Lab-1 Manual:

Study of Ammeter, Voltmeter, and

Multimeter
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
- 1.1 Objectives
- 1.2 Theory
- 1.3 Equipment and Materials

2. Experiment 1: Study of Ammeter

- 2.1 Procedure
- 2.2 Observations
- 2.3 Calculations
- 2.4 Conclusion

3. Experiment 2: Study of Voltmeter

- 3.1 Procedure
- 3.2 Observations
- 3.3 Calculations
- 3.4 Conclusion

4. Experiment 3: Study of Multimeter

- 4.1 Procedure
- 4.2 Observations
- 4.3 Calculations
- 4.4 Conclusion

5. Safety Precautions

1. Introduction

1.1 Objectives

The objective of this laboratory manual is to familiarize students with the operation and use
of common electrical measurement instruments, specifically ammeters, voltmeters, and
multimeters. By the end of this lab, students should be able to:

- Understand the principles of operation of ammeters, voltmeters, and multimeters.

- Use ammeters to measure current in a circuit.
- Use voltmeters to measure voltage across various components in a circuit.
- Operate multimeters in both ammeter and voltmeter modes.
- Practice proper safety precautions when working with electrical instruments.
1.2 Theory

Ammeter:
An ammeter is an instrument used to measure electric current in a circuit. It is always
connected in series with the circuit under test and has very low resistance to minimize any
voltage drop. Ammeters are typically calibrated in amperes (A).

Voltmeter:
A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage difference between two points in an electrical
circuit. It is always connected in parallel with the component or circuit whose voltage you
want to measure. Voltmeters have a very high resistance to prevent drawing significant
current and altering the circuit's behavior. Voltmeters are typically calibrated in volts (V).

Multimeter:
A multimeter is a versatile instrument that can be used as an ammeter, voltmeter, and often
as an ohmmeter. It can measure current, voltage, and resistance. Multimeters are available
in both analog and digital forms. Modern digital multimeters (DMMs) are more common due
to their accuracy and ease of use.

1.3 Equipment and Materials

- Ammeter
- Voltmeter
- Multimeter (Digital or Analog)
- Breadboard
- Various resistors
- Connecting wires
- Power supply (DC)
- Safety goggles
- Electrical components (e.g., resistors, wires)
2. Experiment 1: Study of Ammeter

2.1 Procedure

1. Set up a simple DC circuit on the breadboard. This circuit should consist of a power
supply (e.g., battery), an ammeter, and a resistor in series. Ensure that the ammeter is
connected in series and correctly polarized.

2. Gradually increase the voltage from the power supply, and record the ammeter readings
at different voltage levels.

2.2 Observations

Record your observations of the ammeter readings and the corresponding voltage levels in
the table below:
Voltage (V) Ammeter Reading (A)
2
4
6
8
10
2.3 Calculations

Perform calculations to determine the current in the circuit at each recorded voltage level.

Example Calculation:
Suppose the voltage (V) across the circuit is 10 volts and the resistance (R) of the circuit is 5
ohms.

Using Ohm's law: I = V / R

I = 10 V / 5 Ω = 2 A

So, the current (I) is 2 amperes.

2.4 Conclusion

Draw conclusions based on your observations and calculations. Discuss the behavior of the
ammeter in the circuit and whether it affects the circuit's current.

3. Experiment 2: Study of Voltmeter

3.1 Procedure

1. Modify the circuit setup from Experiment 1 by replacing the ammeter with a voltmeter.
Connect the voltmeter in parallel across the resistor.

2. Gradually increase the voltage from the power supply and record the voltmeter readings
at different voltage levels.

3.2 Observations

Record your observations of the voltmeter readings and the corresponding voltage levels in
the table below:

Voltage (V) Voltmeter Reading (V)

2
4
6
8
10

3.3 Calculations

Perform calculations to determine the voltage across the resistor at each recorded voltage
level.
Example Calculation:
Suppose the voltmeter reads 8 volts when connected to the circuit.
So, the voltage (V) across the resistor is 8 volts.

3.4 Conclusion

Draw conclusions based on your observations and calculations. Discuss the behaviour of the
voltmeter in the circuit and how it measures voltage.

4. Experiment 3: Study of Multimeter

4.1 Procedure

1. Set up a circuit similar to Experiment 1 with a resistor and power supply.

2. Connect a digital multimeter in series to measure current (ammeter mode). Record the
current readings.

3. Connect the same multimeter in parallel to measure voltage (voltmeter mode). Record the
voltage readings.

4. Change the range or function of the multimeter (if applicable) to measure resistance
(ohmmeter mode). Measure the resistance of various resistors.

4.2 Observations

Record your observations of the current, voltage, and resistance measurements taken using
the multimeter in the tables below:

Current Measurements (A):

Voltage (V) Current Reading (A)

2
4
6
8
10

Voltage Measurements (V):

Voltage (V) Voltage Reading (V)

2
4
6
8
10
Resistance Measurements (Ω):

Resistor Value (Ω) Resistance Reading (Ω)

100
220
470
680
1000

4.3 Calculations

Perform calculations if necessary based on your measurements.

Example Calculation (Resistance):

Suppose you measure the resistance of a resistor as 100 ohms using the multimeter in
ohmmeter mode.

So, the resistance (R) is 100 ohms.

4.4 Conclusion

Summarize your findings regarding the functionality of the multi meter and its use in
measuring current, voltage, and resistance.

5. Safety Precautions

1. Wear safety goggles: Protect your eyes from potential hazards.

2. Follow circuit diagrams: Ensure that your circuits are connected as per the provided
instructions.

3. Avoid touching live wires: Ensure the power supply is off when making connections or
adjustments.

4. Use appropriate voltage and current limits: Do not exceed the rated limits of the
instruments.

5. Keep the work area clean: Avoid clutter and organize wires and components neatly.

6. Turn off power before making changes: Always disconnect the power supply before
modifying the circuit.

7. Double-check connections: Verify your connections before applying power to avoid

short circuits.

8. Handle instruments with care: Avoid dropping or mishandling the equipment.