Electrical Studys

   

Before we know about how to measure electric current, firstly know what is electric current. Electric current is a flow of electric charge, it exist where voltage is present.

To measure electric current we use instrument known as ammeter. If we want to measure electric current, we have to pass the current through it. However ammeter measure current in ampere. Ampere is the SI unit of current.

However ammeter is not suitable to measure high electric current. In such case we use transformer known as current transformer.

Electric current is typically measured using an ammeter, which is a specialized instrument designed for this purpose. Here are the steps to measure electric current using an ammeter:

1. Select the Appropriate Ammeter:

Choose an ammeter that is appropriate for the expected range of current you want to measure. Ammeters come in various sizes and ranges, so pick one that can handle the current you're dealing with.

2. Turn Off the Circuit:

Before connecting the ammeter, make sure the circuit is turned off to prevent any electrical hazards.

3. Connect the Ammeter in Series:

To measure current, you need to connect the ammeter in series with the circuit. This means the current flows through the ammeter. To do this:

   a. Disconnect one part of the circuit where you want to measure the current. For example, if you're working with a simple circuit with a single resistor, disconnect one of the wires connected to the resistor.

   b. Connect the ammeter in series by connecting one lead of the ammeter to one end of the gap in the circuit and the other lead of the ammeter to the other end. This ensures that all of the current flows through the ammeter.

4. Turn On the Circuit:

Once the ammeter is correctly connected, turn on the circuit. The current will flow through the ammeter, and the ammeter will display the current reading.

5. Read the Ammeter:

Read the current measurement from the ammeter's display. Make sure to use the appropriate units (usually amperes or milliamperes, represented as A or mA).

6. Turn Off the Circuit:

After taking the measurement, turn off the circuit to disconnect the ammeter safely.

7. Disconnect the Ammeter:

Remove the ammeter from the circuit by disconnecting its leads.

For Example to measure the current in the LED circuit, follow these steps:

• Set your multimeter’s range selector to a DC milliamp range of at least 20 mA.
• Remove the jumper wire that connects the two terminal strips.
• Touch the black lead from the multimeter to the LED lead that connects to the terminal strip (not the bus strip).
• Touch the red lead from the multimeter to the resistor lead that connects to the terminal strip (not the bus strip).
• Read the number on the multimeter display.
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Remember that ammeters have a specific range, so ensure that the current being measured falls within the range of the ammeter. Using an ammeter with a range that is too low can damage the instrument, while using one with a range that is too high may result in inaccurate measurements.

Always exercise caution when working with electricity and follow safety procedures to avoid electrical hazards. If you're not experienced in working with electrical circuits, it's a good idea to seek the assistance of a qualified electrician or technician.