CHAPTER 3: Extension of measuring range of instruments
3.1 Continue:
ii. Multiplier
The range of voltmeter can be extended by connecting a non-inductive high resistance, called multiplier
in series with the voltmeter coil. The multiplier limits the current through the meter so that it does not
exceed the value of full-scale deflection and thus prevents the movement from being damaged. Materials
used for multipliers are manganin and constantan. It is denoted by Rse.
V L
v O
A
Rse D
Let Im be the current flowing through voltameter and series resistance (Rse). Let drop in voltmeter
resistance (Rm) is V1. V is the total voltage which is to be measured.
Using KVL, we get
𝑉 = 𝑉𝑚 + 𝐼𝑚 ∗ 𝑅𝑠𝑒
𝑉 − 𝑉𝑚 = 𝐼𝑚 ∗ 𝑅𝑠𝑒
𝑉 − 𝑉𝑚
𝑅𝑠𝑒 =
𝐼𝑚
𝑉 𝑉𝑚
𝑅𝑠𝑒 = −
𝐼𝑚 𝐼𝑚
𝑉 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑚
𝑅𝑠𝑒 = ∗ −
𝐼𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
𝑉
𝑅𝑠𝑒 = 𝑅𝑚 ∗ − 𝑅𝑚
𝑉𝑚
𝑉
𝑅𝑠𝑒 = 𝑅𝑚 ( − 1)
𝑉𝑚
𝑅𝑠𝑒 = 𝑅𝑚 (𝑁 − 1)
𝑉
Where 𝑁 = 𝑉𝑚
is called multiplying factor.
Properties of Multipliers:
• Their resistance should not change with time.
• The change in their resistance with temperature should be small i.e. TVR should be small.
• They should be non-inductively wound for A.C meters.
Advantages/ Uses of multiplier
• It is used to protect the voltameter from strong voltage.
• It is used to extend the range of measuring instrument.
Disadvantages
• Power consumption increases.
• It does not provide isolation.
3.2 Multi -range meters
a) Ammeter
Ammeter is an instrument for measuring either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) electric current, in
amperes. An ammeter can measure a wide range of current values because at high values only a small
portion of the current is directed through the meter mechanism; a shunt in parallel with the meter
carries the major portion. In circuit diagrams, the symbol for an ammeter is a circle with a capital A
inside. To measure the current, generally the ammeter is connected in series with the circuit.
Ammeter always offers low resistance, and zero internal resistance is offered by an ideal ammeter. The
device has an inbuilt fuse that protects the device from heavy current. If substantial current flows
through the ammeter, the fuse will break. The ammeter cannot measure the current until the new
fuse is replaced.
b) Voltmeter
A voltmeter, also known as a voltage meter, is an instrument that measures the voltage or potential
difference between two points of an electronic or electrical circuit. Usually, the voltmeter is used for
Alternating Current (AC) circuits or Direct Current (DC) circuits. Alternatively, Radio Frequency (RF)
voltage can also be measured by specialized voltmeters.
A voltmeter measures voltages usually calibrated in volts, millivolts (0.001 volt), or kilovolts (1,000
volts). In order to measure a device’s voltage, a voltmeter is connected in parallel to a device. This
setup is important as objects in parallel usually tend to experience the same potential difference. It is
connected in parallel with the circuit, mainly because the same voltage drop occurs across it.
A voltmeter also has high internal resistance. This is done mainly because it is used in measuring the
potential difference between the two points of the circuit. As such, the current of the measuring
device remains the same. In other words, the high resistance of the voltmeter will impede the flow
of current through it. This allows the device to take correct readings of the voltage.
Voltmeter Symbol
The voltmeter is usually represented by the letter V, which is placed inside a circle adjoining two
terminals.
c) Ohmmeter
The instrument, which is used to measure the value of resistance between any two points in an electric
circuit is called ohmmeter. It can also be used to find the value of an unknown resistor. The units of
resistance are ohm and the measuring instrument is meter. So, the word “ohmmeter” is obtained by
combining the words “ohm” and “meter”.
d) Multimeter
A multimeter is a measuring instrument that can measure multiple electrical properties. A typical
multimeter can measure voltage, resistance, and current in which case can be used as a voltmeter,
ammeter, and ohmmeter. Digital multimeter displays the measurements on a digital screen, making it
easy to read and understand the results accurately. Digital multimeters have replaced traditional
analog meters and offer higher accuracy, reliability, and better handling of impedance.
