VOLTMETERSTest Instruments & Measuring DevicesV = ImRs + ImRmImRs= V - ImRmRs = (14-1)VImRmwhereV = voltage range desiredIm = meter currentRm = meter resistanceRs = multiplier resistance or series resistanceExample: A 2 mA meter movement with internal resistance of 25 ohms is to be constructedas a voltmeter.What value must the series resistance be to measure full scale voltage of 100volts?Solution:RsVImRmSince Rm is negligibly low, then:RsVIm1002x103Rs50kWWhen a voltmeter is connected in a circuit, the voltmeter will draw current from that circuit.This current causes a voltage drop across the resistance of the meter, which is subtracted fromthe voltage being measured by the meter. This reduction in voltage is known as the loadingeffect and can have a serious effect on measurement accuracy, especially for low current circuits.ES-14 Page 6 Rev. 0
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