Voltmeter - Types And Uses - Besto Electrical

Voltmeter - Types And Uses

 A voltmeter is an electrical component used to measure the voltage, or electrical potential difference, in a circuit. It is one of the most basic and important tools used in electrical and electronics engineering. By measuring voltage, engineers and technicians can determine the amount of electrical energy available to power a device, and diagnose issues with electrical circuits.

Types Of Voltmeters

Voltmeters are typically connected in parallel to the circuit being measured, which allows them to measure the voltage without affecting the circuit's operation. They can be analog or digital, and the type of voltmeter used depends on the specific requirements of the circuit being measured.

Analog voltmeters

Analog voltmeters use a needle and dial to display the voltage. They consist of a meter movement, which is essentially a coil of wire and a magnet. The coil of wire moves in response to the magnetic field created by the current flowing through the circuit, which is proportional to the voltage. This movement is translated into a reading on the dial, which is then used to determine the voltage in the circuit. Analog voltmeters are simple and easy to use, but they are not as accurate as digital voltmeters.

Digital voltmeters

Digital voltmeters, on the other hand, use an electronic circuit to measure the voltage and display the reading on a digital display. They are more accurate and precise than analog voltmeters, and can measure voltage with a high degree of accuracy. Digital voltmeters can also be connected to a computer for data logging and analysis.

Uses of Voltmeters

Voltmeters can be used to measure the voltage in a wide range of electrical circuits, including DC and AC circuits. They are commonly used in power supplies, battery charging circuits, and electronic devices. In power supplies, voltmeters are used to monitor the output voltage to ensure that it is within safe limits. In battery charging circuits, voltmeters are used to monitor the charging voltage and to ensure that the battery is charged properly. In electronic devices, voltmeters can be used to measure the voltage supplied to the device, and to diagnose issues with the device's electrical circuit.

Voltmeters can be calibrated to a specific range, which determines the maximum voltage that can be measured. For example, a voltmeter calibrated for a range of 0-30V can measure voltages between 0 and 30 volts. It is important to use a voltmeter that is calibrated for the appropriate range, as using a voltmeter with a range that is too high can result in damage to the voltmeter, while using a voltmeter with a range that is too low can result in inaccurate readings.

Voltmeters Shapes and Sizes

Voltmeters also come in different shapes and sizes, including handheld units, benchtop units, and panel-mount units. Handheld voltmeters are portable and can be used in a wide range of applications. Benchtop voltmeters are more permanent and are typically used in laboratory and workshop environments. Panel-mount voltmeters are designed to be mounted in a control panel, and are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications.

Summary

In conclusion, voltmeters are important electrical components that are used to measure the voltage in electrical circuits. They are available in analog and digital forms, and can be calibrated to a specific range. They come in different shapes and sizes, and are used in a wide range of applications, including power supplies, battery charging circuits, and electronic devices. The use of voltmeters helps to ensure that electrical circuits are functioning properly, and can help diagnose issues with electrical circuits.