IS 1248 (Part 2) :2003

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Indian Standard
DIRECT ACTING INDICATING ANALOGUE
ELECTRICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
AND THEIR ACCESSORIES
PART 2 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

FOR AMMETERS

AND VOLTMETERS

( Third Revision)

ICS 17.220.20

@ BIS 2003

BUREAU
MANAK

Az+yst 2003

OF
BHAVAN,

INDIAN

STANDARDS

9 BAHADUR
SHAH
NEW DELHI 110002

ZAFAR

MARG

Price Group 3

Measuring Equipment

for Basic Electrical Quantities

Sectional Committee,

ET 12

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (Part 2) (Third Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft
finalized by the Measuring Equipment for Basic Electrical Quantities Sectional Committee had been approved
by the Electrotechnical Division Council.
This standard covers the special requirements

for ammeters and voltmeters.

This standard was first published in 1958 and was revised in 1968 and in 1983. The third revision had been
undertaken to align it with IEC publication.
This standard is one of a series of nine Indian Standards on direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring
instruments and their accessories. The other standards are as follows:
(Part 1): 2003

Definitions

and general requirements

~ow-th revision)

(Part 3): 2003

Special requirements

for wattmeters

(Part 4): 2003

Special requirements

for frequency meters (third revision)

(Part 5): 2003

Special requirements
revision)

for phasemeters,

(Part 6): 2003

Special requirements
revision)

(Part 7): 2003

Special requirements

for multi-function

(Part 8): 2003

Special requirements

for accessories

(Part 9): 2003

Test methods (third revision)

and varmeters

(third revision)

power factor meters and synchroscopes

for ohmmeters (impedance meters) and conductance

instruments

(third

meters (third

(third revision)

(third revision)

In preparation of this standard, assistance has been derived from IEC 60051-2 (1984) Direct acting indicating
analogue electrical measuring instruments and their accessories: Part 2 Special requirements for ammeters and
voltmeters (fourth edition). issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value,
observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS 2:1960
Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised). The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

IS 1248 (Part 2) :2003

Indian Standard
DIRECT ACTING INDICATING ANALOGUE
ELECTRICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
AND THEIR ACCESSORIES
PART 2 SPECIAL

REQUIREMENTS

FOR AMMETERS

Revision )

(Third

1 SCOPE

Separate accuracy class to be stated on the dial if the

same instrument is to be used for the measurement of
a.c. and d.c.

1.1 This standard (Part 2) covers the requirements of

direct acting indicating
ammeters and voltmeters
having an analogue display.
NOTE For multi-function

1.2 This part also applies

accessories
as defined
IS 1248 (Part 1).

instruments,

AND VOLTMETERS

4.3 For compliance with the requirements

standard, see IS 1248 (Part 1).

see IS 1248 (Part 7).

to non-interchangeable
in 2.1.1 and 5.3 of

5 REFERENCE
ERRORS
5.1 Reference

2 REFERENCES

The provisions
applicable.

The following standards are necessary adjuncts to this

standard:

CONDITIONS

(Part 1): 2003

(Part 7): 2003
(Part 9): 2003

Title
Direct acting indicating analogue
electrical measuring instruments and
their accessories:
Definitions and general requirements
~ourth revision)
Multi-function
instrument
(third
revision)
Test methods
(third revision)

The provisions
applicable.

of 5.1 of IS 1248 (Part

Error, Fiducial Value

between

I) shall be

intrinsic

error and

The provisions of 5.2.1 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall apply.

5.2.2 Fiducial Value
The fiducial value for an ammeter
corresponds to 5.2.2.1 to 5.2.2.4.

Definitions given in IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be applicable.

