A new national standard for AC power and energy in South Africa

Some time ago, it was recognised that a need existed for higher accuracies in the measurement of AC power and for the establishment of a facility for the measurement of AC energy at the national standard level in South Africa. In 1995 it was decided to establish a new national standard for AC power. This standard is based on the current comparator principle and is intrinsic, which means that traceability for the AC power measurement can be achieved without the need for submitting an artefact for calibration to another laboratory at the national level. It was also decided to establish a facility for the measurement of AC energy. This paper details the history of the AC power standard in South Africa and the process that lead to the establishment of a new standard for AC power and energy. Details are given of the AC power and energy standard.