Experiment No.

(3)
Measurement of D.C Current

AIM: Increase the value of full scale deflection of the ammeter.

Theory: Owing to the delicate nature of the moving coil instrument system, this
type of instrument is only suitable for measuring currents up to about 50mA directly.
The deflection is proportional to the current and scale is therefore uniformly divided.
When a large current has to be measured, a shunt R having a low resistance is
connected in parallel with the moving coil, and the instrument scale may be
calibrated to read directly current (1) the circuit becomes as shown in fig.(1).
Where:
Rm = internal resistance of the moving coil.
Im = full scale deflection of the moving coil.
RSh= resistance of the shunt.
ISh = shunt current.
I = full scale current of the ammeter including the shunt.

𝐼 𝑚 𝑥 𝑅𝑚
Rsh= ……………. (1)
𝐼−𝐼𝑚

Procedure:

1. Determine the value of Rsh which is required to be connected with the moving
coil to obtain 10 mA full scale deflection assuming Rm= 10KΩ and Im = 1mA.
2. Connect the circuit shown in fig. (2) and record the reading of the ammeter.
3. Check the above reading by using another ammeter as shown in fig. (3).
Discussion:
1. Derive equation no. 1.
2. Compare between the readings of the two ammeters and discuss the results.
3. Design and draw the circuit of multiple scale ammeter.
4. Design and draw the circuit of multiple Ayrton shunt ammeter.
5. What are the advantages of moving coil instrument?

Fig (3)