S-E-01 — Specifications for the Calibration, Certification and Use of Electricity Calibration Consoles

S-E-01 - Specifications for the Calibration, Certification And Use of Electricity Calibration Consoles, in PDF format, 77.4 KB

S-E-01 (rev. 3): Summary of Amendments to S-E-01 (rev.2)
Section Description
All Reformatted to new formatting requirements.
5.2.6 This section was 5.2(d) in the previous revision. All of the subsections of 5.2(d), required information be provided in a specific format and were identified under the 20% reduction initiative for removal. The worksheets for the pre-evaluation of consoles will serve to provide all the information required for this specification.
6.1.2 This section has been revised to a minimum frequency of weekly as identified in the 20% reduction initiative.
6.3.1 Removed the requirement for the on state to be prominently illuminated. With the indicating instruments illuminated, there is no additional value in also requiring the master switch to have an on status illuminator.
6.3.8 This section has been removed. Section 6.3.8 "test links" was identified under the 20% reduction initiative for removal.
6.4.1.3 Section 6.4.1.3 has been removed. It was identified that other methods do not require the indicator, therefore the current indicator will also suffice for indication when a switch is used.
6.4.3.1(d) Clarified that where a power standard is used for the setup of test loads, inspection of the indicating instrument is done during the accuracy testing of the test points for the standard.
7.1.2.1 Formula modified to reflect correct expression of test console error.

Table of Contents

1.0 Scope

1.1 The scope of this document includes calibration, certification, and use of electricity calibration consoles. These specifications are intended for the certification or recertification of measuring apparatus consisting of calibration consoles and accessories thereto intended for the verification and/or reverification of single and/or polyphase energy and/or demand meters, including meter testing pursuant to the requirements of any Measurement Canada approved statistical sampling plan for the verification and reverification of electricity meters.

1.2 This document is supported by procedures set out in P-E-01: Procedures for Calibrating and Certifying Calibration Consoles Pursuant to the Requirements of S-E-01.

1.3 These specifications do not apply to calibration consoles used solely for the purpose of verifying the register ratios on electricity meters.

2.0 Authority

This document is issued pursuant to section 5 of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Part I of the Regulations established thereto. It has been produced under the authority of the President of Measurement Canada for the purposes of setting out specifications for the calibration, certification and use of electricity measuring apparatus.

Alan E. Johnston
President

3.0 Purpose

3.1 The purpose of this specification is to provide the requirements for calibration, certification and use of electricity calibration consoles.

4.0 Terminology

Burden

The load usually expressed in VA, which is placed on transformer secondaries by the associated meter coils, leads and other connected devices, at a specified test point and power factor.

Calibration

A comparison between the readings of two instruments, measuring devices, or standards, one of which is of known accuracy.

Calibration Console

Electricity Measuring Apparatus used for the verification and/or reverification of single phase and/or polyphase energy and/or demand meters.

Distortion

An undesired change in waveform which will result in a non-sinusoidal waveform.

Electromechanical Demand Meter

An electricity meter which measures demand power using a thermal element, or mechanical gearing from an electro-mechanical rotating energy disk.

Electronic Demand Meter

An electricity meter which measures demand power using solid state techniques such as digital sampling or Time Division Multiplication (TDM).

Fully Automatic Console

A console which is capable of setting and resetting all loads without direct operator intervention. (eg. RFL console).

Ground

A conducting connection between an electric circuit or equipment and earth.

Hybrid Demand Meter

An electricity meter which uses electronics to calculate demand power and other electrical quantities using input pulses from an electro-mechanical rotating energy disk.

Line Conditioner

A device used to minimize distortion to the input voltage and/or current supplying a calibration console.

Manual Console

A console which operates in a manner such that an operator is required to manually set and reset all loads.

Recti-thermal Demand Meter

An electricity meter which measures demand power by the use of a thermal element and an AC to DC rectifier circuit.

Reference Meter

A measuring instrument used to determine the error of a meter/device under test on a calibration console. The measuring instrument can be a stand alone device or an indicating device used in conjunction with a measuring device.

Regulator

A device which operates to ensure that an electrical quantity which deviates from a set point or set load is brought back to that set point or set load.

Self Contained Meter

A meter designed to be connected directly in a power circuit without the use of external devices such as instrument transformers or shunts.

Semi-automatic Console

A console which is capable of setting and resetting loads after initial setting by operator. (eg. Multi-Amp console).

Significant Digits

The total number of digits beginning with the first non-zero digit to the left of the decimal point, or with the first digit after the decimal point if there is no non-zero digit to the left of the decimal point and ending with the last digit to the right.

Specifications

The Specifications For the Calibration, Certification, and Use of Electricity Calibration Consoles. (S-E-01)

Standard

A certified measuring instrument, having errors traceable to the National Research Council of Canada, that is used to calibrate a Calibration Console.

Test Load

Applied test voltage multiplied by the applied test current.

Transformer-type Meter

A meter designed to be used with instrument transformers.

5.0 Administrative Requirements

5.1 General

5.1.1 These specifications shall apply to all calibration consoles which are used for verification or reverification of meters as described in the scope. This includes meters which are tested for the purposes of performing a dispute investigation.

5.2 Roles and Responsibilities

5.2.1 Prior to the calibration of measuring apparatus, the person conducting the calibrations shall be responsible for ensuring that the following standards and measuring equipment to be used have been certified by Measurement Canada or the National Research Council of Canada.

  1. Energy, Demand and Phase standards
  2. Voltage and Current standards, and Current Transformer if required
  3. Distortion Analyzer
  4. Level or inclinometer (angle gauge block)

Note: For the purpose of calibration, data included on the manufacturer's certificate for the angle gauge block is acceptable. To qualify the validity of the manufacturer's angle gauge block certificate, the gauge block shall be visually inspected each time it is used to identify any physical damage. Any evidence that the gauge block may not represent its original condition (i.e. damage, deterioration due to rust, etc.) will disqualify the use of the gauge block as equipment used for certification.

