Experiment No: 1

TITLE: CALIBRATION OF A MILLIAMMETER AS A VOLTMETER.

OBJECTIVES:

 To calibrate a milliammeter as a voltmeter with the help of a substandard voltmeter

 To draw the calibration curve and correction curve for the given milliammeter.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

0-250mA

560Ω/1A
0-300V

1500Ω/0.5A

LIST OF APPARATUS:

Sl No Item Range Maker Maker’s No

THEORY:

Referring to the figure, let R is the external resistance connected in series with the milliammeter, Ra is
the internal resistance of the milliammeter. If V be the voltage drop across the above combination due to
circuit current I, then it can be shown that

V= (R + Ra). I
V
 (R + Ra) = K
I
K is a constant, assuming constant external resistance.

If Vn is the voltmeter reading to which the milliammeter is to be calibrated for full-scale deflection of In
(milliamps), then constant,

K=Vn/In (volts/milliampere)

The voltage equivalent, Veq , to any intermediate milliammeter reading I, is

Veq=K.I (volts).

For milliammeter reading I,

Error = Veq -V (volts)

Correction = V- Veq = - Error (volts)
where V is the substandard voltmeter reading

CURVES:

i) Calibration Curve: Milliammeter reading on X-axis, Substandard voltmeter reading on Y-axis.

ii) Correction Curve: Milliammeter reading on X-axis, Correction on Y-axis.

NOTE: GRAPHS ARE POINT TO POINT LINEAR

PROCEDURE:

1) Connect the circuit as shown in the circuit diagram.

2) Note the zero setting of the instruments.
3) Adjust the potential divider to obtain zero output voltage and put the external series resistance R
at maximum value (so as to protect the milliammeter). Put on supply.
4) Increase the output voltage slowly up to that voltage (say 200 volts) to which the milliammeter is
to be calibrated.
5) Adjust the external resistance R to obtain full-scale deflection of the milliammeter (In). Note the
voltmeter reading. If it is different from the previously adjusted value then adjust both the
potential divider and the series resistance R to obtain the voltage (Vn) while the milliammeter
gives full-scale deflection.
6) Note the final reading (after adjustments) of Step 5. Decrease the output voltage (with the help of
potential divider) in steps up to the zero reading in the milliammeter. Note the instruments
reading in each step. Take ten sets of readings.

EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS:

K=Vn/In (volts/milliamps)

Sl No Substandard Voltmeter Milliammeter Equivalent Voltage Correction

Reading Reading
V (volts) I (mA) Veq=K.I V- Veq (volts)

REPORT:
1. Draw the calibration curve & correction curve of the milliammeter using scale (join point
to point).
2. Define Equivalent Voltage. Show sample calculations.
3. What do you mean by calibration?
4. What is a rheostat? How is it used and why? Draw and explain with reference to the given
circuit diagram.