Unit 9 Measuring Instruments

Objectives: Discuss the operation of a dArsonval meter movement. Connect a voltmeter to a circuit. Read an analog multimeter. Connect an ammeter. Measure resistance using an ohmmeter.

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Analog meters are characterized by the fact that they use a pointer and scale to indicate their value. One of the common types of meters uses the dArsonval type of meter movement. Analog meters use a moving coil placed between the poles of a magnet.

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Basic dArsonval meter movement.

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Basic dArsonval meter movement with rectifier to change AC voltage to DC voltage.

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The voltmeter is designed to be connected directly across the source of power.

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Reading an analog meter is similar to reading a speedometer or fuel gauge.

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The ammeter is used to measure current and must be connected in series with the load to permit the load to limit the current flow.

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A shunt is used to set the value of the ammeter.

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Many electricians use the clamp-on type of AC ammeter.

Please note the clamp-on ammeter reads only one conductor at a time.

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Ohmmeters The ohmmeter is used to measure resistance. There are two basic types: analog or digital. The common VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) contains an ohmmeter. An ohmmeter should always be readjusted to zero when the scale is changed.

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Digital Ohmmeters Digital ohmmeters display the resistance in figures instead of using a meter movement. They operate by measuring the voltage drop across a resistor. The ohmmeter, whether digital or analog, must never be connected to a circuit when the power is turned on!

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Digital Ohmmeter

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Digital Voltmeter

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Low-impedance Voltage Tester The low-impedance voltage tester has a very large current draw compared to other types of voltmeters and should never be used to test low-power circuits.

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Low-impedance Voltage Tester This tester has an impedance of 5000 and can generally be used to measure voltages as high as 600 V.

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Low-impedance Voltage Tester This is also known as a solenoid type tester. This tester is not susceptible to giving the misleading voltage readings caused by highimpedance ground paths or feedback voltages.

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Low-impedance Voltage Tester
High-impedance ground paths can produce misleading voltage readings.

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Low-impedance Voltage Tester

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Reading a Digital Meter Many digital meters are auto-ranging, which means that they select the range scale automatically. This type will display a notation beside the numerical digits to indicate the meter scale.

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Review: 1. The dArsonval movement is one of the common types of meters. 2. The dArsonval movement operates only on DC currents or rectified AC current. 3. Voltmeters have a high resistance and are designed to be connected directly across the power line.

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Review: 4. Ammeters have a low resistance and must be connected in series with a load. 5. Shunts are used to change the value of DC ammeters. 6. Clamp-on ammeters read only one conductor at a time.

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Review: 7. Ohmmeters are used to measure the resistance in a circuit. 8. There are two basic types of Ohmmeters: analog and digital. 9. Ohmmeters must never be connected to a circuit that has power applied to it.

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Review: 10. Digital multimeters display their value in digits instead of using a meter movement. 11. Digital ohmmeters measure resistance by measuring the voltage drop across an unknown resistor when a known amount of current flows through it.

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Review: 12. Low-impedance voltage testers (solenoid type) are not susceptible to indicating a negligible voltage caused by a highimpedance ground or feedback.