5.2.2 Organizations authorized to re-certify calibration consoles on behalf of MC shall conduct that calibration in accordance with the procedures set out in P-E-01. Organizations that wish to use procedures that differ from the procedures set out in P-E-01 shall submit the relevant procedures and work instructions (if applicable) for review and acceptance by MC.

5.2.3 When an owner, (other than MC), requests console certification to be performed by Measurement Canada, the owner shall be responsible for providing all information required by these specifications.

5.2.4 For calibration consoles that have never been certified or have not had a valid certificate for at least three years, the owner shall ensure that the calibration console is fully compliant with all applicable requirements set out in these specifications prior to the calibration of the console.

5.2.5 For certified calibration consoles or calibration consoles that have expired certificates that are less than three years past expiry date, the owner shall ensure as a minimum, that the console is compliant with the requirements of sections 7.5, 7.6, and 7.8 as applicable. For the purpose of pre-testing to ensure compliance to section 7.8, the console shall be tested to the following requirements as a minimum.

  1. All test points pursuant to the requirements of section 7.8.2.1, 7.8.2.2 and 7.8.2.4 shall be evaluated as applicable.
  2. Consoles that are expected to be certified in accordance with requirement 7.8.2.3 may be evaluated using a reduced set of test points as determined below:
    1. One function shall be evaluated at the nominal voltage of the voltage tap that is used with the greatest number of current taps. At this voltage the maximum and minimum loads at unity power factor as well as all other power factor loads shall be evaluated for each current tap used to evaluate meters pursuant to section 5.2.6. At each of the other voltage taps required to be used to evaluate meters pursuant to section 5.2.6, one current tap shall be selected and the console shall be evaluated at the minimum and maximum loads, at unity, 0.5, and 0.866 power factors as applicable for the set voltage and current tap combination.
    2. All other functions shall be evaluated at the minimum and maximum loads at three different current taps at each voltage at unity, 0.5 and 0.866 power factors as applicable.
    3. If during the process of calibration console certification by Measurement Canada, a console fails any calibration test pursuant to section 7.8, the console shall be subject to a complete pre-test of all required calibration test points pursuant to section 7.8.
    4. Compliance with section 7.8 may also be demonstrated by providing the results of the weekly accuracy tests performed on the calibration console since the last certification which indicate that the console has been verified at test points consistent with those that would be evaluated pursuant to the requirements of 5.2.5 (b)(I) and (ii) above.

5.2.6 The owner shall provide all information required to determine the manner in which the console will be used for verifying meters. Note: The worksheets (i.e. for pretesting) and procedure, P-E-01 include information needed for determination of the manner in which the console will be used for verifying meters.

5.2.7 The owner shall provide meters or burdens to perform all tests that require a burden.

5.2.8 The owner, (other than MC) shall notify the local district office of Measurement Canada if a calibration console is required to be used for verifying meters outside the scope of certification. The owner shall also request the additional inspection required to expand the scope of the certification as needed to permit the use of the console to inspect those meters.

5.2.9 The user of a calibration console shall be responsible for using the measuring apparatus in the manner for which it was intended in accordance with the requirements set out in these specifications and with any terms and conditions set out in the certificate.

5.2.10 The owner shall retain copies of the calibration console worksheets and the calibration console certificate until the expiration of the calibration console certificate.

5.2.11 The owner shall ensure that the measuring apparatus is maintained in good repair and operating order.

5.2.12 The owner shall forthwith notify the local district office of Measurement Canada of any repair or adjustment to the measuring apparatus. The calibration console (including MC owned), shall not be used for verification or dispute testing until the declared repairs or adjustments have been evaluated by the Measurement Canada regional electricity specialist.

5.2.13 The owner shall notify the local district office of Measurement Canada, (which must notify the regional electricity specialist), prior to undertaking any modification or relocation of the measuring apparatus.

5.3 Markings and Documentation

5.3.1 Nameplate

Calibration consoles shall be fitted with a legible, readily accessible nameplate indicating:

  1. Name of manufacturer
  2. Model number
  3. Serial number
  4. Supply voltage and configuration

5.3.2 Log Book or File

5.3.2.1

A log book or file shall be maintained by the owner of the calibration console and kept readily available. The log book shall have recorded in it, the dates and details including identification of the person or persons performing all accuracy checks, adjustments, maintenance, repairs and modifications to the calibration console.

5.3.3 Operating Manuals and Schematics

5.3.3.1

The operating manuals and schematic drawings of the calibration console shall be readily available.

5.3.4 Calibration Console Markings

5.3.4.1

All controls, displays and switches shall be indelibly identified.

6.0 Technical Requirements

6.1 Use Requirements

6.1.1 General

6.1.1.1

Calibration consoles shall be used in accordance with the terms and conditions of their certificates.

6.1.2 Accuracy Check

6.1.2.1

An accuracy check shall be conducted by an inspector or an accredited meter verifier, at least once per week during any week that the console is used to verify meters. The accuracy check shall be conducted at one different test point for each day the console was used, selected from the test points that were used to evaluate meters during the week. If this number of different test points were not used during the week, additional test points shall be selected from the test points used to evaluate meters as identified pursuant to section 5.2.6.

6.1.2.2

The accuracy check shall consist of, as a minimum, connecting a certified standard, certified reference meter, or meter of known accuracy in a meter-under-test position and comparing its registration with the results determined by the calibration console at the selected test point.

