6.1. Voltímetro analógico EN

Analogical voltmeter

Use

To measure the potential difference between two points in the circuit.

Description

The only visible parts of this device are a moving needle and a fixed graduated scale (as it corresponds to an analogical measuring instrument). However, we can find a fixed horseshoe-shaped magnet, among whose poles a coil is set. The magnet is in a fixed position, but the coil is attached to a moving axis which, in turn, has got a needle and a spiral spring.

Functioning

When the device is connected between two sections of the circuit, the electric current goes through the coil. According to the theory of electromagnetism, in that instant the permanent magnetic field of the magnet begins to exert a force over the coil. As a consequence, this moves around its axis and the needle deviates a bit from its initial position.

The steering angle is equivalent to the intensity of the current that goes through the veil. This allows to graduate the scale of the device if we employ currents with a known value. The same instrument allows us to measure intensities (connecting it in series), or differences in power (if we connect it in parallel).

History

In 1882, Jacques-Arsène d´Arsonval conceived the first device that measured the intensity of the current. It was made up of a permanent magnet and a moving coil that hangs from spiral springs.

In 1888, Edward Weston developed a commercially available form of this instrument. It became a standard component in measurement equipment for electric and electronical circuits.