CLASSIFICATION

1) shall be

of 5.2 of IS 1248 (Part

5.2.1 Correspondence
accuracy class.

3 DEFINITIONS

4 DESCRIPTION,
COMPLIANCE

AND INTRINSIC

Conditions

5.2 Limits of Intrinsic

IS No.
1248

of this

or a voltmeter

5.2.2.1 The upper limit of the measuring

following:

range for the

AND
a)

Instruments
with the mechanical
and/or
electrical zero at one end of the scale;

4.1 Description

b)

Ammeters and voltmeters shall be described according

to their method of operation
as given in 2.2 of
IS 1248 (Part 1).

Instruments with the mechanical zero outside

the scale irrespective of the position of the
electrical zero; and

c)

Instruments with the electrical zero outside

the scale irrespective of the position of the
mechanical zero.

4.2 Classification
Ammeters and voltmeters shall be classified in one of
the accuracy classes denoted by the following class
indices:
0.05,0.1,0.2,0.3,0.5,

1, 1.5,2,2.5,3,

The class index is marked using Symbol E-1 given

in 9 and Table 3 of IS 1248 (Part 1),
5.2.2.2 The sum of the electrical values, irrespective
of sign, corresponding
to the two limits of the

and 5.

IS 1248 (Part 2) :2003

measuring range when both the mechanical and the
electrical zeros are displaced within the scale.

For the recommended

tests, see 4.8 of IS 1248 (Part 9).

7.2 Damping
The class index is marked using Symbol E-1 given
in 9 and Table 3 of IS 1248 (Part 1).

The provisions
applicable.

5.2.2.3 The span for an instrument whose scale marks

do not correspond
directly to its electrical input
quantity.

1) shall be

7.2.1 Overshoot
The provisions
applicable.

The class index is marked using Symbol E-10 given

in 9 and Table 3 of IS 1248 (Part 1).

of 7.2.1 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

7.2.2 Response Time

The sub-clause
does not apply to a voltmeter or
ammeter designed to be used in conjunction with a
shunt, a series resistor (impedance) or an instrument
transformer. These instruments are to be treated in
accordance with 5.2.2.1 or 5.2.2.2 as appropriate.

The provisions
applicable.

of 7.2.2 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

However, the requirements

of 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 of
IS 1248 (Part 1) do not apply to the following types of
ammeters and voltmeters:

5.2.2.4 For an instrument

whose scale has been
arranged to produce a special arrangement of scale
marks, the fiducial value (and therefore the permissible
error) shall be as agreed to between the manufacturer
and the user. The fiducial value does not have to be
the same at all points on the scale.

a)

Thermal instruments;

b)

Electrostatic

c)

Instruments
having
moving element;

d)

Instruments having a material pointer longer

than 150 mm;

e)

Instruments in which the current or voltage

corresponding
to the upper limit of the
measuring
range is less than 200 pA or
20 mV; and

Special-purpose
instruments
where other
response
times may be required.
Such
imtruments will be the subject of agreement
between the manufacturer and the user.

6 NOMINAL RANGE OF USE AND VARIATIONS

6.1 Nominal Range of Use
The provisions
shall apply.

of 7.2 of IS 1248 (Part

of 6.1 of IS 1248 (Part 1) and Table 1

6.2 Limits of Variations

The provisions of 6.2 of IS 1248 (Part 1) and Table 1
shall be applicable.

instruments;
a freely

suspended

7.2.3 Impedance of the External Measuring

6.3 Conditions
The provisions
applicable.

for the Determination

of Variations

The provisions
applicable.

of 6.3 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

7 FURTHER ELECTRIC
REQUIREMENTS

Circuit

of 7.2.3 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

However, if the impedance of the external measuring

circuit is not stated, it shall be assumed to be, at the
reference frequency:

AND MECHANICAL

7.1 Voltage Tests, Insulation Tests and Other Safety

Requirements
For a fixed ammeter having the upper limit of its
measuring range of 1A to 10A and intended for use
with a current transformer having a high over-current
capabi Iity, the measuring circuit shall not open when
the ammeter is subjected to 30 times the nominal
secondary current of the associated current transformer
for a period of 2 s.

a)

More than 50 times the impedance of the

instrument for ammeters, milliammeters and
microammeters; and

b)

Less than 1/50 of the impedance

of the
instrument for voltmeters and millivoltmeters.