6.1.2.3

Where the error determined pursuant to the accuracy check differs from that appended to the certificate for the calibration console, by more than ± 0.2 percent, or exceeds the allowable tolerance specified in section 7.8, the calibration console shall not be used until the cause of the change in error has been investigated and corrected. All meters verified during the period since the last confirmed accuracy check shall be reverified on a different certified console with confirmed accuracy check or on the same console after the condition that caused the failed accuracy check has been corrected.

6.1.2.4

All accuracy check results shall be recorded in the log book.

6.1.3 Minimum Duration of Verification Tests

6.1.3.1

The minimum duration of any test performed on energy meters for the purposes of verification, or reverification, shall be such that meter test results are provided to a resolution of 0.1%. For the case of calibration consoles equipped with energy reference meters that emit pulses the minimum duration of tests shall be such that at least 1000 pulses are emitted by the energy reference meter.

6.2 Environmental Requirements

6.2.1 Temperature

6.2.1.1

The ambient temperature surrounding the calibration console shall be 23°C ± 5°C.

6.3 Mechanical Requirements

6.3.1 Master Control Switch and Indication of Energization

Calibration consoles shall have a master on/off control for switching off all power sources to the console. It shall be readily accessible and clearly marked.

6.3.2 Circuit Protection

6.3.2.1

The circuit protection features of the calibration console (e.g. fuses or breakers) shall be readily accessible.

6.3.3 Grounding

6.3.3.1

The potential between any exposed metal panels of the calibration console and (earth) ground shall not exceed 1 Vrms.

6.3.3.2

Calibration consoles that are not grounded shall protect the operator from a shock hazard by use of a ground fault interrupting (GFI) circuit breaker. The device shall automatically protect the operator from any ground fault currents flowing between the console supply conductors(s) and ground which exceed 10 mA.

6.3.4 Isolation

6.3.4.1 Isolation from Ground

6.3.4.1.1

All test circuits of the calibration console shall be electrically isolated from ground such that the leakage current measured between any terminal and ground, does not exceed 1 mA rms when the console is energized at its maximum operating current and voltage, nor when it is energized at its maximum operating voltage and its minimum test current.

6.3.4.2 Isolation of Secondary Circuits From Primary Circuits

6.3.4.2.1

All secondary test circuits of the calibration console shall be electrically isolated from primary supply circuits.

6.3.5 Meter Mounting Arrangements

6.3.5.1

Calibration consoles shall have sufficient arrangements to allow for the mounting of all meter types identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6, such that the rotating disks of electromechanical integrating meters are within ±3.0° of true level once such meters are installed.

6.3.6 Operating Mode

6.3.6.1

Calibration consoles shall be capable of testing meters under single phase conditions with potential circuits connected in parallel and current circuits connected in series. A console that is capable of applying voltages and currents to the voltage and current circuits of a meter from independent sources shall be considered to meet this requirement if the applied voltages, currents, phase angles, and loads from each source are within the tolerances set out in Table 1 of section 6.4.3.2. The spread of the applied voltages, currents, phase angles, and loads, shall also be within the tolerances set out in Table 1 of section 6.4.3.2.

6.3.7 Individual Elements

6.3.7.1

Calibration consoles shall be capable of testing individual elements of meters.

6.3.7.2

Semi-automatic and fully automatic calibration consoles shall be capable of applying currents to individual elements of meters. The maximum spread of currents supplied, without operator intervention, when switching between the various elements of a meter, either individually or in series, shall not exceed 2.0% of the nominal current required to be supplied to any one element. If this tolerance cannot be met without operator intervention the console may only be certified for use as a manual console.

6.3.7.3

Calibration consoles shall comply with this requirement at the highest test load current or 50 amps, whichever is lower, and at the lowest test load current used for verifying meters as specified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

6.4 Electrical Requirements

6.4.1 Creep Switch

6.4.1.1

Where a calibration console incorporates a switch or other means intended to reduce the current supplied to the meter-under-test position(s) to zero, when the switch or other means has been activated with a standard in the meter-under-test position, and load voltage applied to each meter-under-test position, the energy recorded during a fifteen minute interval shall not be greater than 0.1% of the energy that would be delivered if the load current was set at the minimum current shown on the nameplate of the lowest rated meter included in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 and the load voltage was set to the maximum voltage of the highest voltage rated meter included in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

6.4.1.2

Calibration consoles that do not meet the above requirement or do not have a creep switch may be certified for testing meter creep if they can be configured to remove the current supplied to the meter(s) under test.

6.4.2 Maximum Test Voltages and Currents

6.4.2.1

Calibration consoles shall be capable of continuously supplying the highest rated voltage and the largest test current used to verify the meters specified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

6.4.3 Indicating Instruments

6.4.3.1

Calibration consoles shall be equipped with indicating instruments that are capable of displaying the quantities listed below:

  1. Voltage (volts)
  2. Current (amps)
  3. Phase angle (degrees) or power factor (Pf)
  4. Power (where a power standard is used to setup and monitor the power, it's accuracy is evaluated under the test points for the standard)
    1. Watt meter for the case of consoles used for watt or watt hour meter testing.
    2. Volt ampere (average or rms as applicable) meter for the case of consoles used for va or va hour meter testing.
    3. Var meter for the case of consoles used for var or var hour meter testing.

6.4.3.2

These instruments shall be capable of indicating their respective quantities to tolerances specified in Table 1, and shall be capable of indicating all values required for verifying all meters specified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6. When setting any of the quantities above, the respective indicating instrument shall be readily accessible with an unobstructed view.

Table 1 - Required Indicator Accuracies
Quantity Tolerances
Current ±2%
Voltage ±2%
Phase angle/power factor (at unity Pf) ±2.5°/±0.1%
Phase angle/power factor (at 0.5 Pf) ±1.0°/±3%
Power (active, reactive, or apparent) ±2%

6.4.3.3

The tolerances expressed in percentage are in percent of true value.

