In the context of standards, what does the term "shall" indicate?

The term "shall" is used in standards to express a mandatory requirement that must be adhered to. When a document or standard states that something "shall" be done, it indicates that compliance is not optional; rather, it is a specific directive that the reader or implementer is obligated to follow. This term establishes a clear expectation that certain actions or conditions must be met to ensure safety, compliance, or performance as intended within the framework of the relevant standards.

In contrast, the other choices reflect levels of recommendation or guidance rather than obligations. For example, terms like "should" or "may" generally imply suggestions or optional courses of action, whereas "shall" is unequivocal in its requirement. The clarity of "shall" helps to enforce consistency and accountability in the implementation of standards across various applications, particularly important in fields such as lightning protection, where adherence to standards is crucial for safety.