Introduction of measuring instruments:
Measuring instruments are classified according to both the quantity measured by the instrument and the principle of operation. Three general principles of operation are available: (i) electromagnetic, which utilizes the magnetic effects of electric currents; (ii) electrostatic, which utilizes the forces between electrically-charged conductors; (iii) electro-thermic, which utilizes the heating effect.
Electric measuring instruments and meters are used to indicate directly the value of current, voltage, power or energy. In this lesson, we will consider an electromechanical meter (input is as an electrical signal results mechanical force or torque as an output) that can be connected with additional suitable components in order to act as an ammeters and a voltmeter. The most common analogue instrument or meter is the permanent magnet moving coil instrument and it is used for measuring a dc current or voltage of a electric circuit. On the other hand, the indications of alternating current ammeters and voltmeters must represent the RMS values of the current, or voltage, respectively, applied to the instrument.