6.4.3.4

For the purpose of determining compliance with the above tolerances, the currents, voltages, phase angles, and loads shall be measured at a meter-under-test position using instrument transformers if necessary.

6.4.3.5

The requirements for power indicating instruments may be satisfied by calibration console reference meters that are also capable of displaying the power quantities set out in Table 1.

6.4.3.6

Calibration consoles intended to verify reactive meters shall be capable of meeting the above requirements with the exception that the tolerances for phase angle and power, at 0.5 power factor (60°) set out in Table 1, apply at 0.866 lagging power factor (30°) as well.

6.4.4 Accuracy and Repeatability of Calibration Consoles

6.4.4.1

Calibration consoles shall be capable of setting all currents, voltages, phase angles, and loads within the tolerances set out in Table 1 of section 6.4.3.2, for all meters required to be verified pursuant to section 5.2.6.

6.4.4.2

Calibration consoles which are capable of setting loads automatically, whether with, or without initial load setting by the operator, and which reset set loads without any further operator intervention shall meet the requirements of (i) and (ii) below:

  1. The calibration console shall set currents, voltages, phase angles, and loads within the tolerances set out in Table 1 of section 6.4.3.2. The console shall be capable of achieving required settings within one minute, of any change in setting.
  2. The calibration console shall be capable of automatically setting and resetting the load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4 at least three successive times. The resulting current, voltage, phase angle and power observed at a meter-under-test position for the successive observations shall be within the tolerances set out in Table 1 of section 6.4.3.2 for the respective quantities.

6.4.4.3

Calibration consoles which do not meet requirements (I) and (ii) above, may only be certified for use as a manual console.

6.4.5 Calibration Console Reference Meters

6.4.5.1

Calibration consoles intended to verify energy meters or calibration consoles which meet the requirements of section 6.4.9 and are intended to verify block interval demand meters shall be equipped by their owners with energy reference meter(s). Calibration consoles intended to verify exponential demand meters or calibration consoles intended to verify block interval demand meters and which do not meet the requirements of section 6.4.9 shall be equipped with demand (power) reference meter(s). Calibration consoles intended to verify average responding demand meters shall be equipped with average responding reference meter(s). Calibration consoles intended to verify demand meters with root mean square (rms) response shall be equipped with rms responding reference meter(s).

6.4.6 Energy Reference Meters

6.4.6.1

Calibration consoles which automatically determine and display meter-under-test errors and which are not equipped with energy reference meters that emit at least one pulse for every 0.00300 watt hours (or volt ampere hours, or var hours), shall display the errors to a resolution of at least two significant digits to the right of the decimal point when the console is undergoing calibration tests pursuant to these specifications. When the console is used for meter verification tests the displayed error shall be shown with a resolution of at least one significant digit to the right of the decimal point.

6.4.6.2

Calibration consoles which do not automatically determine and display meter-under-test errors shall be equipped with energy reference meters that emit at least one pulse for every 0.00300 watt hours (or volt ampere hours, or var hours) applied to the energy reference meter.

6.4.7 Demand Reference Meters

6.4.7.1

Calibration consoles intended to verify exponential demand meters or calibration consoles intended to verify block interval demand meters and which do not meet the requirements of section 6.4.9 shall be equipped with power meter(s) (i.e. watt, va, or var meter) which shall serve as the demand reference meter(s). The demand reference meter(s) shall be capable of displaying power to a resolution of 5 significant digits for the case of consoles used to verify electronic or hybrid demand meters, and 4 significant digits for the case of consoles used to verify electromechanical type, demand meters.

6.4.8 Control Circuits for Energy Meters

6.4.8.1

Calibration consoles intended to verify energy meters and which do not automatically determine and display meter-under-test errors shall have at least one meter-under-test position which is equipped with a device to automatically count the disk revolutions of an electromechanical meter or the test energy pulses provided by an electronic meter. Such consoles shall also be equipped with a device to predetermine the number of revolutions or pulses of a meter under test and to count the pulses emitted by the energy reference meter during the predetermined number of revolutions.

6.4.8.2

Calibration consoles equipped with devices that automatically detect the disk revolution of electromechanical energy meters or the test energy pulses provided by an electronic meter, shall be capable of doing so without error.

6.4.9 Control Circuits for Demand Meters

6.4.9.1

Calibration consoles intended to verify block interval demand meters may be equipped to start and stop the accumulation of energy by an energy reference meter simultaneously with the start and stop of the demand interval(s). If such a device is not provided the console shall be equipped with a demand reference meter pursuant to section 6.4.7, and shall meet the regulation requirements of section 7.6.

6.4.10 Statistical Calculations

6.4.10.1

Calibration consoles or accessories thereto intended to perform statistical calculations of average error and standard deviation of a sample of meters, shall do so in accordance with the applicable requirements of Measurement Canada authorized statistical sampling plans for the verification and reverification of electricity meters.

7.0 Metrological Requirements

7.1 General

7.1.1 Manual Correction Factors

7.1.1.1

All tolerances for calibration consoles set out in this document shall be achieved without the manual application of correction factors.

7.1.2 Error Calculations - All Consoles

7.1.2.1

The error of a calibration console at any test point is the difference between the results obtained for the standard (and transformer combination) when its apparent error is measured on the calibration console, and the errors set out in the certificates for the standards.

At any test point.

Measuring apparatus error is equal to [Apparent error of standard (and transformers)] minus [Certified (or calculated) error of standard (and transformers)]

7.1.2.2

The apparent error of the standard (and transformer combination) is either read directly off the calibration console or calculated by the operator according to the operating principle of the console. The certified error of the standard is used if no instrument transformers are necessary. Where instrument transformers are necessary, the calculated error of the standard and transformer combination is determined according to the formula set out in section 7.1.2.2.5 of P-E-01: Procedures for Calibrating and Certifying Electricity Calibration Consoles Pursuant to the Requirements of S-E-01.

