World Metrology Day Special | The Hidden Power Behind Everyday Accuracy

The Origin of World Metrology Day

On May 20, 1875, representatives from 17 countries signed the Metre Convention in Paris, France, establishing one of the earliest and most influential intergovernmental organizations in the field of metrology. This convention laid the foundation for today’s international measurement system, enabling the global unification of measurement units and facilitating trade, scientific collaboration, and technological development.

To commemorate this historic milestone, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) jointly launched World Metrology Day in 1999. Since then, May 20th has served as a global occasion to raise awareness about the importance of measurement, promote technical progress, and encourage international cooperation. The first celebration was held in 2000, and the event has since grown in influence and global participation.

Each year, the event adopts a specific theme to highlight a key area of metrology. The theme for World Metrology Day 2025 is:

“Measurements for all times, for all people” — emphasizing the universal and enduring value of precise measurement.

Metrology Is Closer Than You Think

When people hear “metrology,” they often think of scientists in labs or official inspection agencies. But in fact, metrology is embedded in our daily lives, especially in how we use electricity and electronic devices.

How is electricity measured?

Whether it’s watching TV, charging a phone, or running the air conditioner, we rely on electricity every day. But have you ever wondered how your electricity usage is measured?

Your home’s electricity meter works by measuring voltage, current, and time — producing the numbers you see on your bill. These meters are calibrated using high-precision instruments to ensure fairness and accuracy. Without proper calibration, small errors could result in unfair charges or billing disputes. The same principle applies at much larger scales in factories, hospitals, and power grids, where reliable electrical metrology is essential for efficiency and safety.

Magnetism is everywhere

Although you can’t see it, magnetism plays a big role in everyday tech. Contactless transport cards, smartphone compasses, building access systems, and even MRI scanners in hospitals all rely on magnetic fields. In electric vehicles and power tools, motors depend on precise magnetic properties for performance and reliability.

The strength and behavior of these magnetic fields need to be measured with extreme accuracy. Even tiny deviations can cause performance issues or safety problems. That’s where magnetic metrology comes in — making sure all those invisible forces work as expected.

Accurate measurements = safer, better living

From the charger in your hand to the power running an entire city, precise measurements are quietly ensuring your safety, convenience, and fairness. Metrology isn’t far away — it’s behind the scenes, making modern life possible.

Smarter, More Reliable Measurement — TUNKIA’s Innovation in Practice

As a high-tech company specializing in electromagnetic measurement and calibration, TUNKIA is committed to advancing metrology technologies through innovation. Our solutions serve a wide range of industries, including electric power, transportation, new energy, research, and calibration laboratories.

Our representative product lines include:

Electrical Calibrator Series (e.g., TD1880, TH1950)

Providing precise voltage, current, power, and phase signals for calibrating multimeters, energy meters, and other electrical instruments.

Electrical Steel Testing Series (e.g., TS3200, TS1300)

A complete solution covering in-line production testing, sample offline analysis, scientific R&D, core assembly testing, and traceable calibration of magnetic testers. Widely used in motors, transformers, and new energy material quality control.

EV Charging Station Testing Series (e.g., TK4830, TD1320)

Designed for AC/DC charging stations, this series offers comprehensive compliance testing based on national and international standards, including electric energy measurement, protocol validation, electrical safety, and interoperability testing — meeting the demands of the fast-growing EV industry.

At TUNKIA, we believe that every accurate measurement is a safeguard for quality, safety, and innovation. We will continue to uphold our commitment to precision, intelligence, and reliability — enabling industries worldwide to reach higher standards in measurement and calibration.