ELECTRICAL MESURING INSTRUMENTS

MODULE ONE

Measuring instruments are devices used to measure physical quantities such as length,
mass, time, temperature, and others. These instruments help us to obtain accurate and
precise measurements, which are essential in various fields like science, engineering,
medicine, and more.

Types of Measuring Instruments

1. Linear Measuring Instruments: Measure length, distance, or height.

1. Ruler

2. Tape measure

3. Caliper

4. Micrometer

2. Mass Measuring Instruments: Measure weight or mass.

1. Balance

2. Scale

3. Weighing machine

3. Time Measuring Instruments: Measure time or frequency.

1. Clock

2. Watch

3. Stopwatch

4. Frequency counter

4. Temperature Measuring Instruments: Measure temperature.

1. Thermometer

2. Thermocouple

3. Infrared thermometer

5. Electrical Measuring Instruments: Measure electrical quantities.

1. Multimeter

2. Ammeter

3. Voltmeter

1|Page
 4. Ohmmeter

6. Pressure Measuring Instruments: Measure pressure or vacuum.

1. Barometer

2. Manometer

3. Pressure gauge

7. Flow Measuring Instruments: Measure fluid flow rate.

1. Flow meter

2. Anemometer

8. Level Measuring Instruments: Measure liquid level or depth.

1. Level sensor

2. Depth gauge

9. Sound Measuring Instruments: Measure sound pressure or intensity.

1. Sound level meter

2. Decibel meter

ther Types of Measuring Instruments

1. Analog Instruments: Use analog signals to display measurements.

2. Digital Instruments: Use digital signals to display measurements.

3. Precision Instruments: Provide high-accuracy measurements.

4. Calibrated Instruments: Have been calibrated to ensure accuracy.

5. Smart Instruments: Use advanced technologies like IoT and AI.

Importance of Measuring Instruments

1. Accuracy: Provide accurate measurements.

2. Precision: Enable precise measurements.

3. Reliability: Offer reliable measurements.

4. Efficiency: Streamline measurement processes.

5. Safety: Ensure safety in various applications.

In summary, measuring instruments are essential tools that help us obtain accurate and
precise measurements in various fields. Understanding the different types of measuring

2|Page
instruments and their applications is crucial for selecting the right instrument for a specific
task.

ELECTRICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS: A FOCUS AREA IN OUR STUDY

In the realm of measurement and instrumentation, our primary focus will be on electrical
measuring instruments. These instruments play a crucial role in measuring various electrical
parameters, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of electrical systems.

Scope of Study

Our study will delve into the principles, characteristics, and applications of electrical
measuring instruments. We will explore the various types of instruments used to measure
electrical quantities such as voltage, current, resistance, power, and energy.

Electrical measuring instruments

These are devices used to measure various electrical quantities such as voltage, current,
resistance, power, and energy.

Here are some common electrical measuring instruments:

1. Voltmeter

- Measures: Voltage (AC or DC)

- Types: Analog, Digital, Multimeter

- Function: Measures the potential difference between two points in a circuit.

2. Ammeter

- Measures: Current (AC or DC)

- Types: Analog, Digital, Clamp Meter

- Function: Measures the flow of electric current in a circuit.

3. Ohmmeter

- Measures: Resistance

- Types: Analog, Digital, Multimeter

- Function: Measures the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.

4. Multimeter

- Measures: Voltage, Current, Resistance, and other quantities

- Types: Analog, Digital, Auto-Ranging

- Function: An instrument that can measure multiple electrical quantities.

3|Page
5. Wattmeter

- Measures: Power (AC or DC)

- Types: Analog, Digital

- Function: Measures the power in a circuit.

6. Energy Meter

- Measures: Energy (AC or DC)

- Types: Analog, Digital, Smart Meter

- Function: Measures the total amount of electric energy consumed over a period of time.

7. Oscilloscope

- Measures: Waveform, Frequency, and other signal characteristics

- Types: Analog, Digital, Mixed-Signal

- Function: Displays the waveform of electrical signals, allowing for analysis and
measurement.

8. Frequency Counter

- Measures: Frequency

- Types: Digital, Counter/Timer

- Function: Measures the number of cycles or oscillations of an electrical signal per second.

9. Logic Analyzer

- Measures: Digital signals and logic states

- Types: Digital, Mixed-Signal

- Function: Analyses and measures digital signals, allowing for troubleshooting and
debugging.

10. Clamp Meter

- Measures: Current (AC or DC)

- Types: Digital, Clamp-on

- Function: Measures current without interrupting the circuit, using a clamp-on sensor.

These electrical measuring instruments are essential tools for electricians, engineers, and
technicians to measure, analyse, and troubleshoot electrical circuits and systems.

4|Page
 1. MOVING IRON INSTRUMENTS

These are a types of electrical measuring instrument that uses a moving iron piece to
measure electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and power.

Construction

A moving iron instrument consists of:

1. Fixed Iron Piece: A stationary iron piece that is magnetized by the current flowing through
the coil.

2. Moving Iron Piece: A movable iron piece that is attracted to the fixed iron piece when the
coil is energized.

3. Spring: A spring that opposes the movement of the moving iron piece.

4. Pointer: A pointer that is attached to the moving iron piece and indicates the
measurement on a calibrated scale.

Working Principle

When a current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is produced, which magnetizes the
fixed iron piece. The moving iron piece is attracted to the fixed iron piece, causing it to move
against the spring. The movement of the moving iron piece is proportional to the current
flowing through the coil. The pointer attached to the moving iron piece indicates the
measurement on a calibrated scale.

