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3 Measuring Voltage and Current | energyspace

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Measuring Voltage in a Circuit

To measure the voltage across a circuit or component, a voltmeter must be connected in parallel.

Digital Voltmeter

The diagrams below illustrate the methods of connecting a voltmeter in a circuit to measure the voltage across a protection device and a resistive
load. Notice the differences in the measured values when the circuit protection device is open and closed.

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Load De-energised

(circuit breaker open)

Load Energised

(circuit breaker closed)

Measuring Current in a Circuit

To measure the current in a circuit or component, an ammeter must be connected in series. This means that the circuit conductor under test must be
broken to allow the ammeter to be connected.

Alternatively, clamp-type ammeters, also known as ‘tong testers’, are designed to measure current by sensing the electromagnetic field around a
conductor. This allows current to be measured without the need for direct connection of the meter into the circuit.

Digital Clamp-Type Ammeter

The internal resistance of an ammeter must be extremely low to reduce the loading effect. It is very important not to connect an ammeter in parallel,
as this will result in a hazardous current flowing through the low resistance parallel path offered by the meter.

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The diagrams below illustrate the methods of connecting an analogue ammeter into a circuit to measure the line current. Notice the differences in
the measured values when the circuit protection device is open and closed.

Load De-energised

(circuit breaker open)

Load Energised

(circuit breaker closed)

Analogue Meter Readings

Analogue meters often consist of more than one range, and so it’s important to understand how to interpret the readings. The following diagram
shows a reading taken by an analogue multimeter, consisting of:

an ohm’s range

a d.c. volts range

an a.c. volts range

a d.c. mA range

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Analogue Multimeter Reading

When set to ohms, the meter is calibrated to indicate resistance on the green scale. In this case the meter indicates a reading of 6.5 Ω.

When set to d.c. volts, the meter is calibrated to indicate d.c. voltage on the uppermost black scale. In this case the meter indicates a reading of 100
V d.c.

When set to d.c. milliamperes, the meter is calibrated to indicate d.c. current on the lower black scale. In this case the meter indicates a reading of 20
mA.

When set to a.c. volts, the meter is calibrated to indicate a.c. voltage on the red scale. In this case the meter indicates a reading of 4 V a.c.

Parallax Error

Parallax error can occur when an analogue scale is read at an angle other than straight on, due to the distance between the needle and the scale.

Loading Effect of Meters

It’s not possible to connect a meter into a circuit without the meter having an slight effect on the circuit parameters – this is called the loading effect.
For example:

An ammeter has a very small resistance – when connected in series, the current measured will be slightly less than if the meter resistance
was not there. The higher the ammeter resistance the greater the effect will be on the circuit parameters.

A voltmeter has a very high resistance – when connected in parallel, this slightly reduces the total resistance of the circuit, thereby
affecting the voltage. The lower the voltmeter resistance, the greater the effect will be on the circuit parameters.

This loading effect is of no practical consequence for general work, but it may need to be taken into account for specialist work where
measurements need to be highly precise. The following worked example shows how to calculate the loading effect of a voltmeter.

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Worked Example - Loading Effect of Meters

The diagram above shows a voltage test being undertaken on a basic series d.c. circuit to measure the voltage
across R2. Note how the connection of the meter resistance has created a series-parallel circuit.

R1 has a resistance of 500 Ω

R2 has a resistance of 1 kΩ

The voltmeter has a resistance (Rm) of 50 kΩ

First calculate the theoretical voltage across R2, i.e. without the voltmeter connected:

Now calculate the voltage that will be measured across R2 when the voltmeter is connected:

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So in this case, even though there is really 16 V across R2, due to the resistance of the voltmeter, it will only measure
15.9 V.

Testing Hazards and Safety

The primary risk associated with electrical testing is coming into contact with energised parts. This can be caused by poor understanding, incorrect
meter connections or faulty test equipment. To reduce the risks associated with testing electrical circuit and equipment, a few general safety
precautions should be taken:

Only use test equipment that meets Australian Standards of a suitable Category,

Only use test equipment of a suitable Category for the test being carried out

Always check test equipment for damage or faulty operation prior to use

Ensure that you have selected the correct range and settings prior to use

Ensure correct polarity where applicable

When using series test lamps, remember that if one probe is in contact with an energised conductor, the other probe poses a shock
hazard

Never trust a non-contact voltage indicator to prove that a circuit is de-energised

This learning activity consists of 9 parts, designed to develop your knowledge of how to use ammeters and voltmeters, including meter
connections, interpretation of readings, testing hazards and safety precautions.

Topic 4.3 Learning Activity

In this skills practice, you will apply your understanding of voltmeters and ammeters to observe the loading effect of meters in a circuit. You’ll need
to use your RTO’s practical facilities for this task, so ask your teacher for further details, and about how to obtain the required equipment.

This skills practice involves the connection of circuits and meters, so be careful, and remember to do a thorough risk assessment.

Topic 4.3 Skills Practice

Undertaking the following Content Quiz will help you to check your understanding of the techniques used to measure voltage and current
including types and characteristics of test equipment, methods of connection, interpretation of results, and safety considerations.

Topic 4 Content Quiz

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