Introduction
In 2008, a number of compulsory standards in the instrumentation and measurement sector will be implemented. These standards are set to provide additional certainty and quality assurance for manufacturers, consumers and industrial end-users who regularly use or are involved in the sector.
The application of these standards will not only help to improve product quality and reduce the risk of malfunction, but will aid the safety of both workforces and the general public. This article sets out some of the aspects to be included in the standards and aims to provide an overview of the content and areas of application across the various industries.
Overview
The standards are to be applied to instruments and measuring devices used within the electricity, gas, steam, hot water, and district energy sectors. The focus of the standards will cover both technical and health and safety requirements and outcomes. Technical requirements include suitable voltage and current ratings, the accuracy of measurement, range of operation and limitations of frequency, as well as ensuring that calculation of output values and display of measurement data are done in accordance with set technical and safety parameters.
On the safety side, standards will include the design and construction of the instrumentation and measurement devices to enable them to be operated safely. Physical considerations include robust construction, appropriate protection against overloads and protection from external elements such as dirt, dust, and moisture. Suitability of material and components will also be considered as part of the safety-related standards.
In addition to the safety standards, standards detailing the quality of the instrumentation and measurement equipment used in their manufacture and use will be specified. Quality control processes will cover everything from dimensional accuracy, environmental testing, and performance testing to specifying the calibration method for the instrumentation and measurement equipment.
Implementation of Standards
The standards will be applied to both existing instrumentation and measurement equipment and new products, allowing for further product development and ensuring a level playing field for manufacturers. The standards will come into effect in late 2008 and manufacturers and users of instrumentation and measurement equipment will need to make sure their products are compliant with the new standards.
The standards will be applied to instruments employed in the electricity, gas, steam, hot water, and district energy sectors and will incorporate elements not just of health and safety, but also technical and operational requirements. These will include calibration methods, specific requirements such as the range of operation and the degree of accuracy of measurement, and physical considerations such as robust construction and anti-overload protection.
Conclusion
The introduction of the 2008 instrumentation and measurement sector standards will provide valuable assurance of quality and safety for both manufacturers and users of measuring and instrumentation equipment. The standards will apply both to existing products and new products and will ensure that the same degree of safety and quality compliance is maintained across the whole sector.
The standards will give manufacturers and users of instrumentation and measurement equipment the ability to develop and implement new products with confidence, whilst still operating in compliance with the stated requirements. In this way, the standards should ensure that the sector continues to develop and progress in line with industry best practices.