7.1.3 Minimum Duration of Accuracy Tests

7.1.3.1

The minimum duration of each accuracy test performed on calibration consoles intended to verify energy or block interval demand meters for the purpose of certifying the calibration console shall be as follows:

  1. For the case of consoles equipped with energy reference meters that emit pulses, at least 10 000 pulses shall be emitted by the energy reference meter.
  2. For the case of consoles not equipped with reference meters that emit pulses, the tests shall be conducted for a period of time equivalent to the minimum duration required to verify a meter at the test load.

7.1.3.2

The minimum duration of accuracy tests performed on calibration consoles intended to verify exponential demand meters shall be the time required to record the necessary readings.

7.1.4 Test Positions and Test Loads

7.1.4.1

Unless otherwise stated, the conditions and requirements set out below shall apply to all Metrological Requirements in section 7.0.

  1. All tests of calibration console accuracy shall be conducted at one test load and at any one meter-under-test position.
  2. Console calibration tests shall be conducted with all current elements connected in series.
  3. For calibration consoles intended to verify self-contained single-phase meters only, the test load used shall correspond to the highest verification test point at 0.5 power factor indicated in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6; (e.g. 240 V, 50 A, 0.5 power factor for a watt hour console intended to verify 200 ampere meters).
  4. For consoles intended to verify transformer type meters, in addition to any other meter types, the test load shall be 120 V, 2.5 A, 0.5 power factor.
  5. For consoles intended to verify self contained single-phase and polyphase meters, or self contained polyphase meters only, and which are not intended to verify transformer rated polyphase meters, the test load shall be at 0.5 power factor at the rated voltage and 25% of the rated current of the meter which will be used as the burden determined pursuant to 7.1.5.1( c) below.
  6. For consoles that are not used to verify meters at 0.5 power factor the test load shall be set at unity power factor.
  7. Burdens which simulate meters under test shall be installed in the meter-under-test position(s). This includes placing a potential burden in the meter-under-test position in which the test socket and standard are connected.
  8. For calibration consoles having a potential selection switch, tests shall be conducted with the potential selection switch in the "parallel" position when isolation transformer(s) are out of the test circuit, and in the "multiple" position when isolation transformer(s) are in the test circuit.

7.1.5 Test Burdens

Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.1.5.1

Except as otherwise set out in these specifications, all metrological requirements shall be evaluated at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1 above, with the burdens installed in the meter-under-test positions. The required test burden(s) shall be determined pursuant to the applicable sections below.

  1. For calibration consoles intended to verify self contained single-phase meters only, the voltage burden that causes the greater of the two errors determined pursuant to (I) and (ii) below, shall be used as the test burden.
    1. The console shall be tested at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1(c) with meters having the highest voltage burden identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 installed in any one meter-under-test position.
    2. The console shall be tested at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1(c) with meters having the lowest voltage burden identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 installed in the meter-under-test position used above.
  2. For calibration consoles intended to verify polyphase transformer type meters in addition to any other meter types, the burden that causes the greater of the two errors determined pursuant to sections (i) and (ii) below shall be used as the test burden.
    1. The console shall be tested at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1(d) with transformer type polyphase meters having the highest voltage burden identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 installed in any one meter-under-test position.
    2. The console shall be tested at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1(d) with transformer type polyphase meters having the lowest voltage burden identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 installed in the meter-under-test position used above. The lowest voltage burden may be represented by using zero burden. (ie: Shorting bars and no additional potential burden.)
  3. For calibration consoles intended to verify single phase and/or polyphase, self contained meters only, the burden that causes the greater of the two errors determined pursuant to sections (I) and (ii) below shall be used as the test burden.
    1. The console shall be tested at rated meter voltage and at 25% of rated meter current, with self contained polyphase meters having the highest voltage burden identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 installed in any one meter-under-test position.
    2. The console shall be tested at rated meter voltage and at 25% of rated meter current, with self contained polyphase meters having the lowest voltage burden identified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6 installed in the meter-under-test position used above. The lowest voltage burden may be represented by using zero burden. (ie. Shorting bars without any additional potential burden.)

7.1.5.2

When calibrating calibration consoles which are equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers the test load shall be as determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1(c) when the 1:1 isolation transformers are in the test circuit, and as determined pursuant to section 7.1.4.1 (d) or (e) when the 1:1 isolation transformers are not in the circuit.

7.1.5.3

When calibrating calibration consoles which are equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers the test burden shall be as determined pursuant to section 7.1.5.1(a) when the 1:1 isolation transformers are in the test circuit, and as determined pursuant to section 7.1.5.1 (b) or (c) when the 1:1 isolation transformers are not in the circuit.

7.2 Burden Effects

7.2.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.2.1.1

The change in calibration console error resulting from the installation of different voltage burdens equivalent to those of meters from the list of test points provided pursuant to section 5.2.6, shall not exceed 0.1%.

7.2.1.2

The calibration console error resulting from the installation of any voltage burden equivalent to that of a meter from the list of test points provided pursuant to section 5.2.6, shall not exceed the applicable tolerance set out in section 7.8.

7.2.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.2.2.1

All calibration consoles shall be tested for the effects of varying burden conditions.

7.2.2.2

Calibration consoles which are not equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers, or are equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers which are not in the test circuit, shall be evaluated for burden effects at any one meter-under-test position. The test shall be performed in accordance with section 7.1.5.1(b) above if the console is intended to be used to verify polyphase transformer type meters, or in accordance with section 7.1.5.1(c) above if the console is not intended to be used to verify transformer type meters.

