Mapua Institute of Technology

Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila

Department of EE-ECE-CpE

Experiment 1
Familiarization with Electrical Measuring Instruments
EE101L/A8
GROUP # 4
Leader: Ganatuin, John Mitchell
Carino, Karl Mikhail
Cruz, Ignacio
Del Rosario, Adrian
Manuel, Michael Paul
Senires Jr, Gilbert
Date of Performance:
1/14/12
Date of Submission:
1/21/12

Engr. Mercado
Instructor


Objectives
1. We need to determine the different characteristics and the
proper connection of common electrical measuring devices.
2. For us to learn how to read measurements of basic
electrical measuring devices and to measure/compute for
values of a resistor using the color coding.
3. And for us to familiarize ourselves to the basic devices like
basic circuit training kit, know the proper connections of
the trainer kit devices. And also know how to use the
V.O.M.

Hypothesis
Experiment 1, were about to familiarize ourselves with the
devices and know how to read the measurements using the
different measuring devices in the laboratory. Given a set
of resistors we got the values of each resistor by using the
V.O.M., then also use the volt meter for the voltage,
voltage, ammeter for the current flowing and then compute
for the power by using the formula P=IV. The last part is to
use tina pro to simulate and let us learn the fastest way to
know the voltage and current by the use of computer.








Data
Table 1.1 Measured Data
Trials V
L
I
L
P
L
Given
R
L
V
L
/I
L
P
L
/I
L
2
V
L
2
/P
L
1 20.64 4.5 0.092 4.6k 4.59k 4.54k 4.63k
2 20.63 2.1 0.0433 9.94k 9.82k 9.82k 9.83k
3 19.78 20 0.3956 1000 1000 989 989
4 20.07 20 0.4014 1000 1000 1k 1k
5 20.65 9 0.1859 2177 2.29k 2.30k 2.29k
6 20.66 1 0.0207 21.84k 20.66k 20.7k 20.62k
7 20.65 2 0.0413 9.97k 10.33k 10.33k 10.33k
8 20.66 0.42 0.0087 46.6k 49.19k 49.32k 49.06k
9 20.64 2.1 0.0433 9.97k 9.83k 9.82k 9.84k
10 20.64 0.4 0.0083 46.9k 51.6k 51.88k 51.33k


Table 1.2 Simulated Data
Trials V
L
I
L
P
L
Given
R
L
V
L
/I
L
P
L
/I
L
2
V
L
2
/P
L
1 20 4.35 0.087 4.6k 4.60 0.046 4.6k
2 20 20.01 0.0402 9.94k 9.52 0.0995 9.95k
3 20 20m 0.4 1000 1000 1000 1k
4 20 20m 0.4 1000 1000 1000 1k
5 20 9.19m 0.1833 2177 2.176 2170.36 2.18k
6 20 915.75 0.183 21.84k 21.84k 218.6 2.19k
7 20 2.01m 0.0402 9.97k 9.95k 9950.24 9.95k
8 20 429.18 8.6x10
-3
46.6k 46.6k 20.03k 46.51k
9 20 2.01m 0.0402 9.97k 9.95k 9950.24 9.95k
10 20 426.44 8.53x10
-3
46.9k 4.7k 20.002k 46.95k









Analysis
In Experiment 1, we are focused and familiarized the different measuring instruments regarding
electricity and electrical circuits. It was the first time for the group to conduct such experiment. It
was the time for them to recognize and familiarize themselves with the different instruments
around.

The experiment was divided into two major parts. The first part was again subdivided
into three parts wherein the different characteristics of an analog ammeter and an analog
voltmeter were to be determined. The other part of the experiment focuses on the usage of a
basic circuit trainer kit that will enhance the students with their knowledge about simple circuits
and the quantity measurements used in it.

The first part of the experiment is concerned with the determination and observation of
the different characteristics of an analog ammeter. The first thing that the group did was to
measure the input resistance of the analog meter using the electrical Volt-Ohm Meter or VOM
for short. After setting the range and the settings, the group was able to measure 4.4
resistances across the ammeter. We can say that the ammeter really possess and should always
possess a very small value of resistance. After then, the group was able to compute for the
Voltage V
m
that will cause full deflection. The value of the voltage is 4.4 V. We used 1A as our
current because according to our instructor, we will use the maximum Ampere that the ammeter
can measure as our I
T
. It is evident that the device only requires enough or a very low amount of
voltage in order for a value to be generated and be read by the user. Nevertheless, if anything in
the above statement is violated, it might produce or make the ammeter burn that is why it should
never be connected in parallel with a load for it will have the same voltage with the other
element. Hence, companies only produce ammeters with enough voltage and current in order for
it to be used properly.

