Ammeter

Definition:
Ammeter is a modified Galvanometer used to measure large amount of current.
Connection in Circuits:
An ammeter is always placed in series with other circuit components through which the current
is to be measured.
Construction of Ammeter:
1. U Shape Permanent Magnet
U Shaped Permanent Magnets with concave poles.
2. Rectangular Copper Coil
Rectangular Copper Coil wound on a frame of some non-magnetic material.
3. Suspension Wire
Suspension Wire, which also severs as current lead. Its other end is connected to a spiral
which severs as second current lead.
4. Iron Core
Presence of iron cylinder increases the magnetic field between the pole and the lines of
forces remain parallel.
5. Pointer
Aluminum pointer attached to pivoted coil, to read the deflection.
6. Shunt
It is a low value resistance connected in parallel with the coil of galvanometer.

Principle of Operation:
When current s allowed to pass through the galvanometer, shunt
Resistance Which is placed parallel to the coil of the galvanometer
by great part of the Current and only a small known fraction of the
total current passes through the Coil of galvanometer. On passing current coil becomes
magnet. Attraction or repulsion between the poles of permanent magnet and coil magnet
cause a deflection in the coil.
Source: http://4mechtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/Construction-andWorking-of-Ammeter.html

Safety Use
When you use an ammeter, certain precautions must be observed to prevent injury to yourself
or others and to prevent damage to the ammeter or the equipment on which you are working.
The following list contains the MINIMUM precautions to observe when using an ammeter.
Ammeters must always be connected in series with the circuit under test. Always start with the
highest range of an ammeter. De-energize and discharge the circuit completely before you
connect or disconnect the ammeter. In dc ammeters, observe the proper circuit polarity to
prevent the meter from being damaged. Never use a dc ammeter to measure ac. Observe the
general safety precautions of electrical and electronic devices.
Source: http://electriciantraining.tpub.com/14175/css/14175_36.htm

Voltmeter
Definition:
Voltmeter is a modified form of galvanometer used to measure potential difference between
the two points of a circuit.
Connection in Circuit:
In order to measure the potential difference of a resistor, a voltmeter is always connected in
parallel to the source.
Construction of Voltmeter:
1. U Shape Permanent Magnet
U Shaped Permanent Magnets with concave poles.
2. Rectangular Copper Coil
Rectangular Copper Coil wound on a frame of some non-magnetic material.
3. Suspension Wire
Suspension Wire, which also severs as current lead. Its other end is connected to a spiral
which severs as second current lead.
4. Iron Core
Presence of iron cylinder increases the magnetic field between the pole and the lines of
forces remain parallel.
5. Pointer
Aluminum pointer attached to pivoted coil, to read the deflection.

6. Shunt
It is a low value resistance connected in parallel with the coil of galvanometer.
Principle of operation:
According to Ohms law, the potential difference across a resistance is directly proportional to
the current passing through it. Therefore the deflection in the galvanometer is directly
proportional to the potential difference applied across the terminal of the galvanometer.
Source: http://4mechtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/Construction-and-Working-Principle-ofVoltmeter.html

Safety Use:
Just as with ammeters, voltmeters require safety precautions to prevent injury to personnel
and damage to the voltmeter or equipment. The following is a list of the MINIMUM safety
precautions for using a voltmeter. Always connect voltmeters in parallel. Always start with the
highest range of a voltmeter. De-energize and discharge the circuit completely before
connecting or disconnecting the voltmeter. In dc voltmeters, observe the proper circuit polarity
to prevent damage to the meter. Never use a dc voltmeter to measure ac voltage
Source: http://electriciantraining.tpub.com/14175/css/14175_44.htm

IRON VANE METER

The moving iron vane movement meter can be used to measure both AC Current and Voltage.
By changing the meter scale calibration, the movement can be used to measure DC Current and
Voltage.

Construction of an Iron Vane Meter:

Operating principle of a Moving Iron vane Meter:

The moving iron vane meter operated on the principle of magnetic repulsion between
like poles. The measured current flows through a field of coil which produces a magnetic field
proportional to the magnitude of the current. Suspended in this field are two vanes attached to
a pointer. The two iron vanes consist of one fixed an one movable vane. The magnetic field
produced by the current flow magnetizes the two iron vanes with the same polarity regardless
of the direction of the current through the coil. Since like poles repel one another, the moving
iron vane pulls away from the fixed vane and moves the meter pointer. The motion exerts a
force against a spring. The distance the moving iron vane will travel against the spring depends
on the strength of the magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field depends on the
magnitude of current flow. This type of movement may be also used to measure voltage. At
this type of movement, the field coil consists of many turns of fine wire used to generate a
strong magnetic field with only a small current flow.

DARSONVAL MOVEMENT METER

The DArsonval Movement Meter is commonly used in sensing mechanism used in DC
ammeters, voltmeters, and ohmmeters. The DArsonval is DC moving coil-type movement in
which an electromagnetic core is suspended between the poles of a permanent magnet.
Construction of a DArsonval Movement Meter:

Operation principle of a DArsonval Meter:

The current measured is directed through the coils of the electromagnet so that the
magnetic field produced by the current opposes the field of the permanent magnet and causes
rotation of the core. The core is restrained by springs so that the needle will deflect or move in
proportion to the current intensity. The more current applied to the core, the stronger the
opposing field and the larger the deflection, up to the limit of the current capacity of the coil.
When the current is interrupted, the opposing field collapses, the needle is returned to zero by
restraining springs. The limit of the current that can be applied to this type movement is usually
less than 1mA.