7.2.2.3

Calibration consoles equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers which are in the test circuit shall be evaluated for burden effects at each meter-under-test position that has isolation transformers in the test circuit. The test shall be performed in accordance with section 7.1.5.1(a) of the Specifications.

7.3 Sensitivity to Number of Meters under Test

7.3.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.3.1.1

The change in calibration console errors, resulting from varying numbers of meters installed in the meter-under-test positions shall not exceed ±0.1%.

7.3.1.2

Calibration console errors, resulting from varying numbers of meters installed in the meter-under-test positions shall not exceed the applicable tolerance set out in section 7.8.

7.3.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.3.2.1

Calibration consoles shall be tested for sensitivity to the number of meters under test at the maximum test load for the burden that is applied pursuant to section 7.1.5 with all other meter-under-test positions empty. The calibration shall be repeated with the test burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5 connected in each of the other meter-under-test positions.

7.4 Variations from Position to Position

7.4.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.4.1.1

The spread of errors from position to position on a calibration console shall not exceed 0.2 percent.

7.4.1.2

For calibration consoles that are certified at one meter-under-test position only, pursuant to the requirements of section 7.8.2.3 or 7.8.2.4, as applicable, the spread of errors from position to position shall not exceed 0.1 percent.

7.4.1.3

No position error shall exceed the applicable tolerance set out in section 7.8.

7.4.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.4.2.1

Each meter-under-test position of calibration consoles shall be calibrated at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4 with the test burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5 connected in each of the other meter-under-test positions.

7.5 Distortion

7.5.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.5.1.1

The distortion in either the current or voltage circuit of calibration consoles intended to verify thermal demand meters shall not exceed 3 percent.

7.5.1.2

The distortion in either the current or voltage circuit of calibration consoles intended to verify meters other than thermal demand meters shall not exceed 5 percent.

7.5.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.5.2.1

The distortion in the current and voltage circuits of calibration consoles shall be measured with both circuits energized when conducting these tests. These tests shall be conducted with any regulators or line conditioners that are always in circuit while the console is being used. For the case of regulators or line conditioners that are switched in or out of circuit depending on the meters being verified, the tests shall be conducted once with these devices out of circuit and then repeated with the devices in circuit and turned on.

7.5.2.2

The following distortion tests shall be conducted as applicable at all power factors required for verification pursuant to section 5.2.6.

7.5.2.3 Recti-thermal Demand Meters

7.5.2.3.1

Calibration consoles intended for verifying recti-thermal demand meters, or other meters known to cause distortion, shall have such meters installed in all but one meter-under-test position. Distortion shall be measured at any meter-under-test position at 2.5 amperes and at the lesser of the maximum verification test current for the installed meters, or the maximum current rating of the distortion analyser used,

7.5.2.3.2

Distortion shall be measured at any meter-under-test position at 120 volts and at the lesser of the maximum voltage rating of the installed meters, or the maximum voltage rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.2.3.3

In addition, the distortion shall be measured with no meters installed in the meter-under-test positions at 2.5 amperes and at the lesser of the maximum test current used for verifying meters as specified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6, or the maximum current rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.2.3.4

In addition, the distortion shall be measured with no meters installed in the meter-under-test positions, at 120 volts and at the lesser of the maximum test voltage used for verifying meters as specified in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6, or the maximum voltage rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.2.4 1:1 Current Transformers and/or Potential Transformers

7.5.2.4.1

Calibration consoles equipped with 1:1 current transformers and/or potential transformers equipped with multiple secondary taps shall be tested for distortion at any one meter-under-test position equipped with such circuits. The tests shall be conducted with the burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5.1(a) installed at each meter-under-test position.

7.5.2.4.2

Distortion shall be measured at 2.5 amperes and at the lesser of the maximum test current used for verifying meters that require the use of 1:1 transformers and/or multiple transformers, or the maximum current rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.2.4.3

Distortion shall be measured at 120 volts and at the lesser of the maximum test voltage used for verifying meters that require the use of 1:1 transformers and/or multiple transformers, or the maximum voltage rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.2.5 Other Meters

7.5.2.5.1

Calibration consoles intended for verifying meters other than those identified in 7.5.2.3 or 7.5.2.4 above, shall be tested for distortion with the burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5.1(b) installed at each meter-under-test position.

7.5.2.5.2

Distortion shall be measured at any meter-under-test position at 2.5 amperes and at the lesser of the maximum test current used for verifying meters having the burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5.1(b), or the maximum current rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.2.5.3

Distortion shall be measured at any meter-under-test position at 120 volts and at the lesser of the maximum test voltage used for verifying meters having the burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5.1 (b), or the maximum voltage rating of the distortion analyser used.

7.5.3 Distortion shall be calculated according to the formula:

% Distortion = | rms of fundamental and harmonics/rms of harmonic | X 100

7.6 Regulation

7.6.1 Calibration consoles intended to verify exponential demand meters, or calibration consoles intended to verify block interval demand meters which do not meet the requirements of section 6.4.9 shall meet the following requirements:

7.6.1.1

The calibration console shall be capable of maintaining test loads for a period of not less than 60 minutes, such that for a 60 minute period, the energy delivered shall be within ±0.25% of the energy that should have been delivered during that period, at the set load. The calibration console shall be allowed to warm up for up to one hour, if required, in order to meet this requirement. The calculation of the expected delivered energy shall be determined using the value of the load indicated on the reference meter following the warm-up period.

7.6.1.2

In addition to the above requirement, energy delivered during the 60 minute period above shall be monitored at nominally, one minute intervals. The duration of each one minute period shall be within ±0.05% of all other one minute intervals.

