Voltage meters will measure both amps and volts with the tweaking of technique and set up of wires and plug ins. Learn how with the basics of the science of electrical current meters, a voltmeter and resistors. It all starts with physics as well as the electrons and protons of the atoms.

You can learn the basis of the science of volt meters and current meters. However, it’s not exactly easy for new students to grasp, as some engineering and science professors like to point out. Keep plugging away. When you don’t understand a concept, term or idea, look it up and keep digging and it will start to make sense. Here are a few things to consider when learning about current voltage meters:

1. Read about the science behind electrical voltage and current meters.

2. Build a solar current meter.

3. See a video and read deeper analyses of electrical multimeters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the basic science behind a volt meter or an electric current meter

Voltage and current meters' basics cover magnetic and electric fields, electromagnetic energy, as well as resistors, transistors and amplifiers. Current forms a magnetic field and voltage forms an electric field. Together they are the electromagnetic field-visible light, radio waves, x-rays, ultraviolet rays, electricity--current and voltage together.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks describes current, voltage and resistors to those who want to understand more about the fundamentals of current and voltage meters. See what Bill Beaty has to say about the topic of voltage meters in the Measuring Voltage section.

Learn to assemble your own current voltage meters

What better way to learn about a voltage or current meter than building your own? Well, here you can learn to build a current meter using solar panels, and a specialized voltmeter.

I recommend: Build your own solar current meter from scratch, and learn step-by-step what makes this meter tick with Forrest Cook's instruction. Follow step-by-step instructions to assemble a potentiometric voltmeter at All About Circuits.

Read in-depth analyses of a voltage meter and other multimeters

Multimeter is another name for a voltmeter. What is nice about these meters is that they can measure both amps and volts. In other words, a multimeter can measure both current and voltage in two separate measurement applications, both the DC and the AC.

I recommend: Multimeter is another name for a voltmeter. What is nice about these meters is that they can measure both amps and volts. In other words, a multimeter can measure both current and voltage in two separate measurement applications, both the DC and the AC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take a class in technical physics at a two-year college to learn more about current, voltage, resistors and meters. You will learn the basics about volt meters and current meters and get to play with them in your lab.

Electrical current meters and voltage meters have a broad usage base and are made and sold to a variety of different disciplines. It's easy to get the wrong type of voltage meter unless you know exactly what type to look for.

While current meters are generally a low end capital investment, you also want to make sure you buy useful durable tools. Here are some things to consider when looking for the volt meter that is right for your type of business:

1. What range of current are you dealing with?
2. Is this a shop tool or do you need a electric current meter that you can take on the road?
3. Which is better for my line of work, digital or analog readout?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a volt meter designed for its purpose

Volt meters come in such a wide range of styles an sizes that it's difficult to determine which one is best suited for your application. The more intricate your electrical work, the more options you need on your electrical voltage meter tools.

I recommend: Digi-Key Corporation has over 400 types of meters available and carries specialty meters for the intricate needs of those in the components field. Fotronic Corporation has hundreds of meter tools and specialty meters available at their Test Equipment Depot; for instance, current probes and clamps are some of the meter accessories they carry.

Find the specific voltage and current meters designed for your line of work

You need to have a rugged voltmeter with impact resistance when using it in the field. For basic voltmeter needs, the added benefit of impact resistance makes any voltage and current meter last longer. But if field use is not what you need, tabletop models for high voltage requirements are found at specialty manufacturers and distributors.

I recommend: Specifically designed for field use, the 1035 500V Megohmmeters Field Kit by Omni Controls gives those who need a rugged tool to survive the tests field use brings. 149-30A High Voltage Digital Voltmeter (DC 30kV) by Kikusui Electronics Corporation is a table top model for calibration of insulation and other testers.

Decide between an analog and digital voltage meter

Both digital and analog current meters have their benefits. When you switch to ammeter mode, an analog display is very sensitive and can read down to 50 µA, but most high-end digital voltmeters can equal this performance. If you are comfortable with the quality and longevity of the digital current meter, then you may want to make the investment.

I recommend: Yokogawa Corporation of America carries a wide selection of analog panel current meters for specialty use in the electronics field. Large display options and small panel applications are just some of the meter selections available from Yokogawa. Valuetronics International sells high quality refurbished high end digital voltmeters at discounted prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As with any electronic equipment and tools, voltmeters can come from the factory with damaged internal components. Be sure to check the manufacturer's warranty and return policy before investing even a small amount of capital.

Any pro knows that volt meters are a critical inclusion in the electrician's toolbelt. Even amateurs often have one of these lying around, as the voltmeter provides an elementary (or advanced) way to measure the way current flies through residential or commercial systems. But what about knowing how to use these simple tools and take advantage of the readouts you get?

The web offers a lot of options for those who want to learn about different types of voltage meters. From specialized training to handy tips and tricks, readers can get access to the solutions they need for making the most out of their electrical tools, including:

1. Links to established training institutions where beginner electricians will get educated on how to use a voltage meter.

2. Online how-tos and product or industry sites offering specific knowledge or training on an electric current meter or similar device.

3. Trade forums where professionals talk about using volt meters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for schools and programs for electric current meters and basic electrical training

Often, a new worker will want to take advantage of a full training course rather than pursue 'learning on the job.' In this case, a variety of courses from established, credible schools will get a novice proficient in using volt meters and other tools.

I recommend: Programs like the basic electrical training offered by Penn Foster's "Workforce Development" program teach the basics of using volt meters and other tools safely and efficiently. Get access to more electrician training options at ULinks.com.

Find online guides and tutorials for using volt meters

A different route to learning more about electric voltage meter tools is online tutorials: these can be great for someone who is not looking to get 'fully trained,' but rather to combine an existing electrical knowledge (as well as good old common sense) with outside tool expertise.

I recommend: Get helpful info on AC voltmeters and ammeters at All About Circuits. Check out YouTube video tutorials on How to Use a Voltmeter, if you're more of a visual learner.

Find forums for discussing volt meters and other electrical tools

Another way the web 'levels the playing field' is with forums, where individuals can talk about their actual experience with electrical current meters and electrical systems.

I recommend: GlobalSpec is a company offering a variety of industrial tools and knowledge to the global marketplace: use their forums to find out about the workings of a voltmeter, among many other topics. Find info on troubleshooting residential systems with a voltmeter at the Home Repair Forum.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For all kinds of voltage and current meters education and training, keep in mind the scope of your goals. Are you trying to learn for one or two particular residential projects, or are you in it for the long haul, for a career in residential and commercial? These questions will help you select your desired training.