Voltage and Current Meters Basics

Understand the basic features of electrical current meters

Voltage meters are used to measure an electrical current, and can either be installed in electrical devices, such as generators, or can be used separately as a tool known as a voltmeter. Electric current meters are useful for a range of tasks, including monitoring proper functioning of electrical machines, locating a source of electricity and searching for a break in electric current.

Two main types of electrical current meters are analog and digital volt meters. Other more sophisticated and specialized versions of the electric current meter exist, but these two are the most common basic types. Specialized current voltage meters are used with heavy machinery and in certain industries conducting research and development with electrical technologies.

When learning voltage and current meters basics, consider the following resources:

1. Read about how analog electrical current meters work and are used;
2. Understand what makes a digital voltage meter different from analog;
3. Become more familiar with voltage and how volt meters measure it.
   

 

Identify analog voltage meters by their needle display

Analog voltage meters are one of the most common types of voltmeter used today, and like most voltmeters, may be a feature of existing electrical machines consisting of an analog dial that shows the electrical current, or may be used separately as a multimeter tool. Analog meters use a dial or gauge display and a needle to point to the appropriate measure on the current display.
Try: MachineDesign.com explains how analog voltage meters work. MultimeterWareHouse.com also illustrates the basic features of an analog multimeter and how to use it.

Learn the basics for using a digital voltage meter

Another common type of electric current meter is the digital voltmeter, used for a number of additional features beyond measuring current and displaying it with a digital read out. Digital voltmeters generally contain analog-to-digital converters for converting the input to digital output. Digital voltmeters also contain amplifiers that enable them to read very small levels of electric current.
Try: Electronics Lab explains how a digital voltage meter works. You can also read more about digital voltmeters and their components and uses at Hobbico.

Understand the basics of electrical current to learn more about voltage meters

Another aspect of understanding voltage and current meters basics is to understand what voltage is and how it is measured. Because electrical current is a formula, other measurements, such as pressure and temperature, can also be converted to voltage. Some voltmeters are used to convert readings of these other physical measurements into voltage.
Try: Design Cabana explains more basic information about voltage and how it is measured. Bucknell University also provides information on voltage and basic purposes of taking measurements with a voltage meter.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---