Study Of Various Standards (IS/IEC) Related To Calibration Process Of Various Instruments Electrical Measurements & Instrumentation Lab BY:- KRISHNA GUPTA [19]
What is Calibration? Calibration ensures that measurement instruments produce accurate, repeatable results.It involves comparing the measurement from an instrument to a standard reference.This is especially important in scientific, industrial, and laboratory settings.Calibration must be performed periodically and documented properly
Importance of Calibration D e f i n a t i o n : Calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide a result within an acceptable range. It involves: Setting the device to match the standard . Adjusting readings if required. Ensures that instruments conform to recognized national or international standards.
Indian Standards (IS) Indian Standards (IS) are established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), serving as the national standards body of India. These standards cover a vast array of products, services, and systems, including detailed specifications for calibration procedures and instrument performance. IS standards are pivotal for ensuring metrological consistency and quality assurance within India's industrial and scientific landscape, contributing to both domestic market confidence and international trade compatibility. Purpose: To ensure quality, safety, and reliability of products and services in India. Scope: Covers diverse sectors, from consumer goods to industrial machinery and calibration methodologies. Application: Mandated for certain products and widely adopted for best practices in manufacturing and testing. Impact: Facilitates fair trade, protects consumers, and promotes industrial growth through standardization.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. Its standards ensure the safety, efficiency, and interoperability of electrical devices and systems worldwide. For calibration, IEC standards often provide a framework for testing and measurement methods, ensuring instruments perform reliably and safely across international borders.
IS 13779 – Energy Meters IS 13779 provides comprehensive guidelines for the calibration and testing of AC static watt-hour meters (energy meters). This standard is crucial for ensuring accurate billing, energy conservation, and grid stability. It specifies test conditions, acceptable error limits, and methods for verifying meter performance under various load conditions, making it indispensable for electricity boards and calibration laboratories. Key Parameters for Calibration: Specifies tests for starting current, no-load condition, accuracy at various loads (unity and lagging power factors), and influence of voltage/frequency variations. Test Setup Requirements: Details the precision power sources, reference meters, and environmental conditions necessary for valid calibration. Application: Essential for manufacturers, utility providers, and independent testing agencies to ensure meter reliability and consumer trust.
IS 12346 – Calibration Techniques IS 12346 outlines general methods and requirements for the calibration of various measuring instruments. While not specific to one instrument, it provides foundational principles applicable across different fields of measurement. This standard covers aspects such as the selection of reference standards, environmental conditions, methods for calculating measurement uncertainty, and reporting requirements, ensuring consistency and quality in calibration practices. 1 Reference Standards Defines the criteria for selecting and maintaining primary, secondary, and working standards. 2 Environmental Control Emphasizes the importance of controlling temperature, humidity, and other factors during calibration. 3 Uncertainty Estimation Guides on identifying uncertainty components and calculating expanded uncertainty according to GUM principles. 4 Reporting Calibration Results Specifies minimum information required in calibration certificates, including traceability and uncertainty.
IEC 61010 – Safety Requirements IEC 61010 specifies safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. This standard is paramount for protecting personnel from electrical shock, fire, mechanical hazards, and excessive temperature during the operation and calibration of instruments. Compliance with IEC 61010 ensures that equipment is designed and tested to meet stringent safety criteria, which is critical in calibration environments where precision instruments are often connected to power sources. Scope: Applies to equipment used in professional, industrial, and educational settings, including calibration benches and test systems. Key Safety Aspects: Covers insulation coordination, protective earthing , current limits, temperature limits, and mechanical stability. Testing: Mandates routine tests and type tests to verify conformity, crucial for both manufacturers and end-users.
IEC 61557 – Electrical Testing Equipment IEC 61557 specifies requirements for equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring protective measures in low-voltage electrical installations. This series of standards is vital for electricians and technicians involved in commissioning, maintenance, and periodic inspection of electrical systems. Calibration of instruments used for these tests (e.g., insulation resistance testers, earth fault loop impedance testers) must conform to the requirements outlined in IEC 61557 to ensure the continued safety and compliance of electrical installations.
Conclusion Calibration is essential for accuracy and safety in instrumentation. IS and IEC standards provide detailed guidance for various instruments. Following these standards ensures global compatibility , legal compliance , and high performance .