7.3 Self-Heating
The provisions
7.4 Permissible

of 7.3 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall apply.

Overloads

A portable ammeter intended for similar use shall

withstand 15 times the upper limit of its measuring
range for a period of 2 s.

7.4.1 Continuous Overload

These ammeters need not be functional after application

of this overload but shall not then be open-circuit.

Ammeters and voltmeters, together with their noninterchangeable

accessory(ies),
if any, except for

For the test method, see 4.6 of IS 1248 (Part 9).

IS 1248 (Part 2) :2003

Table 1 Limits of the Nominal Range of Use and Permissible Variations
Additional to Those Given in Table 2 of IS 1248 (Part 1)
(Clauses 6.1 and 6.2)
Influence Quantity

.imits of the Nominal

Range of Use Unless
Otherwise Marked

Permissible Variation Expressed

as a Percentage of the Class Index

For the
Recommended
Tests, Ref to
Cl of IS 1248
(Part 9)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Ripple (45 Hz to 65 Hz and 90 H2

d.c. measurec
130
Hz)
m
quantity for other than r.m.s
responding
instruments
(set
Note 1)

20 percent

50 percent

3.6

[o

Distortion
=
recli tier
instruments
Note 2)

of a.c.

see

Distortion

flstruments
without
Iectronic
devices
in
leir measuring circuity
O percent

100 percent

3.7.1

Peak factor

having
nstmments
Iectronic
devices
in
heir measuring circuits:
to 3 (see Note 3)

100 pereent

Under

frequency
Leference
10 percent or lower
mit of reference range
-lo
frequency
w
ercent and upper limit
f reference range for
reauencv +1 O oercent

100 percent

3.8.1

F
I
Frequency
quantity

of

ac

Magnetic field ofextemal

measurec

origin

Class indices 0.3

and smaller

Class indices 0.5

and greater

Moving
magnet,
moving iron and
electrodynamics
instruments if not
astatic and/or not
having a magnetic
screen

3 percent of the
fiducial
value
(see Note 4)

6 percent of the
value
fiducial
(see Note 4)

Ferrodynamic
instruments if not
astatic and/or not
having a magnetic
screen

1.5 percent of
the
fiducial
value (see Note
4)

3 percent of the
fiducial
value
(see Note 4)

.4 kAlm

All other
ments

instru-

3.5

0.75 percent of 1.5 pereent of th

vahr
the fiducial value fiducial
I(see Note 4)
\ (see Note 4)

NOTES
1 For an r.m.s responding instrument which also responds to d.c., no permissible variation can be stated because the ripple is then part
of the measured quantity.
2 For a.c. quantities, the requirements for instruments relate to r.m.s. values irrespective of the principle of operation of the instrument.
However, instruments incorporating rectifier(s) (except r.m.s responding instruments) usually respond to the rectified (mean) value of
the waveform but are scaled to indicate the r.m.s. value of a sinusoidal waveform. Iftbe waveform is not sinusoidal, the indicated value
may be seriously in error. However, if the waveform can be adequately characterized, this error is calculable.
Requirements for the influence of a distorted waveform on rectified (mean) and peak-sensing instruments are therefore not specified.
3 The permissible variation due to a peak factor of other than J
(corresponding to a sine wave) is included in the permissible
variation due to distortion of the measured quantity.
For instruments having a peak factor capability greater than 3, the manufacturer shall state:
Instrument peak factor capability producing a variation of 100 percent of the class index;
a)
b)
Upper and lower limits of the frequency response (bandwidth) to 0.707 times the indication at the reference frequency;
Effective maximum rate of change of internal instrument a.c. amplifier response (slew rate), expressed in volts per second using
c)
appropriate S.1. prefixes.
Peak factor relates to the total peak factor capability of the instrument and includes both the peak factor due to a distorted waveform
and the peak factor due to spurious impulses (which maybe random or harmonically related to the fundamental frequency) containing
negligible average power.
4 Not as a percentage of the class index.

