated, practical advice for the installation and commissioning of energy metering hardware in complex infrastructure environments.

Compared to earlier publication cycles, this month’s output illustrated a sustained push towards speed, field applicability, and greater integration of digital tools and simulation. These standards indicate a regulatory environment increasingly attentive to emergency scenario readiness, consumer product transparency, and smart infrastructure development—signaling continued alignment with global safety initiatives and technological innovation.

Standards Published This Month

ISO 19581:2025 - Measurement of Radioactivity—Gamma Emitting Radionuclides—Rapid Screening Method Using Scintillation Detector Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

Measurement of radioactivity - Gamma emitting radionuclides - Rapid screening method using scintillation detector gamma-ray spectrometry

This international standard delivers a rapid and pragmatic test method for quantifying activity concentrations of key gamma-emitting radionuclides like 131I, 132Te, 134Cs, and 137Cs in solid or liquid samples. The core technique employs gamma-ray spectrometry with scintillation detectors, which are more accessible and suitable for field work than high-purity germanium (HPGe) alternatives. The method is tailored for use in environmental monitoring, food and feed safety assessments, and industrial material testing—especially when fast results are necessary (e.g., nuclear or radiological emergencies).

Key requirements and features include:

• Applicability to a wide range of matrices, enabling direct field deployment,
• Achievable decision thresholds as low as 10 Bq·kg⁻¹ with sample sizes from 0.5 to 1.0 liters and counting times of 5 to 20 minutes,
• Emphasis on minimal sample preparation, promoting use in emergency and 'makeshift' lab conditions,
• Calibration and validation protocols for gamma-ray spectrometry using NaI(Tl) detectors,
• Guidance for when to proceed to higher-precision laboratory confirmation via HPGe detectors.

Targeted at testing laboratories, nuclear site operators, first responders, environmental agencies, and food safety bodies, this standard enhances preparedness and decision-making in radiological risk management.

Key highlights:

• Rapid screening to support emergency intervention decisions
• Field-usable methodology (§ no complex sample preparation required)
• Clear pathways for confirmatory testing where higher accuracy is needed

Access the full standard:View ISO 19581:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60704-2-3:2025 - Household and Similar Electrical Appliances—Test Code for the Determination of Airborne Acoustical Noise—Part 2-3: Particular Requirements for Dishwashers

Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise – Part 2-3: Particular requirements for dishwashers

The fourth edition of this standard introduces technical revisions in how airborne acoustical noise for domestic dishwashers is determined and reported. Aligning closely with the overarching IEC 60704-1:2021, it modifies testing methods to ensure more consistent, reproducible sound power measurements—an important factor in product labeling, environmental compliance, and consumer satisfaction.

Core updates and scope include:

• Application to all single unit electrical dishwashers for household or similar use (floor-standing, built-in, under-counter, wall-mounted, or countertop),
• Revised test sample positioning within enclosure (in line with IEC 60704-1:2021),
• Change in detergent types (aligned to IEC 60436:2025), supporting unified product testing,
• Enhanced criteria for repeatability and reproducibility of noise measurements,
• Designed for use in conjunction with IEC 60704-1:2021 to guarantee uniformity across the industry.

This standard is essential for household appliance manufacturers, third-party testing labs, product certification agencies, and regulatory authorities seeking to ensure transparency and comparability in appliance performance data.

Key highlights:

• Updated test enclosure procedures for sound measurement
• Harmonization with recent base and measurement standards
• Supports more accurate noise declarations for regulatory and consumer purposes

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60704-2-3:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC/IEEE 62704-2:2017 - Determining the Peak Spatial-Average Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Body from Wireless Communications Devices—Part 2: Specific Requirements for FDTD Modelling of Exposure from Vehicle Mounted Antennas

Determining the peak spatial-average specific absorption rate (SAR) in the human body from wireless communications devices, 30 MHz to 6 GHz - Part 2: Specific requirements for finite difference time domain (FDTD) modelling of exposure from vehicle mounted antennas

This joint IEC/IEEE standard addresses the increasingly mission-critical need to accurately simulate, assess, and manage human body exposure (SAR) to electromagnetic fields emitted by vehicle-mounted antennas in the 30 MHz to 1 GHz range (with future expansion planned up to 6 GHz). Employing advanced finite difference time domain (FDTD) techniques, it guides users through:

• Construction and validation of computational models for vehicles, human anatomical phantoms, and antenna configurations
• Exposure scenarios for both bystanders and vehicle occupants
• Detailed configuration of exposure sources, sample positions, and statistical parameters
• Documentation and reporting standards for SAR simulation outcomes

