What is R.M.

S Value
Muhammad Umair
This document contains Analytical data for describing R.M.S value, Basic knowledge about R.M.S Value

Qualtech NDE www.qualtechnde.co.cc +92-301-3756071 9/26/2012

Root-Mean Square (R.M.S) Value The r.m.s value of an alternating current is given by that steady (d.c) current which when flowing through a given circuit for a given time produces the some heat as produced by the alternating current when flowing through the same circuit for the same time. It is also known as the effective or virtual value of the alternating current, the former term being used more extensively. For funding the r.m.s value of symmetrical sinusoidal alternating currents either mid-ordinate method or analytical method may be used, although for symmetrical but non-sinusoidal waves, the mid-ordinate method would be found more convenient. Mid-ordinate Method In Fig. 1 are shown the positive half cycles for both symmetrical sinusoidal and a non-sinusoidal alternating currents. Divide the time base f into n equal intervals of time each of duration t/n seconds. Let the average value of instantaneous currents during these intervals be respectively i1 ,i2,i3,in (i.e. mid-ordinate in Fig. 1). Suppose this alternating current is passed through a circuit of resistance R ohm. Then;

I3 CURRENT

I4 CURRENT I1 I2

I2
I1 In t/n

I3
In

Fig. 1

Heat produced in 1st interval = 0.24 i12 R t/n cal Heat produced in 2nd interval =0.24 i22 R t/n cal : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Heat produced in nth interval = 0.24 in2 R t/n cal

Total heat produced in t seconds is = 0.24 R t Now, Suppose that a direct current of value I produces the same heat through the same resistance during the same time t. Heat produced by it is = 0.24 I2 R t cal. By definition, the two amounts of heat produced should be equal. I2 R t =0.24 R t I2 = I= = Square root of the mean of the squares of the instantaneous currents Similarly, the r.m.s value of alternating voltage is given by expression V=

Analytical Method The standard form of a sinusoidal alternating current is i=Im sin t i=Im sin The mean of the squares of the instantaneous values of current oven one complete cycle is ( even the value over half cycle will do) =

The square root of this value is =

Hence, the r.m.s value of the alternating current is

I=

I= Now, cos 2= 1-2 sin2

) sin2 =

(put i= Im sin )

|2)

or I= 0.707 Im Hence, we find that for a symmetrical sinusoidal current r.m.s. value of current = 0.707 max. Value of current The r.m.s value of an alternating current is of considerable importance in practice because the ammeters and voltmeters record the r.m.s value of alternating current and voltage respectively. In electrical engineering work, unless indicated otherwise, the values of the given current and voltage are always the r.m.s values. It should be noted that the average heating effect produced during one cycle is

Note: The r.m.s value above discussed is for Symmetrical wave / Simple wave, For complex wave, The r.m.s value of a complex current wave is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the r.m.s values of its individual component