It can be concluded that the IEC Recommendation and the ASA Standard for valve-type lightning arresters contain essentially the same provisions. The IEC Recommendation, however, specifies maximum arrester protective levels and differs in other minor respects from the ASA Standard. Recognizing that the major issues have been resolved, and that the controversial provisions, in all probability, could also be resolved in future discussions, the US National Committee joined with 21 other national committees in voting unanimous approval of the valve arrester Recommendation. As a result, one more step has been taken toward the international standardization of all products offered in world trade.