  1. For the case of consoles intended for verifying electronic or hybrid demand meters, the energy recorded during each one minute interval shall not exceed +0.2% of the energy expected to be delivered in a one minute period at the load shown on the reference meter at the start of this test.
  2. For the case of consoles intended for verifying electromechanical demand meters only, the energy recorded during each one minute interval shall not exceed +0.3% of the energy expected to be delivered in a one minute period at the load shown on the reference meter at the start of this test.
  3. The energy monitored in section 7.6.1.1 and 7.6.1.2 shall be in watt hours. Calibration consoles shall be evaluated for compliance to the requirements of section 7.6.1.1 and 7.6.1.2 at the test load determined pursuant to section 7.1.4 with the burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5 and at the test load determined pursuant to section 5.2.6 with the burden equivalent to the meter that is verified at this test load.

7.7 Current Switching Effects

7.7.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.7.1.1

Current switching effects in semi-automatic and automatic consoles shall not introduce error changes greater than 0.2%.

7.7.1.2

Any error resulting from current switching shall not exceed the applicable tolerance set out in section 7.8.

7.7.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.7.2.1

Semi-automatic and automatic calibration consoles which have current, potential and/or 1:1 isolation transformers connected between the reference meter and the meter-under-test position(s) shall be tested for current switching effects. Such consoles shall be calibrated at all applicable test loads with the applicable test burdens determined pursuant to sections 7.1.4 and 7.1.5. Using the normal operating mode of the console, the current shall be switched to 10 percent of the test current determined pursuant to section 7.1.4, and back to its original value.

7.7.2.2

The console shall then be recalibrated. This test shall be conducted five times. If the normal operating procedure for the console requires that the load be removed when switching from one setting to another, then this shall be done when conducting this test.

7.8 Console Calibration

7.8.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.8.1.1

Calibration consoles intended to verify energy meters, including the energy reference meter with which the console is equipped and any other reference meters that may simultaneously be in circuit while the console is used for verifying meters, shall not exhibit an error greater than ±0.2 percent of reading at any test point.

7.8.1.2

Calibration consoles intended to verify electronic or hybrid demand meters, including the demand reference meter with which the console is equipped and any other reference meters that may simultaneously be in circuit while the console is used for verifying meters, shall not exhibit an error greater than ±0.2 percent of reading at any test point.

7.8.1.3

Calibration consoles intended to verify electromechanical demand meters, including the demand reference meter with which the console is equipped and any other reference meters that may simultaneously be in circuit while the console is used for verifying meters, shall not exhibit an error greater than ±0.5 percent of reading at any test point.

7.8.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

The errors of calibration consoles shall be determined as follows:

7.8.2.1

Calibration consoles equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers which may be switched in or out of the test circuit during tests shall be calibrated with the isolation transformers in the test circuit, at each meter-under-test position, at each test point for which 1:1 isolation transformers are needed to verify meters as indicated in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

7.8.2.2

Calibration consoles equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers which are designed to be in the test circuit at all times shall be calibrated at each meter-under-test position, at each test point which will be used to verify meters as indicated in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

7.8.2.3

Calibration consoles which have current and/or potential transformers connected between the reference meter(s) and the meter-under-test position(s) and which are not equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers or which are equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers which may be switched out of the test circuit, shall be calibrated at any one meter-under-test position with the isolation transformers switched out of the test circuit. The calibration shall be at each combination of voltage and current tap, and selector switch setting at the maximum, and minimum test loads (i.e. test voltage multiplied by test current) for the respective voltage and current tap and selector switch combination used to verify meters as indicated in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6. The calibration at these test loads shall be conducted at all power factors used to verify meters as indicated in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

7.8.2.4

Calibration consoles which:

  1. do not have current and/or potential transformers connected between the reference meter(s) and the meter-under-test position(s); and,
  2. are not equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers, or are equipped with 1:1 isolation transformers which may be switched out of the test circuit; and,
  3. have reference meters which have valid certificates of calibration (with traceability to the standards of the National Research Council of Canada) that have expiry dates at or later than, the expiry date of the certificate of calibration for the console, at unity power factor at the maximum and minimum test currents at each test voltage as well as at all test loads at other than unity power factor as indicated in the information provided pursuant to section 5.2.6;

shall be calibrated with the isolation transformers switched out of the test circuit, at any one meter-under-test position, at the minimum, median and maximum test loads(i.e. test voltage multiplied by test current) of the range of loads at unity power factor as well as at all other power factors to be used to verify meters included in the list provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

7.8.2.4.1

The errors of the calibration console (E cons ) at each of the test loads shall be calculated according to equation 1 of section 7.9. If the error of the console at each of the test points is not greater than ±0.1 percent, and all errors are within 0.05 percent of each other, the errors of the console at the other test points shall be calculated by averaging the values of (E cons ) at the three test points, and summing the resulting value with the known errors of the reference meter(s).

7.8.2.4.2

Calibration consoles which meet the foregoing requirements except that they do not have valid certificates of calibration as described in (iii) above, or which have errors (E cons ) which do not meet the criteria set out in the paragraph above, shall be calibrated at any one meter-under-test position, at the minimum, median, and maximum test currents at each test voltage at unity power factor as well as all other power factors which will be used to verify meters indicated in the list provided pursuant to section 5.2.6.

7.8.2.5

For calibration consoles which have position to position errors pursuant to section 7.4, less than 0.1%, the errors determined in 7.8.2.3 and 7.8.2.4 above shall be applicable for each meter-under-test position. Calibration consoles which have a position to position error spread between 0.1% and 0.2% pursuant to section 7.4, shall have calibrations of 7.8.2.3 and 7.8.2.4 above, performed at each meter-under-test position.

