Ampeerimittari

Ampeerimittari, often called an ammeter, is an electrical instrument used to measure electric current. Electric current is the flow of electric charge, and its standard unit of measurement is the ampere (A). An ammeter is designed to be inserted into a circuit in series, meaning that the current to be measured must flow through the ammeter itself. This allows the instrument to directly quantify the rate of charge flow.

Historically, ammeters were mechanical devices employing a galvanometer, which utilizes the magnetic field produced by a current to deflect a needle. Modern ammeters are often digital, employing electronic components to measure current and display the reading numerically. These digital ammeters can offer greater precision and a wider range of measurement capabilities.

When using an ammeter, it is crucial to connect it correctly. Connecting an ammeter in parallel, across a voltage source, can lead to a short circuit and damage the instrument or the circuit. The internal resistance of an ammeter is designed to be very low to minimize its impact on the circuit's current. This low resistance ensures that adding the ammeter does not significantly alter the current it is intended to measure. Ammeters are essential tools in electrical engineering, electronics, and various scientific fields for troubleshooting, monitoring, and designing electrical systems.