In a multirange voltmeter, the ratio of the total resistance RT to
the voltage range remains same. This ratio is nothing but the
reciprocal of the full scale deflection current of the meter i.e. 1/Im. This value is called sensitivity of voltmeter.
Thus the sensitivity of voltmeter is defined as,
The sensitivity range is specified on the meter dial and it indicates the resistance of the meter for a one volt range.
The internal resistance of the voltmeter is not the same in each
of its ranges. The higher is the range of the voltmeter, greater is its
internal resistance. Internal resistance of a voltmeter can be obtained
from its sensitivity as,
Internal resistance of voltmeter = Maximum voltage (range) x Sensitivity in Ω/V
The sensitivity is useful in calculating the resistance of a multiplier in d.c. voltmeter.Consider the practical multirange voltmeter circuit shown in the Fig. 1.
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Fig1 |
Let S = sensitivity rating in Ω/V
Rm = internal resistance of basic meter or coil
Then the multiplier resistance can be obtained as,
where v1, v2, v3 and v4 are the required voltage ranges. This method is called the sensitivity method of calculating the multiplier resistances.
1.1 Loading Effect
While selecting a meter for a particular measurement, the
sensitivity rating is very important. A low sensitive meter may give the
accurate reading in low resistance circuit but will produce totally
inaccurate reading in high resistance circuit.
The voltmeter is always connected across the two points between
which the potential difference is to be measured. If it is connected
across a low resistance then as voltmeter resistance is high, most of
the current will pass through a low resistance and will produce the
voltage drop which will be nothing but the true reading. But if the
voltmeter is connected across the high resistance then due to two high
resistances in parallel, the current will divide almost equally through
the two paths. Thus the meter will record the voltage drop across the
high resistance which will be much lower then the true reading.
Thus the low sensitivity instrument when used in high resistance
circuit gives a lower reading then the true reading. This is called
loading effect of the voltmeters. It is mainly caused due to low
sensitivity instruments.
1.2 Precautions to be Taken will using a voltmeter
The following precautions must be taken while using a voltmeter:
1) The voltmeter resistance is very high and it should always be
connected across the circuit or component whose voltage is to be
measured.
2) The polarities must be observed correctly. The wrong polarities
deflect the pointer in the opposite direction against the mechanical
stop and this may damage the pointer.
3) While using the multirange voltmeter, first use the highest range and
then decrease the voltage range until the sufficient deflection is
obtained.
4) Take care of loading the effect. The effect can be minimised by using high sensitivity voltmeters.
1) Their resistance should not change with time.
2) The change in their resistance with temperature should be small.
3) They should be non-inductively wound for a.c. meters.
Commonly used resistive materials for construction of multiplier are manganin and constant.
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