Conversion of the dissipation factor reference standard from 19/08/2024

As part of our constant striving for improvements, we are converting our dissipation factor reference standard for VFL generators.

What is a reference standard?

A reference standard is the most metrologically precise test device of a measurand of the company to which all calibrations of this measurand refer. It forms the link between the calibrations performed at BAUR and the metrological traceability.

Details on the conversion

From 19/08/2024, all of the dissipation factor calibrations performed by BAUR GmbH in Sulz will refer to a new reference standard.

On converting to the new reference standard, the dissipation factor (tan delta) measurand will refer directly to the national standards for volts, ohms, and time, and will be traceable back to SI units. National standards are standardised reference values that have been stipulated by a country in order to define and check measurands. These standards are based on international standards and are used to standardise measurements and ensure their accuracy. The new reference system will shorten the traceability chain of the measurand to the national standard, making the calibration more accurate.

In summary, the conversion will offer the following benefits:

Greater precision

Improved comparability

Future proofing thanks to the latest international standards

Increased reliability

With the frida TD, viola TD, and PHG TD, the new reference system can lead to slightly better dissipation factor values compared to previous measurements. This improvement will only be noticeable for cables that have not aged further with the new measurement and where the measurement conditions (connection, external interfering factors such as temperature, air humidity, or dirt) are identical.

Calibrations that are performed with the new dissipation factor reference system include a corresponding note in the comment field of the calibration certificate so that this change is always traceable.