The Electricity and Magnetism Metrology Division ensures accuracy and traceability for all electrical, temperature, light transmission, radio frequency, time and non-ionising radiation measurements in South Africa. From ubiquitous quantities such as temperature to the rapidly advancing technologies of high-speed digital communication, the measurement expertise maintained by the division is of vital importance to the South African economy.

 

The Division is active in the fields of optical radiation, fibre optics, time and frequency, radio frequency and DC/low frequency electrical, temperature and humidity. As measurement infrastructure in physical metrology is well-developed in South Africa, dissemination of traceability is dominated by calibration of measurement standards for commercial calibration laboratories and regional NMIs, rather than calibration of instruments directly for industrial users.

 

Key focus areas include support the ICT industry in providing improved broadband access at reduced costs for individuals and businesses and contribution to government’s drive to reduce national energy consumption due to inefficient energy use in buildings, the use of energy inefficient lighting systems, wasteful industrial energy consumption and inaccurate billing. Measurement standards that contribute to the accuracy of data collected by Earth Observation satellites and sent to space agencies, providing decision makers with the information needed to understand and protect our environment will also be enhanced.