Government Engineering

College, Modasa
Electrical Measurement And Measuring Instruments
Module Name : Measurement Of Resistance
Topic Name : Measurement Of Low Resistance

Presented By:
Kazim Marfatiya

Classification Of Electrical Resistance

High resistance: under this category resistance is greater than

0.1 M ohm.
Medium resistance: under this category resistance is ranging
from 1 ohm to 0.1M ohm.
Low resistance: under this category resistance value is lower
than 1 ohm.

Measurement of Low Resistance

R<1
The figure shows the construction
of low resistance
For the protection of low
resistance, it is constructed with
four terminals
CC = Current Terminals
PP = Potential Terminals
The value of low resistance is
measured between the potential
terminal P and P.

Method of Measurement of Low Resistance

Voltmeter and Ammeter Method
Kelvin Bridge Method
Kelvins Double Bridge Method
Recall our classification done above, as we move from top to
bottom the value of resistance decreases hence, we require
more accurate and precise device to measure the low value of
resistance
We need some modification in Wheatstone bridge itself, and
the modified bridge so obtained is Kelvin bridge, which is not
only suitable for measuring low value of resistance but has
wide range of applications in the industrial world

Voltmeter and Ammeter Method

There are two methods of connecting voltmeter

and ammeter for measurement of resistance as
shown in figure.

In both cases measured value of unknown

resistance is equal to the reading of voltmeter
divided by reading of ammeter.

From fig.(1)

R = Rm

Ideally R = Rm only when Ra = 0

From fig.(2)

R=

Ideally R = Rm when resistance of voltmeter

is

Kelvin Bridge
Ry = represents resistance of connecting
lead from R3 to Rx.

Connection
of G
To point m
To point n

Value of Rx
Higher than
the actual
Lower than
the actual

Figure (2)

Calculation Of Unknown Resistance by Kelvin Bridge

From Fig.(2)

Rnp
1
= R
R2
Rmp

The balance condition of bridge is

Rx +Rnp =

R1
(R + R
R2 3 mp)

Substituting from eq.(1)

R
R
R
Rx + R1 Rmp = R1 R3 + R1 Rmp
2

Rx =

R1 R3
R2

The problems with the above method are :

the method is not practical

difficult to find correct galvanometer null point

Kelvins Double Bridge Method

To Overcome the problem Of Kelvin Bridge ,
The New Bridge is Introduced ,which is used for
precise measurement of low resistance called
Kelvins Double Bridge.

Construction
Consist of 2 ratio arms
Connected resistances are P, Q,
p,q,r,S,R.
r is the resistance of slide wire
R is the unknown resistance
Rg is regulating resistance
Galvanometer (G) is connected
between point F and H.

Working
By adjusting the balanced
condition, we can find the
unknown resistance

Calculation Of Unknown Resistance by Kelvins Double Bridge

At Balance condition Ig = 0.
Hence voltage across P = voltage across R + voltage across p
VP = VR + Vp
I1P = IR + I2p
(3)
Similarly voltage across Q = Voltage across S + voltage across q
VQ = VS + Vq
I1Q = IS + I2q .(4)
Voltage across r = voltage across (p+q)
Vr = V(p+q)
So,

I2 = ++

So from eq.(1)

I1P = IR +

++

.(5)

I1Q = IS +

++

..(6)

Calculation Of Unknown Resistance by Kelvins Double Bridge

Divide eq. (5) & (6)

1
++
=

1 +

++
+

Finally we get the below equation

R= +

++

.(7)

Usually, ratio is adjusted is equal to . So eq.(7) can be expressed as

R=
For accurate measurement of R two readings are taken by reversing the direction of current,
the average value of these two values is taken as magnitude of unknown resistance