Types of Moving Iron Instruments

1. Attraction Type: The moving iron piece is attracted to the fixed iron piece.

5|Page
2. Repulsion Type: The moving iron piece is repelled by the fixed iron piece.

Advantages

1. Simple Construction

2. Low Cost

3. Can withstand mechanical shocks.

Disadvantages

1. Non-Linear Scale.

2. Limited Accuracy

3. Sensitive to Temperature changes.

Applications

1. used in Ammeters.

2. used in Voltmeters

3. used in Wattmeter

6|Page
2. MOVING COIL INSTRUMENT

Moving coil instruments are a type of electrical measuring instrument that uses a moving
coil to measure electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and power.

Construction

A moving coil instrument consists of:

1. Moving Coil: A coil of wire that is suspended in a magnetic field.

2. Magnetic Field: A permanent magnet that provides a constant magnetic field.

3. Spring: A spring that opposes the movement of the coil.

4. Pointer: A pointer that is attached to the coil and indicates the measurement on a
calibrated scale.

Working Principle

When a current flows through the coil, a torque is produced, causing the coil to rotate. The
rotation of the coil is proportional to the current flowing through it. The spring opposes the
movement of the coil, and the pointer attached to the coil indicates the measurement on a
calibrated scale.

Types of Moving Coil Instruments

1. PMMC (Permanent Magnet Moving Coil): Uses a permanent magnet to provide the
magnetic field. The diagram below shows the PMMC

7|Page
2. D'Arsonval: Uses a coil and magnet arrangement to provide the magnetic field as shown in
the diagram bellow

Advantages of MCI

1. High Accuracy.

2. Linear Scale

3. High Sensitivity.

4. Low Power Consumption

Disadvantages

1. Sensitive to Temperature changes.

2. Sensitive to mechanical vibrations.

3. Limited Range.

Applications

1. Ammeters

2. Voltmeters

3. Wattmeter

4. Galvanometers

8|Page
CONNECTION OF MESURING INSTRUMENTS IN THE CIRCUIT

Voltmeter Connection

1. always connect the voltmeter in parallel with the load.

2. Ensure the voltmeter's positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the
source and the negative to the negative terminal of the source

3. Select the appropriate voltage range on the voltmeter.

Analogue voltmeter digital voltmeter

9|Page
Ammeter Connection

1. Connect the ammeter in series with the circuit or load.

2.Ensure the ammeter's positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the circuit.

3. Select the appropriate current range on the ammeter.

analogue ammeter

Digital ammeter

10 | P a g e
Wattmeter Connection

1. Connect the wattmeter in series with the current coil and in parallel with the voltage coil.

2. Ensure the wattmeter's positive terminals are connected to the positive terminals of the
circuit.

3.Select the appropriate power range on the wattmeter.

Digital wattmeter Analogue wattmeter

11 | P a g e
Energy Meter Connection

1. Connect the energy meter in series with the load.

2. Ensure the energy meter's positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the
circuit.

3.Select the appropriate energy range on the energy meter.

OMMETER

An ohmmeter is used to measure the resistance of a circuit or a component. Here's how to

Connection Steps:

1. Turn off the power: Ensure the circuit is de-energized before connecting the ohmmeter.

2. Disconnect the power source: Remove any power sources, such as batteries or AC
supplies, from the circuit.

3. Identify the component: Identify the component or circuit section you want to measure.

4. Connect the ohmmeter leads: Connect the ohmmeter leads to the component or circuit
section, making sure to observe the correct polarity:

- Red lead (positive) to one terminal.

- Black lead (negative) to the other terminal.

5. Select the ohmmeter range: Choose the correct ohmmeter range for the expected
resistance value.

12 | P a g e
6. Take the measurement: Read the resistance value on the ohmmeter display.

Analogue ohmmeter digital ohmmeter

MULTIMETER

A Multimeter is an electrical measuring instrument that combines multiple functions in one

1. Voltage (DC and AC): It measures the potential difference between two points in a circuit.

2. Current (DC and AC): It measures the flow of electric current in a circuit.

3. Resistance: It measures the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.

4. Continuity: It tests for the presence of a continuous electrical path between two points.

5. Diode Test: It tests the forward and reverse bias of a diode.

13 | P a g e
Other parameters measured by Multimeter are;

1. Capacitance: Measures the capacitance of a capacitor.

2. Frequency: Measures the frequency of an AC signal.

3. Duty Cycle: Measures the duty cycle of a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal.

4. Temperature: Measures temperature using a thermocouple or thermistor.

5. Logic Levels: Tests digital logic levels (high/low) in electronic circuits.

Types of Multimeters:

1. Analog Multimeter: Uses a needle and dial to display measurements.

2. Digital Multimeter (DMM): Displays measurements on an LCD screen.

3. Auto-Ranging Multimeter: Automatically selects the correct measurement range.

4. True RMS Multimeter: Measures AC signals using the true RMS (Root Mean Square)
method.

Features:

1. Accuracy: High accuracy and precision in measurements.

2. Resolution: High resolution for precise measurements.

3. Range Selection: Manual or auto-ranging selection of measurement ranges.

4. Data Hold: Holds the last measurement for easy reading.

5. Backlight: Illuminates the display for use in low-light environments.

Applications:

1. Electrical Troubleshooting: Identifies electrical problems in circuits and systems.

2. Electronics Repair: Measures and tests electronic components and circuits.

3. Industrial Maintenance: Measures and tests electrical systems and equipment.

4. Education: Teaches electrical principles and measurement techniques.

14 | P a g e
Digital Multimeter Analogue Multimeter

15 | P a g e
16 | P a g e