Article
Article
Electrical measurements
Article By:
Jones, R. Gareth Division of Electrical Science, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, United Kingdom.
Jones, Owen C. Division of Electrical Science, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, United Kingdom.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.219000
Measurements of the many quantities by which the behavior of electricity is characterized. Such measurements are of great economic importance because of their impact upon industrial, commercial, and scientific activities. Measurements are required of all electrical quantities, possibly extending over a wide dynamic range and at frequencies ranging from 0 to 1012 Hz. The International System of Units (SI) is in universal use for all electrical measurements. Electrical measurements are ultimately based on comparisons with realizations, that is, reference standards, of the various SI units. These reference standards are maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States, and by the national standards laboratories of many other countries. Many electrical measurements are made to measure nonelectrical quantities. For example, platinum-resistance-thermometer measurements facilitate accurate temperature measurements, and eddy-current conductivity measurements are made to assess heat treatment of aluminum alloys. See also: Electrical units and standards
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