In an earlier article, I have listed some different types of electrical measuring instruments. The ammeter and voltmeter are also included in them.
The ammeter and voltmeter are the most popular portable, and handheld electrical measuring instruments. These instruments are very useful for technicians and engineers when they use in technical work.
Under the working role, both work on basic principles. But, it has multiple roles and different functionalities.
Let’s compare both instruments with different specifications.
Ammeter vs Voltmeter [in Tabular form]
What is the difference between ammeter and voltmeter?
| # | Content | Ammeter | Voltmeter |
| 01 | [Definitation] What is ammeter & voltmeter? | The electrical instrument that measures and detects the electric current is called an ‘Ammeter’. | The electrical instrument that measures and detects the voltage is called a ‘Voltmeter’. |
| 02 | Symbolic representation | Symbolically, the ammeter is represented by the ‘A’. | The voltmeter is represented by the ‘V’. |
| 03 | Series-Parallel Circuits | The ammeter is always connected in series form with the connected devices in closed electrical circuits. | The voltmeter is always connected in parallel form with the connected devices in closed electrical circuits. |
| 04 | Resistance | It has low resistance. | It has high resistance. |
| 05 | Current flowing capacity | Due to the low resistance, the maximum amount of current will flow in the ammeter. | Due to the high resistance, the minimum amount of current will flow in the voltmeter. |
| 06 | Ideal ammeter & voltmeter | The resistance of the ideal ammeter is zero. | The resistance of the ideal voltmeter is approximately infinity. |
| 07 | Function | It has the basic function to measure the flow of electric current. | It has the basic function to measure voltage or emf across two points in an electric circuit. |
| 08 | Measurement | It gives more accuracy in measuring the electric current as compared to the voltmeter. | It gives low accuracy as compared to the ammeter. |
09. Types of Ammeter & Voltmeter
Listing is the different types of ammeter and voltmeter which are classified based on the construction, working functions, and features.
- Moving iron type ammeter and voltmeter
- Moving coil-type ammeter and voltmeter
- Thermal type ammeter and voltmeter
- Electrostatic type voltmeter
- Induction type ammeter and voltmeter
- Rectifier type ammeter and voltmeter
These basic points have covered the comparison of measuring instruments of electricity. Thus, both devices are different in terms of working functionality and circuit placement.
We conclude that both meters are played a prominent role in the measurement of domestic and commercial, and industrial electrical appliances. These two meters get into two forms. One is an analog form. And another is a digital form.
Instead of buying these two meters, the multimeter is best to use. It works as standalone test equipment. Generally, analog and digital multimeters are widely used.
Read more related differences:
- Electrical vs Electronic
- Anode vs Cathode
- Alternating current vs Direct current
- Electromotive force vs Potential difference
- Active power vs Reactive power
- Active component vs Passive component
- Open circuit vs Closed circuit
- Analog signal vs Digital signal
Thanks for Reading!
I have completed master in Electrical Power System. I work and write technical tutorials on the PLC, MATLAB programming, and Electrical on DipsLab.com portal.
Sharing my knowledge on this blog makes me happy. And sometimes I delve in Python programming.