Technology

How to measure the electric current passing through a circuit?

The most important and most difficult of these was surely the drastic reduction in travel and the impossibility of meeting. In response, many people took up domestic activities, of which DIY was certainly one of the most practiced. A task that sometimes requires being able to measure electric current . So what is the right tool? Answers.

Measuring electric current and its quantities

Measuring the electrical current of a circuit is essential to working on an installation in complete safety. This measurement means analyzing and quantifying the quantities that characterize it. To do this, you must measure the voltage, in volts, the intensity, in amps and the resistance, in ohms. Having this information is essential for professional electricians of course but also for amateur DIYers who have multiplied during the period of health crisis.

It will therefore be necessary, for professionals and individuals alike, to know how to equip themselves with a versatile tool, capable of measuring all these quantities. The multimeter is therefore part of the toolbox of those who want to install a new electrical circuit, optimize the energy supply of a room or even work on the electrical network of their automobile. Let’s see how multimeters work , such as those compared by the site mon-multimetre.fr.

A versatile tool for measuring current

Measuring the electrical current of a circuit using a multimeter allows, for example, to know the intensity of the current flowing there. This is particularly important during device calibration operations but can also be used to identify components that are out of order. The voltmeter function of the multimeter will be essential in terms of safety . For example, the circuit voltage must be measured before any intervention to avoid electrocution.

Measuring the resistance of a circuit using the ohmmeter function of a multimeter is very useful for detecting electrical leaks within a circuit, for example. Finally, in the context of domestic and professional work, it will sometimes be necessary to measure electric current on the basis of other quantities. This is why the most advanced multimeters make it possible to measure electrical capacitance , in farads, or inductance, in henrys.

Choosing the right multimeter

To choose the right multimeter, you will need to pay attention to several points. There are analog and digital models. We strongly recommend the second ones which are much more precise. The measuring range must also be suitable for the work you will be undertaking. Measuring the electrical current of a domestic circuit or that of an entire building does not require the same type of equipment. In this case, it is above all your status as professional or amateur which will guide your choice.

For DIY enthusiasts, a Category III model will generally offer a sufficiently wide measuring range. It will also be necessary to take into account the precision of the device. For individuals, an accuracy of 0.5% will be sufficient but some professionals will have to move towards more advanced models to meet their needs. Finally, certain features may also be interesting such as the safety fuse , the diode test or the continuity test.

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