The principle of the ammeter

Measuring instrument ammeter - what is it and how best to choose

In order to measure the current in the electrical circuit, use a measuring device such as an ammeter.

It is connected in series on the section of the electrical circuit where measurements will be taken. Quite an important condition for obtaining accurate results is the internal type of resistance of the measuring device.

A wide range of devices is presented in shops of the Russian Federation. They can differ in measurement range, cost and level of errors.

Expert advice helps you find the perfect balance between cost and performance.

Recommendations for selection

Scope of use . All ammeters can be divided into two groups according to their application.

• Professional models are distinguished by their high accuracy and huge measuring range. But such devices are extremely expensive, and there are also difficulties in connection.

• Household appliances may be easy to use. They perfectly combine affordable cost and usability.

Principle of operation . Ammeters may differ in principle of operation and design.

1. Devices of the electromagnetic type are increasingly used in networks where there is alternating current.

   They can measure in production with high amperage.

2. Magnetoelectric models work well in electrical circuits with low DC current.
3. Ferrodynamic devices can be highly reliable, and they will not be afraid of the magnetic field, which makes it possible to install them in controlled automatic systems.
4. Thermoelectric ammeters have proven to be excellent in measuring alternating current in a high frequency circuit.
5. Digital models are the most convenient and modern to use.

   They stand out for their compact size and low level of error. Such devices are not afraid of mechanical impact or vibration.

Indication. For the visual determination of the current strength, two display options are used.

• Arrow-type devices are distinguished by their simplicity, affordable cost and reliability.

  Electronic circuits can be used in the design, which make the readings much more accurate.

• Digital readouts will make it easier to take readings and are much more accurate. But there are such models equipped with a digital display, which are much more expensive.

A set of additional options . Manufacturing companies equip their products with useful options.

1. The backlight inside the display makes it possible to take readings at any convenient time without using lighting devices.
2. DIN rail will simplify the connection of the ammeter to the mains.
3. Protective covers in the external slots will provide user safety.

We have selected 7 of the best current measuring devices for you. You can buy them in special stores in the country.

When allocating seats, we relied on expert opinion, taking into account the feedback from domestic consumers.

Rating of the best devices

ABB AMTD-2-R 2CSG213655R4011

Principle Ammeter devices ABB AMTD-2-R 2CSG213655R4011 is such that it has high accuracy. The device is capable of determining the strength of a constant current, and the error is only 0.5%. experts will note the high quality workmanship, durability and reliability of the device.

The digital device will be shunt connected and the power consumption is 4 VA. The manufacturer has provided a horizontal type of orientation, and this is extremely important to take into account when installing the ammeter (mounting method DIN 3.5 cm). The measuring device weighs only 0.3 kg.

The current strength measurement range is from 5 to 600 A. The model wins first place in the review. Professional electricians praise the Italian appliance for its high-quality workmanship, high accuracy, and ease of use. The disadvantage of the device will be its high cost.

Pros :

• High build quality.

• High precision.
• Reliability.
• Convenience in work.

Let's consider one more device.

ABB AMTD-1 2CSM320000R1011

In order to measure the AC current, this particular device is perfect.

The device is also Italian, and it has a modular design, and the connection to the network is carried out via a DIN rail. The current strength can be determined in a wide range from 5 to 600 A. Experts were able to appreciate the high measuring accuracy (accuracy class is 0.5%). For the convenience of performing the work, digital ammeters are equipped with a backlight for the display.

Electricity losses no more than 2 W. The device can be mounted both vertically and horizontally. Weight only 0.31 kg. The model was ranked second in the review.

Domestic manufacturers have no complaints about the quality of creation, measurement accuracy and reliability of the Italian-made device. The downside is the high cost.

Pros :

• High measuring accuracy.
• Large measuring range.
• Display backlight.

• High quality workmanship.

Let's consider who took the "bronze".

DigiTOR AM-3m

In order to measure the current of alternating type in a three-phase network, this ammeter is perfect. The digital three-line display will show the results for all phases. Experts appreciated the democratic cost and low weight (0.

