Another word for this variation - or uncertainty in measurement - is "error." This "error" is not the same as a "mistake." It does not mean that you got the wrong answer. The error in measurement is a mathematical way to show the uncertainty in the measurement. It is the difference between the result of the measurement and the true value of what you were measuring.
This perticular problem exsist between the purchaser and seller of any product or material or energy.
In case of electrical energy the measurment errors are broadly calssified in two ways:
Practical Approach :Collecting Double Meters of two different companies reading and taking avarage of the same.
Theoriatical Approach : Data unceranity analysis, Mounte Carlo Simulation, Sensitivity analysis, Interval mathematics,affine arithematic,fuzzylogic etc
First) you should see what precision you need in your measurements.
Second) you should use the best tool to get that accuracy.
Third) make sure to use the tools in their standard condition (temperature, humidity and ...)
fourth) make sure to read the gauges correctly
and finally if you want to make it more accurate, do the measurements more than 3 times and use the mathematical methods to eliminate the errors.
Good luck
Mr Yaser,
It is nice to hear general view about measurement: Can be more specific with some example.
First let me say that no one knows the true value of any measured quantity. Errors are inherent in any measurement errors. These errors can be of 2 major types, systematic errors and random errors. Systematic errors are those errors that can be accounted for, e.g. if your meter adds a fixed amount to the result of measurement, such an error can be corrected by subtracting this amount from the measurement result. Another example of systematic errors are known formula used to account for resistance measurements at temperatures other than the standard temperature. On the other hand, random errors are caused by random variations in the measurement process or the environment that can not be isolated or accounted for.
Uncertainty, is the process of estimating the range in which the true value of measurement lies with a certain degree of confidence, usually expressed as a nominal value+-x% (at 95% confidence or 99% confidence) after removing all systematic errors. Calibration is used to increase confidence in measuring devices. Calibration can be used together with adjustment by comparing against a standard device or unit. Calibration results can be used to estimate errors in measurements carried out by these instruments.
I am not in power meters/power engineering (I think that your question is related to Kilowatt meters in homes and businesses) but above answer from a previous 8+ years experience in a general electrical lab for testing and calibration. I know that in some countries, like my country, Jordan, all power meters are calibrated against a standard to ensure that they measure, with acceptable confidence level, before being installed in customer's premises. Recalibration is performed whenever a doubt in meter reading arises. Thanks. AlDmour.
As rightly said 'uncertainty' is not a mistake as such, but can arise due to lack of data too. We can overcome uncertainty by using expert opinion (refer to Fuzzy Logic) within your analysis. Also, you can Monte Carlo Simulation to take care of uncertainty within your data set
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