Electricity is a pervasive force in our modern world, powering our homes, industries and electronic devices. At the heart of this phenomenon is electric current, which is the flow of electrons flowing through conductors. Understanding and measuring this current is essential to ensuring the proper functioning of electrical circuits and ensuring the safety of installations.

In this article, we’ll explore one of the essential items: an ammeter. Whether it is evaluating current intensity, determining voltage in a circuit, or analyzing the electrical characteristics of a system, these devices play an important role.

What is an electric current measuring device ?

The ampere  meter is an  instrument used to measure the strength of the electric current in a circuit. Its main purpose is to measure the flow of electrons moving through a conductor.

How does an ohmmeter work?

An ohmmeter works   by detecting the magnetic field created by an electric current as it passes through a coil or conductive wire. An electric current generates a magnetic field proportional to its intensity, and an ammeter measures this magnetic field to determine the intensity of the current.

It is important to note that the ammeter must be used with caution and within the specified measurement limits. If the electrical current exceeds the ammeter’s measuring capacity, it may damage the device and pose a safety hazard.

Types of current measuring devices

We will learn about the different types of  ammeters  , but one of the most common is the moving coil ammeter. This device consists of a coil of conductive wire suspended between the poles of a permanent magnet. When electric current passes through the coil, it experiences a magnetic force that causes it to move. This displacement is proportional to the intensity of the current and is measured using a graduated scale on an ammeter.

Modern meters often use electronic circuits to convert electrical current into a digital measurement displayed on a screen. Some meters are integrated into multi-function measuring devices such as multimeters, which can not only measure current, but also can measure voltage and resistance.

Constant current measuring device

A DC ammeter   is a measuring device specifically used to measure the intensity of permanent current in a circuit. It allows the flow of electrons to be measured in a constant direction, without periodic reversal, which is common in many electronic and electrical applications. It is known as  the DC Ammeter .

Voltage measuring device

A voltmeter  is an electronic device that determines the difference in electrical potential or pressure in a circuit  . It usually consists of a variable resistor with a moving slider that allows different points of the resistor to be selected, thus changing the value of the output voltage or current. Volts are widely used  in electronic and electrical applications for fine-tuning parameters such as sound volume , brightness  , or rotation speed.

The importance of an electric current measuring device

Ammeters are essential in many fields, such as electronics, electrical engineering, industry and scientific research. They are used to diagnose electrical circuit problems, evaluate the load and performance of components, and ensure the safety of electrical installations by monitoring current intensity. Measuring electrical current in circuits is of fundamental importance for several reasons:

Diagnose electrical problems

Current measurement is used to detect and diagnose electrical problems such as short circuits, overloads, or bad contacts. By measuring the current intensity at different points in the circuit, it is possible to identify areas where the current is abnormal, making it easier to locate and quickly solve problems.

Evaluate load and performance of components

Measuring electrical current makes it possible to evaluate the load on various components of the circuit. By knowing the intensity of the current flowing through a particular component, it is possible to determine whether it is operating under nominal conditions or if it is overloaded. This is especially important to prevent component damage and extend component life.

Safety of electrical installations

An electrical current measuring device is necessary to ensure the safety of electrical installations. It is used to check whether the electrical current does not exceed the safety limits set for various components and wires. By monitoring the current intensity, it is possible to prevent dangerous situations such as overloads, overcurrents and fire hazards.

Analysis of electrical properties

Measuring electrical current makes it possible to analyze the electrical characteristics of a circuit, such as power consumed, resistance, impedance and reactance. This information is valuable for designing and optimizing electrical circuits, evaluating their energy efficiency and improving their performance.

Symbol of electric current and its unit of measurement

The traditional symbol used to represent electric current in electrical diagrams and diagrams is a straight arrow pointing in the direction of current flow. The arrow is usually accompanied by the letter “ I ” to represent the intensity of the current. The arrowhead indicates the direction in which the electrons move in the circuit.

The unit of measurement for electric current is  the ampere  , abbreviated by the symbol “ A ”. Ampere is a measure of the amount of electrical charge that passes through a portion of a conductor per unit time. One ampere corresponds to the flow of  1 coulomb  of charge per second.

How to calculate electric current in a circuit?

There are several ways to calculate the intensity of electric current in a circuit, the most important of which is using  Ohm’s law  in the global system.

Ohm’s law establishes the basic relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. It can be used to calculate electric current by knowing the voltage and resistance. According to Ohm’s law, the current  (I)  in a circuit is equal to the voltage  (V)  divided by the resistance  (R)  , i.e.  (I)  =  V/R  . This formula is used to calculate the current when the voltage and resistance are known.

The use of  an electric current measuring device  is necessary in electrical circuits to evaluate the amount of moving charges. Measuring devices such as  ammeters and voltmeters can  accurately measure electrical current or voltage flowing in a circuit. Understanding Ohm’s Law makes it easier to calculate current and voltage in simple or complex circuits. These concepts are fundamental to design, maintenance, and problem solving in many fields, ranging from electronics to electrical engineering. Therefore, mastery of these concepts is essential for the effective and safe use of electricity.