A new transfer device for the NRC Travelling Standard Program

This paper describes a computer controlled measurement system, which is now used as a transfer device for the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Travelling Standard Program. The measurement system is based on two sampling voltmeters, custom built voltage and current input circuits, and a computer used for data acquisition and analysis. The new transfer device is used on-site with a stable AC source of voltage and current and a new 12-position pulse-frequency comparator to provide calibration and traceability for the revenue billing electrical quantities of the reference standards maintained by Canadian electrical utilities and electricity meter manufacturers. The accuracy of the measurement system is better than 30 parts in 10⁶ for all the electrical quantities currently requiring traceability for revenue billing purposes. The repeatability of the new transfer device before and after an on-site calibration is generally better than 15 parts in 10⁶.