The standard is aimed at automotive manufacturers, wireless communication system developers, regulatory agencies, and laboratories focusing on electromagnetic safety and compliance.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive FDTD validation protocols for SAR simulations
• Standardized anatomical and exposure models for regulatory consistency
• Methodological clarity on model uncertainties and simulation reporting

Access the full standard:View IEC/IEEE 62704-2:2017 on iTeh Standards

CEN/TR 13582:2025 - Installation of Thermal Energy Meters—Guidelines for the Selection, Installation and Operation of Thermal Energy Meters

Installation of thermal energy meters - Guidelines for the selection, installation and operation of thermal energy meters

A vital technical report supplementing the EN 1434 series, this document delivers real-world, actionable guidance for installing and operating thermal energy meters in both heating and cooling applications. It addresses gaps not covered in normative standards, offering:

• Detailed selection criteria based on metrological characteristics and environmental classifications
• Dimensioning and calculation of thermal power and flow rates for a variety of building and system types
• Selection and commissioning procedures for flow sensors, temperature sensors, and calculators
• Practical advice on wiring, integration, and commissioning, with emphasis on legal and calibration requirements across EU jurisdictions
• Special considerations for cooling systems and fluids other than water

Targeting utility operators, building engineers, metering service companies, and energy-focused facility managers, this report ensures the integrity and traceability of energy billing and system optimization.

Key highlights:

• Detailed, up-to-date recommendations for real-world deployment and operation
• Guidance on dealing with measurement deviations and operational anomalies
• Clarifies roles and legal responsibilities in system commissioning and operation

Access the full standard:View CEN/TR 13582:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Several robust themes surfaced across September 2025’s publications:

• Readiness for Emergency and Field Conditions: The prominence of rapid screening (ISO 19581:2025) and robust, easily deployable methods highlights the priority given to safety, resilience, and timely data in high-stakes contexts—from radiological emergencies to energy system performance.

• Convergence of Digital Simulation and Physical Testing: Newer standards stress the importance of robust, validated digital models (e.g., FDTD models in IEC/IEEE 62704-2:2017) alongside or in lieu of traditional physical measurement, marking a major advance in predictive safety for both occupational and public health.

• Holistic Performance Assurance: The revisions in standards such as EN IEC 60704-2-3:2025 aim at higher fidelity, repeatability, and transparency, directly benefitting consumer protection and regulatory clarity.

• Continued Emphasis on Metrological Traceability: All standards reaffirm the primacy of traceable, accurate measurement, not just for regulatory requirements but as a foundation for public trust, especially as new technologies and operational realities (e.g., smart grids, electric vehicles) emerge.

Industry focus:

• Strong activity in both environmental monitoring and built environment/infrastructure segments
• Ongoing attention to consumer appliances and the everyday metrics affecting millions

These directions echo broader global transitions towards transparency, smart metrology frameworks, and universal data comparability.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations and professionals affected by these standards, several implementation takeaways are clear:

• Prioritize staff training: Rapid screening and FDTD simulation methods require skilled, informed operators. Familiarize teams with the new protocols and ensure proper competence for result interpretation.
• Evaluate and upgrade equipment: Verify that detectors, sensors, or computational models meet the revised standards—especially for field deployability and digital simulation.
• Integrate compliance into routine work: For energy metering, ensure installation and commissioning align with both the standard and national regulations to safeguard commercial data integrity.
• ENGAGE EARLY WITH STAKEHOLDERS: Where applicable, consult with regulatory bodies and certification authorities to confirm interpretation and reporting practices.
• Timeline: Pay attention to the specific implementation and withdrawal timelines of superseded standards, ensuring a smooth compliance transition.
• Resources: Leverage resources such as iTeh Standards for access, comparison, and further technical detail.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from September 2025

September 2025 marked a significant month for metrology and the measurement of physical phenomena, with new standards strengthening the industry’s response to emergency situations, underpinning consumer product transparency, and supporting the safe rollout of advanced technologies. For professionals and organizations seeking accuracy, safety, and regulatory alignment, these publications provide:

• Faster, field-ready measurement and testing techniques
• Advanced modeling for electromagnetic safety
• Clear, actionable operational guidance for energy measurement infrastructure

Recommendation: To maintain competitiveness, diligence, and compliance, stakeholders in the Metrology and Measurement: Physical Phenomena sector are encouraged to study these standards in detail and integrate their practices and technologies with these new requirements. Staying updated is not just about meeting regulatory minimums—it directly contributes to operational excellence, reliability, and the public good.

Explore the full library of published standards and gain comprehensive access to supporting resources at iTeh Standards.