1S 1248 (Part 2) :2003

instruments
fitted with a non-locking switch, shall be
subject to a continuous overload of 120 percent of the
upper limit of the electrical input quantity for a period
of2 h.

7.4.2.2 The full duration of each overload shall be

applied except when an automatic cut-out (fuse) fitted
to the instrument has interrupted the circuit in less than
the time specified in Table 2.

After removal of the excitation,

the sum of the
temporary and any permanent residual deflections shall
not exceed 1 percent of the scale length.

The automatic cut-out shall be reset (or the fuse

replaced) before the application of the next overload.
7.4.2.3 After having been subjected to the overloads
of short duration and after having cooled to the
reference temperature, ammeters and voltmeters whose
mechanical zero is within the scale, together with their
non-interchangeable
accessory(ies),
if any, shall
comply with both of the following requirements:

After having cooled to the reference temperature, the

instrument
together with its non-interchangeable
accessory (ies), if any, shall comply with its accuracy
requirements;
however, the overload shall not be
repeated.
The continuous overload test shall be carried out under
reference conditions.
7.4.2 Overloads

a)

of Short Duration

For the test method, see 4.4 of IS 1248 (Part 9).

Ammeters and voltmeters,
together with the noninterchangeable
accessory (ies), if any, shall be
subjected to overloads of short duration.
However,
a)

these requirements
Thermocouple

b)

do not apply to:

instruments;

b)

Electrostatic

c)

Instruments
having a freely suspended
moving element; unless these instruments are
internally protected against overloads of short
duration.

instruments;

and

Deviation of the index from the zero scale

mark, expressed as a percentage of the scale
length, shall not exceed the following value:
1)

0.5 for instruments

and smaller, and

of class indices 0.3

2)

Class index for instruments

indices 0.5 and greater.

of class

Ammeter or voltmeter together with its noninterchangeable

accessory(ies),
if any, after
adjustment of the zero (if necessary) shall
comply with the accuracy requirements;
however, the overloads shall not be repeated.

An ammeter or voltmeter whose mechanical zero is

outside the scale is considered to have complied with
this requirement, if, after having cooled to the reference
temperature, it has errors not exceeding those relating
to its class index; however, the overloads shall not be
repeated.

7.4.2.1 The values of current and voltage for the

overloads of short duration shall be the product of the
relevant factor given in Table 2 and the value of the
upper limit of the electrical input quantity unless other
values are stated by the manufacturer. External shunt
operated
millivolt meters
should be treated as
voltmeters only.

7.5 Limiting Values of Temperature

The provisions
applicable.

Table 2 Overloads

of 7.5 of IS 1248 (Part

1) shall be

of Short Duration

(Clauses 7.4.2.1 and 7.4.2.2)

Instrument

(1)

Current

Factor

Voltage Factor

Number of Overloads

Duration of Each
Overload in seconds

Interval Between
Successive Overloads
in seconds

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

0.5

15

0.5

15
60

(2)

Imtrl(mel{ts qfcla,ss indices 0.5 and smaller and rectl~er ins[rurnenfs of all class indices

2
Ammeters
5

Voltmeters
2
5
/11.rtrtImcnLY of c[ass indices I and greater

Ammeters

10

0.5

Voltmeters

10

0.5

NOTE - Where two series of tests are specified, they should both be carried out, in the order given.

60

IS 1248 (Part 2): 2003

7.6 Deviation

from Zero

For the test method, see 4.9 1S 1248 (Part 9).

7.6.1 If an ammeter or a voltmeter has a zero position
marked on the scale, it shall be tested for return to zero
when de-energized. The test shall be carried out under
reference conditions.

Mechanical

The provisions
applicable.

of 8.4 of IS 1248 (Part

8.6 Effects of Vibration

The provisions
applicable.

