IEEE 945-2019

IEEE 945-2019 is a recommended practice for preferred metric units in electrical and electronics science and technology. It helps engineers, technical writers, and procurement teams apply consistent SI-based units when documenting measurements, specifications, and calculations in fields, waves, electromagnetics, power, energy, and industry applications. By standardizing how units are expressed, it reduces ambiguity in engineering records and supports clearer communication across design, testing, and operational work.

IEEE 945-2019 overview

This standard focuses on the preferred use of metric units in technical work related to electrical and electronic science. IEEE 945-2019 is intended to support uniform notation for quantities such as voltage, current, frequency, power, and electromagnetic parameters, especially where consistent unit expression matters in reports, datasheets, and engineering documentation. It is a practical reference for organizations that want a common unit system across calculations, drawings, and specifications.

Typical use cases

Typical use cases include preparing engineering specifications, drafting test reports, and reviewing technical documentation for equipment used in power systems, electromagnetic analysis, and electronics development. It may also be applied when defining measurement units in lab procedures, product literature, and contract documents. For teams working across design, verification, and manufacturing, IEEE 945-2019 provides a common reference point for metric unit usage in daily technical workflows.

Why this standard matters

Using IEEE 945-2019 helps reduce unit-related errors and supports consistency when comparing results, approving designs, or purchasing equipment. In electrical and electronics work, even small notation differences can create confusion in calculations, testing, or compliance reviews. A clear preferred-unit practice improves readability and helps organizations align internal documents with a shared technical language, which is especially useful when multiple teams or suppliers are involved.

• Preferred metric unit usage
• Electrical and electronic quantities
• Fields, waves, and electromagnetics context
• Power and energy documentation
• Engineering and testing consistency