15 kg) of the Ukrainian devices. It will be inferior to the leaders of the review only in the measurement range, from 1 to 63 A, and in the accuracy of the readings (the error is 1.5%). In the asset of the device, you can enter resistance to interference and vibration. I install the device in the electrical panel, the dimensions of the cutout should be exactly 0.

68 * 068 meters. The working temperature range is from +5 to +50 degrees. The model became the closing prize-winning triple of this review. Russian consumers liked the device for its ease of installation, very accurate measurements and affordable cost.

Pros :

• High build quality.

• Resistant to interference and vibration.
• Three-phase connection.
• Light weight.

Cons :

• Limited measuring interval.

The fourth measuring device (ammeter) you will like no less.

EKF PRОхima АD-723

The three-phase ammeter of Russian production was liked by the experts due to the presence of a touch control panel and a digital display. Through such a device, it is possible to measure the strength of an alternating current, connecting it to the network through a transformer. Power devices during operation are 6 VA. In the asset, the product can be entered with a high degree of accuracy (an error of only 0.5%), as well as a low weight of 0.

23 kg and a democratic cost. True, the manufacturer did not think over the display backlighting, and the model is also inferior to the leaders in terms of dimensions. You will need to make a niche in the shield 0.72 * 0. 72 meters.

The devices stopped one step away from the prize pedestal. Electricians are pleased that the measurements are very accurate, the assembly is of high quality, and the cost is affordable. Of the minuses, we single out the bulkiness and the complete absence of at least some kind of backlighting.

Pros :

• Three-phase connection.
• Reasonable cost.

• High degree of accuracy.
• Reliability.

Cons :

• Bulky.
• There is no backlight.

The fifth device is no less interesting.

DigiTOR AVM-1

At the same time, measuring current strength and voltage in a single-phase network makes it possible to use an ammeter-voltmeter. The device is a product of cooperation between Ukrainian developers and a manufacturer from Russia. The experts noted the competitive cost, excellent measuring accuracy (the error is 1%). With this device it is possible to measure current in the range from 1 to 63 A. The voltage range of alternating type is from 40 to 400 V.

An ammeter-voltmeter is required for installation in a heated room at an air temperature of +5 to +50 degrees (degree of protection against dust and moisture is IP 20). Users from Russia liked the device for its ease of connection (it will take up a couple of places on the rail), high-quality assembly and affordable cost. But there are cases of defective products falling into the distribution network.

Pros :

• Affordable cost.
• Minimum degree of error.

• Easy connection.
• Two devices in one.

Cons :

• Defective products get into stores.

Consider the penultimate device.

EKF PRОхima АD-G31

This electrical measuring digital ammeter got into the 6th place of the review due to its high accuracy (the error is 0.

5%). The manufacturer has installed a special device with a microprocessor, which will ensure the speed and accuracy of the results. The device can be connected through a special transformer, which will limit the range of measuring the AC current. The product has a modular design for mounting on a DIN rail. Power loss during operation is 6 W.

The experts liked the intuitive controls, and all the buttons are located under the digital-type display. Domestic users praise the accuracy of measurements, ease of installation and availability in terms of price. The disadvantages include the lack of backlighting on the display, as well as the unstable build quality.

Pros :

• Convenience of management.
• Democratic cost.

• Easy to install.
• Measurement accuracy.

Cons :

• No backlight on the display.
• Build quality is lame.

Consider the last instance.

TDM SQ1102-0057

Now you know how to choose an ammeter, but first let's consider the last device. It is for him that the lowest cost is now. It is required to measure AC current in single-phase circuits. Experts drew attention to the device body, which is made of non-combustible self-extinguishing plastic. The electrical safety of the connection will be ensured by protective covers on the external connected terminals.

The device needs to add a high degree of protection against moisture and dust IP 54 to the asset. But the device is inferior to the leaders of the review in the accuracy of measurements (the error is 1.5%) and the operating range from 5 to 200 A. People prefer pointer ammeters at a low price, ease of use, and safety. The disadvantages of the device are low accuracy and limited measuring range.

Pros :

• Security.
• Easy to turn on.
• Reliability.
• Low cost.

Cons :

• small measuring range.

• Not very high accuracy.

Please note that this rating is purely subjective and is not an advertisement and will not serve as a buying guide. Prior to this, consultation with a specialist is required.