7.6.2 After a period of energization of 30s at the upper

limit of the measuring range, the deviation of the index
from the zero scale mark, expressed as a percentage of
the scale length, shall not exceed a value corresponding
to 50 percent of the class index.
8 CONSTRUCTIONAL

8.5 Adjuster(s),

REQUIREMENTS

1) shall be

and Shock

of 8.5 of IS 1248 (Part

9 INFORMATION,
SYMBOLS
The provisions
applicable.

and/or Electrical

GENERAL

MARKINGS

of 9 of IS 1248 (Part

AND

I ) shall be

8.1 The provisions

applicable.

of 8.1 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

10
MARKINGS
TERMINALS

8.2 The provisions

applicable.

of 8.2 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

The provisions of 10.1 to 10.3 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall

apply.

8.3 The provisions

applicable.

of 8.3 of IS 1248 (Part 1) shall be

8.4 Preferred

10.1 Special Markings

AND

1) shall be

SYMBOLS

for Terminals

All terminals shall be marked

uniquely identified.

Values

FOR

so that they can be

10.1.1 Single Range d.c. Ammeters and Voltmeters

8.4.1 The upper limit of the measuring

ammeters and voltmeters shall preferably
the following values:

range for
be one of

The positive terminal shall be marked using Symbol

F-46 (+) given in Table 3 of IS 1248 (Part I).
10.1.2 Multi-Range d.c. Ammeters and Voltmeters

1, 1.2, 1.5,2,2 .5,3,4,5,6,7.5,8

multiples and sub-multiples.

ortheir decimal
The range-selecting terminals shall be marked with the
value corresponding to the upper limit of the relevant
measuring
range. If those terminals
are positive
terminals, they shall also be marked using Symbol
F-46 (+) given in Table 3 of IS 1248 (Part 1). This
marking shall follow the marking for the value of the
range. If the common terminal is the positive terminal,
it shall be marked using Symbol F-46 (+) given in
Table 3 of IS 1248 (Part 1).

For multi-range instruments, at least one of the ranges

shall preferably comply with this requirement.
8.4.2 The voltage drop at the upper limit of the
measuring range for an ammeter intended for use with
an external shunt shall preferably
be one of the
following values:
50mV, 60mV, 75mV, 100mV, 300mV

10.1.3 Single Range a.c. Ammeters and Voltmeters

8.4.3 If, to achieve the correct performance
of an
instrument, it is necessary to use calibrated instrument
leads (that is leads having a specified
value of
resistance) to connect it to a shunt, the manufacturer
shall state the value of the lead resistance.

In the absence of special requirements,

are needed.

no markings

10.1.4 Multi-Range a.c. Ammeters and Voltmeters

The range-selecting terminals shall be marked with the
value corresponding to the upper limit of the measuring
ranges.

Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, the value

of the total resistance of the calibrated instrument leads
shall not exceed 70 mf2 at the reference temperature.

11 TESTS TO PROVE
THIS STANDARD

The value of the lead resistance shall not differ from

the stated value by more than 10 percent at the reference
temperature.

The provisions
applicable.

COMPLIANCE

of 11 of IS 1248 (Part

WITH

I ) shall be

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ET 12 (5070).

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Date of Issue

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,,,,

AMENDMENT

NO. 1 AUGUST 2007

TO
1S 1248 (PART 2) :2003 DIRECT ACTING
INDICATING ANALOGUE ELECTRICAL
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS AND
THEIR ACCESSORIES
PART 2 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR
AMMETERS AND VOLTMETERS
( Third Rev&ion)
(Pose
3.6,

3, Table

1, cd 4) Substitute

5.6,

5.7.1,

5.8.1,

amj 5.5 for

3.7.1 . 3.8.1 and 13.5respectively.

(P(7ge 4. clause

7.4.2, jlrst para) Substitute

(Page 5, clause 7.6, first para) Substitute

6.4 for
6.9 for

4.4
4.9

,.

,,

,.

(ET 12)
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi. India

.
.

.
.