Temperature and electricity standards added

Summary#

This is the Order Amending Schedule IV to the Weights and Measures Act (SOR/2021-84). It updates Canada’s official list of measurement reference standards by adding a new temperature standard and a new electricity standard, and by updating the wording about the definition of the metre to reflect the most recent international decision. The order came into force on April 19, 2021.

What it does#

• Updates the wording in Schedule IV to refer to the definition of the metre adopted by the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures (the international meeting that revised the metre in 2018).
• Adds a new temperature reference standard to Schedule IV: item VS1163_4749 — a precision temperature scanner (Model 1586A) and a Platinum Resistance Thermometer (Model 5626), manufactured by Fluke Calibration (serial numbers 48175028 and 4749).
• Adds a new electricity reference standard to Schedule IV: item EL-1963 — a Single-phase Electricity Reference Standard, Radian Xytronic Model RX-23-PQ, manufactured by Radian Research Inc., serial 710590.
• States that the Order is in force as of the registration date, April 19, 2021.

Who's affected#

• Measurement Canada will use these added reference standards for its measurement and calibration work.
• Calibration laboratories and technical services that rely on national reference standards may be the most directly interested, because the new items expand what can be measured and calibrated.
• The federal National Research Council of Canada and other metrology bodies are relevant to the metre definition change.
• The Order itself says stakeholders and the general public will not face new costs or regulatory burdens.

Why it matters#

• Reference standards are the basis for accurate and traceable measurements. Updating Schedule IV keeps Canada’s official measurement references current.
• One existing temperature standard was about 18 years old and nearing the end of its useful life. Replacing or supplementing it helps ensure reliable temperature calibrations.
• The new electricity standard lets Measurement Canada address electrical measurements that earlier standards could not cover.
• Better, up-to-date reference standards support fair trade and consumer confidence by ensuring measurements used in buying and selling are accurate and traceable.