In the second part of the experiment, the group is to determine the different
characteristics of an analog voltmeter. This was done by measuring the input resistance of an
analog voltmeter across the input terminals and also through using a Volt-Ohm Meter. The group
was able to measure 20.04K which is a correct value because the resistance of voltmeters are
precisely and really made large. With the given resistance, the group also computed for the
current in the voltmeter. After computing, the group was able to found out that the Current is
500A. Again we used 10V as our V
T
, because according to our instructor we will use the
maximum value that we can get to our voltmeter as our V
T
. The Voltmeter Sensitivity was also
computed through the reciprocal of the current and the value is 2004 which made us really
assured that our voltmeter is accurate. The group found out the sensitivity show how efficient
and how effective the voltmeter. As the voltmeter sensitivity increases, the better and the more
effective the voltmeter that is used.



In the last part of the experiment, the group was tasked to assemble and measure the
corresponding value of the current and voltage in the circuit. The group started choosing
different resistors with equivalent values. The group used multiple resistors that are supplied and
each has constant resistance. Although the individual resistances of the resistors are already
indicated by the respective color codes, the group still measured the resistance through the VOM.
We then found out that the reading in the VOM is somehow deviated by the amount of tolerance
each resistor possesses. After measuring, the group found out that the only varying factor is
current which depends on voltage and resistance of the circuit. It was stated that we use a
constant value of 20V but since it was hard for us to gather data, we opted to use resistors that
has a large value for us to use 20V. Because low resistance resistor will obviously be destructed
by the high voltage, the resulting currents after each trial vary.

Then the group was also tasked to compute for the power dissipated during its flow in
each resistor. This is then done by simple having the product of the voltage (V
L
) to the current
(I
L
) indicated in the ammeter. The group used manual computations for the computation part
because were not very good at using Microsoft Excel. The last three tables were used to
determine the resistance of the resistors obtained from the values in the ammeter, the voltmeter
and the Power. Through manipulating the formula, different formulas were derived which are:
(1)

, (2)

, and (3)

. It was observe that there is a difference between the original and

computed resistance yet only small differences was observed. Through using a Computer
Software which is Tina Pro, we simulated the values and we gathered the data which produces
almost the same values we gathered in the first table. The result of the software showed and
verified that we have done the experiment correctly and we were able to gather the
corresponding values in the correct manner.












Conclusion
Through the experiment, the we were able to determine the characteristics and the proper way of
connecting common electrical measuring devices such as ammeter, and Volt-Ohm meter. We
were also able to learn how to read measurements of these basic electrical measuring devices.
Lastly, we were able to be acquainted with the basic circuit training kit and learn how it is
properly handled.

In the Experiment, we were able to gather new information with regarding Basic
Electrical Circuits. We learned that in order to have a useful ammeter, an additional resistance
called shunt resistor must be placed parallel to it. The group also found out that a voltmeter
measures the voltage drop and is in parallel with the circuit while an ammeter measures the
current and is in series with the circuit.
The group were also able to distinguish some of the major characteristics of an analog
ammeter, a voltmeter, and a digital VOM. The internal resistance of an analog ammeter is really
made small so that when it is connected in series with a circuit, it will not absorb most of the
voltage across the circuit so as not affecting the flow of current throughout the circuit. Same goes
for an analog voltmeter, wherein its internal resistance is intentionally made very large to
minimize the amount of current being drawn from the circuit; and since its purpose is to measure
voltage across a load, it has to be in parallel with that element so that they will share the same
amount of voltage. In order to extend the range of the voltmeter can measure, series multiplier
resistors are placed inside it and it is connected in series with the basic meter. This will help and
increase the total resistance of the voltmeter whenever there is an excessive flow of current
through it.

We were also able to know one important practice in the laboratory and it is to be able to
carry out the correct way of connecting the terminals of different elements in a circuit. The
ammeter has several terminals depending on the range of current to be measured. We learned
that we must start with the highest range of the current in order for it not to break.

The group concludes that in a given linear circuit containing a resistor, the amount of
current being drawn by the resistor is inversely proportional to the total resistance of the resistor
when the voltage source is held constant. We have seen and obeyed Ohms law through
increasing the resistance of the resistor and so the current in it flow in a decreasing aspect. We
also conclude that familiarization with the different electrical measuring instruments is a very
essential thing for us engineering students in order for us to understand fully the other
experiments that we will perform and conduct.




Questions and Answers
1. Describe the type of meter movement used in the analog meters.

The voltage drop in the circuits is measured through the current in the circuit.
The movement in the analog meters shows the d Arsonval meter movement. Through
moving a movable-iron-core coil mounted on a pivot between the poles of a permanent
magnet, current flows and a torque is produces which makes the pointer to deflect. There
is also a spring connected to the pointer to counteract the torque produced by the pointer,
so it will move in proportionality with the current density. As the current increases, the
point will travel farther. Moreover, the amount of current through the coil determines the
value of the deflection of the pointer which is seen and viewed through the movement of
the meter.

2. What device is used to extend the range of the DC ammeter and how is it connected to
the basic meter?

In order to extend the range of the DC ammeter, an additional resistance is added
to it. This additional resistance is called the shunt resistor. This is placed in parallel with
the galvanometer of an ammeter to extend its range. In order to be produce more current,
the additional resistance must be lesser than the resistance of the galvanometer. It also
employs the d Arsonval movement and allows multiple ranges of reading for specific
amount of current. Furthermore, Shunt resistor provides additional resistances that would
complement the additional amount of the current that is present in the ammeter.