7.8.2.6

For all of the tests set out in 7.8.2.1 through 7.8.2.4 above, the test burden determined pursuant to section 7.1.5 shall be connected in each meter-under-test position except the position with the standard (and transformer combination); this position shall have the applicable voltage burden connected in parallel with the standard. In the case where the test load exceeds the voltage or current rating of the meters used to burden the meter-under-test position, higher rated meters shall be used to burden the meter-under-test positions.

7.8.2.6.1

If the errors determined in any of the tests pursuant to the applicable subsections of section 7.2 differ by 0.05 percent or less, then the meter-under-test position with the standard does not require a burden for the purposes of performing the tests set out in 7.8.2.3 and 7.8.2.4 above.

7.8.2.6.2

If the errors determined pursuant to section 7.3 differ by 0.05% or less, then test burdens are not required to be placed in any of the other meter-under-test positions not containing the standard for the purposes of performing the tests set out in 7.8.2.3 and 7.8.2.4 above.

7.8.2.7

Calibration consoles which are equipped with more than one reference meter shall be calibrated with all reference meters which will be in circuit simultaneously while the console is used for verification of meters. Calibration consoles that will be used with more than one reference meter either in or out of circuit, shall be calibrated for all combinations of reference meters that will be in circuit simultaneously while the console is being used for verifying meters.

7.8.2.8

Where a console is used with variable combinations of reference meters in or out of circuit, the console shall be calibrated at the test load and test burden pursuant to sections 7.1.4 and 7.1.5 for each combination of reference meter in or out of circuit. The console shall be deemed acceptable for use for each combination of reference meter in or out of circuit that results in errors that are within 0.05% of each other.

7.8.2.9

The certificate of errors for the calibration console shall indicate which reference meters are in circuit for the errors set out in the certificate. The certificate shall also indicate all certified combinations of reference meters used with the console.

7.9 Interchangeability of Console Reference Meters

7.9.1 Energy and/or demand reference meters may be interchanged under the following conditions:

7.9.1.1

A reference meter of one make, type or model shall not be substituted for a reference meter of another make, type or model unless the calibration console has been calibrated and certified for use with reference meters of each make, type and model.

7.9.1.2

All reference meters intended to be interchanged shall have certificates of calibration (with traceability to the standards of the National Research Council of Canada) that have expiry dates at or later than, the expiry date of the certificate of calibration for the console. The certificate of calibration for the interchangeable reference meters shall be for calibration of the reference meter at each test point which would be used to calibrate the calibration console pursuant to the applicable portions of section 7.8.

7.9.1.3

The combined error, calculated from equations 1 and 2 below, of the calibration console and each reference meter intended to be interchanged, at each test point which would be used to calibrate the console pursuant to section 7.8, shall be not greater than those specified in sections 7.8.1.1 and/or 7.8.1.2.

7.9.2 The error of the console without a reference meter shall be determined from the following formula:

E cons = E cons&refA - R cor (1)

Where:

E cons = Error of console without reference meter.

E cons&refA =Error of console including reference meter (determined pursuant to section 7.8).

R cor = Reference meter % correction ⇒ (- ErefA).

E refA = Certified error of original interchangeable console reference meter, traceable to the National Research Council of Canada.

7.9.3 The console errors including interchanged reference meter shall be determined from the following formula:

E cons&refB = E cons + R cor (2)

Where:

E cons = Error of console without reference meter, determined using equation (1) above.

E cons&refB =Error of console with new interchangeable reference meter.

R cor = Reference meter % correction ⇒ (- ErefB)

E refB = Certified error of new interchangeable console reference meter, traceable to the National Research Council of Canada.

7.9.4 The owner shall append the console errors of the console plus the interchanged reference meter to the original calibration certificate issued for the console. The date and time of installation and removal of any reference meter shall be recorded.

7.10 Pulse Counters and Generators

7.10.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.10.1.1

Internal or external pulse counters and pulse generators utilized with calibration consoles, which are intended to be used for verifying devices to be used for revenue metering, shall not exhibit errors exceeding plus or minus one count.

7.10.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.10.2.1

Internal or external pulse counters and pulse generators utilized with calibration consoles, which are intended to be used for verifying devices to be used for revenue metering, shall be tested by connecting them to an appropriate pulse generator or pulse counter, respectively. For testing pulse counters, the frequency setting of the pulse generator used shall be the maximum pulse rate specified pursuant to section 5.2.6 for meters with pulse output(s). For testing pulse generators, the maximum frequency required to verify meter pulse inputs specified pursuant to section 5.2.6, shall be used. The duration of tests shall be such that at least 1 000 pulses are generated.

7.11 Rangeability

7.11.1 Maximum Permissible Errors

7.11.1.1

The errors of calibration consoles or accessories thereto which automatically calculate meter errors shall not exceed the tolerances set out in section 7.8 throughout the ranges identified below.

7.11.2 Conditions for Metrological Characteristics

7.11.2.1

Calibration consoles or accessories thereto which automatically calculate meter errors shall be capable of accurately performing such calculations over a range of errors suitable for the intended purpose of the calibration console.

8.0 Revision

The purpose of revision 1 is to format document to the new format for Specifications.

The purpose for revision 2 is to remove the specific format for providing the required information and clarify that completed worksheets of the pre-evaluation testing will serve to address this requirement.

The purpose of revision 3 is to reduce the minimum frequency of the accuracy checks to weekly.

The purpose of revision 4 is to remove the requirement, for the "on state" of the master control switch to be prominently illuminated.

The purpose of revision 5 is to remove the "test links" requirement.

The purpose of revision 6 is to remove the requirement for an "on status indicator" for the creep switch.

The purpose of revision 7 is to clarify that this test is not required, where the power standard is used to setup the test loads.

The purpose of revision 8 is to modify the formula to reflect the correct expression of the test console error.