Creation of a reference laboratory for electrical and magnetic metrology

In a globalized economic and industrial context, where trade is growing rapidly, the use of metrology and a system of recognition and equivalence between countries in this field is the best way of guaranteeing the integrity of trade and supporting the economic development of companies more effectively. Indeed, the need for increasingly precise measurements has become a major economic challenge. This can be seen, for example, in the measurements required to ensure that equipment complies with directives or standards before being placed on the market. Depending on the decision taken as to whether or not a measuring instrument passes the test, measurement results that are on the borderline of conformity can be a source of major economic loss for the manufacturer in the event of refusal, or of danger to goods and consumers in the event of failure. The global economy therefore needs structures that can control and organize exchanges between countries and continents, and enable mutual recognition of measurement standards and capabilities between different accreditation or conformity assessment systems. This is the purpose of the first chapter, which provides an overview of the organization of metrology at international level, and of the connection chain at national level.

The field of electrical metrology is extremely broad in terms of measurable quantities and also in terms of impact. Indeed, the rapid development of electronics has greatly contributed to the development of instrumentation in all fields of measurement, where electrical quantities are ultimately measured. It is therefore very important for a metrology reference laboratory in the field of electricity and magnetism to be well positioned to cover all the essential quantities, while optimizing the number of calibrations and services to ensure that the business remains viable. The equipment and infrastructure investments required will depend not only on the scope of the electrical quantities to be covered, but also on the level of uncertainty required for calibrations. This is covered in chapters 2 and