3. What device is used to extend the range of a DC voltmeter and how is it connected to the
basic meter?
In order to extend the range of a DC voltmeter, an additional resistor must be
placed in series with the galvanometer of a voltmeter. This additional resistor is called the
multiplier resistor. Through the utilization of d Arsonval movement of this device, this
added resistance will make the voltmeters path to withdraw lesser current. Henceforth,
its voltage is not changed and therefore, it will extend the range of the voltmeter. Also,
this additional resistance will then set off the increasing amount of current inside the
device.








4. Why is it necessary that an ammeter be a low resistance instrument? Why must a
voltmeter be a high resistance instrument?

The ammeter must be a low resistance instrument since basically, an ammeter's
resistance is deliberately made very small, so as to minimize the amount of voltage drop
across it. Also because if the ammeter will have a decent to high resistance it, the total
resistance of the circuit will be affected and it will produce a change in the current flow
of the circuit, which will provide an different and incorrect value as it is read through the
ammeter. Contrary, voltmeters are always connected in parallel with an element to which
the voltage should be measured; since through a parallel connection, voltage remains the
same. Also, an ideal voltmeter has infinite resistance since it is place parallel to the
circuit. Moreover, when the current enters a junction in a parallel path, most of the
current will tend to go to the least resistive path or the path which have smaller
resistance. Another reason is that when the current arrives in a junction of a parallel path,
most current will tend to go to the least resistive path. Nevertheless, when current is
being drawn by the inherent resistance of a voltmeter, it varies proportionately through
the parallel path.
5. What type of basic meter is configured as a wattmeter?

In a basic wattmeter, there are two coils in which one coil is placed in series with
the circuit and the other one is placed in parallel with the circuit. A current coil with a
really low impedance, is in series with the load while the other one which is the voltage
coil is connected in parallel with the element. The deflection of the pointer will be
proportional both to the Current and Voltae coil. The presence of the wattmeter will
produce the deflection which will result into the magnitude of power.

6. Two 150V voltmeters are being compared; meter A has 5k/V while meter B has a total
meter resistance of 750k. Which is more sensitive meter? Why?

Meter A: O O
Meter B: O

Both voltmeters A and B possess 750k of internal resistance. The
sensitivity of a voltmeter is taken by dividing the resistance of the voltmeter by
the full scale voltage reading of the voltmeter. Hence, the two meters has equal
sensitivity when it comes to reading potential difference.






7. What current is required for full scale deflection of a galvanometer having a current
sensitivity of 50A per scale division? The meter has exactly 50 divisions on either side
of the mid-scale index.
Sensitivity:
A 50
division

Division:
Current required for full-scale deflection:

A 50
division




8. What potential difference appears across the galvanometer described in problem 6 when
the pointer is fully deflected? The meter resistance is 10.

Internal resistance:
Voltmeter sensitivity:
O

Current that will cause full scale deflection:


Potential difference:
















O =10
M
R
A V k d I
m
3 1 1
10 2 . 0 ) / 5 (

= O = =
) 10 )( 10 2 . 0 (
3
O A = =

m m T
R I V
divisions k 50 =




9. Determine the series resistance needed to convert a galvanometer to a voltmeter reading
15V on full scale deflection if a current of 2.5mA causes full scale deflection and the
resistance of the coil is 10.

Voltage for full-scale deflection:
Current for full-scale deflection:
Internal Resistance:
Series resistance multiplier:






10. Determine the shunt resistance needed to convert a galvanometer to an ammeter with a
full scale reading of 10A if the scale requires 2.5mA to cause full deflection with a coil
resistance of 10.

Small current to cause full scale deflection:
Current at full scale deflection:
Resistance of the basic meter:
Shunt resistance:


















( )
O = O =
O
A

=

m R
A
A
R
I I
I
R
I
R R
R
I
sh
m
m T
m
sh
T
m sh
sh
m
5 . 2 10 50 . 2
10
10 5 . 2 10
10 5 . 2
3
3
3
A m I
M
3
10 5 . 2 5 . 2

= A =
O
A
= =
+ =

10
10 5 . 2
15
) (
3
V
R
I
V
R
R R I V
m
m
T
S
m S m T
O =10
M
R
A = A =
3
10 5 . 2 5 . 2 m I
M
V V
T
15 =
A =10
T
I
O =10
M
R




References
- Fundamentals of Electric Circuits 4
th
Edition by Alexander &
Sadiku
- Lecture notes from our lecture class EE101
- Previous Lab Reports of EE101L
- Electric Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual (EECE version)
- www.wikipedia.org
- www.google.com

Rating
Leader: Ganatuin, John Mitchell
Carino, Karl Mikhail 10
Cruz, Ignacio 10
Del Rosario, Adrian 10
Manuel, Michael Paul 10
Senires Jr, Gilbert 10