Measurements of basic Electrical

Quantity (V,I,R)
• To measure voltage, we use a two-terminal
device called a Voltmeter.
• To measure current, we use a two-terminal
device called a Ammeter.
• To measure resistance, we use a two-
terminal device called a Ohmmeter.
• A Multimeter can be setup to function as any
of these three devices.
• In lab, you use an Analog Multimeter and a
Digital Multimeter to take measurements.
 What is an Analog Multimeter?

 It is a Galvanometer

An Analog multimeter measures

AC / DC voltage, resistance, and
current in an electric circuit.

It displays the reading by a needle

moving on a predefined Scale
 What is a Digital Multimeter?
•A digital multimeter measures AC / DC voltage,
resistance, and current in an electric circuit.
•It is highly accurate than Analog Multimeter and
displays the reading in a LCD (Liquid Cristal Display).
 Test Leads(Probes)

Test leads or probes are used to connect the

multimeter to the circuit to be tested.
 Function/Range Switch

DC Voltage
AC Voltage

Battery Test Resistance

DC Current Continuity Test

 Measuring Resistance
• To measure resistance, insert the measuring
instrument in parallel with the resistor you
are measuring with nothing else attached.
• The measuring device
applies a voltage to the
resistance and measures DMM
the current, then uses Ohm’s
law to determine resistance.
• It is important to adjust the settings of the
meter for the approximate size (Ω or MΩ) of
the resistance being measured so
appropriate voltage is applied to get a
reasonable current.
 Measuring Resistance

When measuring resistance, remove

component from the circuit.
Ohmmeter

The ohmmeter is used to

measure the resistance of
a component.

POWER CANNOT be
applied to the component
being tested.

The ohmmeter actually

applies a small voltage
and uses Ohm’s law to
calculate the resistance
from the measured
current.
Test Lead Connections - Resistance

• Same As Voltage Measurement

 Measuring Voltage
• To measure voltage, insert the measuring
instrument in parallel with the device you are
measuring. That is, put your measuring
instrument across the measured voltage.
• The measuring device
will contribute a very DMM
large resistance (like air)
when used as a voltmeter.
• It usually does not + v -
introduce serious error into
your measurement unless
the circuit resistance is large.
Measuring Voltage

• Voltage is like differential

pressure, always measure between
two points.

• Measure voltage between two

points or across a component in a
circuit.

• When measuring DC voltage make

sure polarity of meter is correct,
positive (+) red , negative (-) black.
 Voltage Meter

• The voltmeter is used to

measure the voltage
potential across a
component in an active
circuit.
• It can be used to
measure either DC or
AC voltages.
• AC voltage can ONLY
measure sinusoidal
(SINE) waveforms.
 Test Lead Connections - Voltage

• Plug the RED test lead into the jack labeled V/
and the BLACK test lead into the jack labeled COM
(common).
 Electrical Measuring Instruments
 Voltmeter
 Measuring Current
• To measure current, insert the measuring
instrument in series with the device you are
measuring. That is, put your measuring
instrument in the path of the current flow.
• The measuring device
will contribute a very
small resistance (like wire) i
when used as an ammeter.
• It usually does not
introduce serious error into
your measurement, unless DMM
the circuit resistance is small.
 Measuring Current

• To measure current, must break circuit and install meter in line.

• Measurement is imperfect because of voltage drop created by

meter.
 Ammeter

The ammeter is used

to measure the
current through a
component in an
active circuit.
It can be used to

measure only DC
current.
Some multimeters

can also measure AC

current.
 Test Lead Connections - Current

• Plug the RED test lead into

the jack labeled mA for
milliamps or into the jack
labeled 10A for circuits
with high current levels.
Plug the BLACK test lead
into the jack labeled COM.
• Be certain to select the
range according to the test
lead connections.
• Observe proper polarity.
 Electrical Measuring Instruments
 Ammeter
 Electrical Measuring Instruments
 Ammeter (cont’d)
 Exercise

• Measure DC voltage from battery using multimeter.

• Measure DC current from battery using multimeter.

• Measure AC voltage from wall outlet using a

multimeter

• Measure AC current from wall outlet using a

multimeter or clamp_meter.