Vocabulary Term

Definition

Ammeter

A device used to measure current. An ammeter is connected in series to a circuit.

Analog

A mode of display using a scale and pointer. Analog meters allow interpolation and give a sense of
quantity relative to other possible values.

Cathode-Ray Tube

An analog display device that uses a vacuum tube to generate images on a layer of phosphors
driven by an electron beam.

Current

The flow of electricity. Current is measured in amps.

D'Arsonval Movement

An action caused by electromagnetic deflection, using a coil of wire and a magnetized field. When
current passes through the coil, a needle is deflected.

Decibel

A unit used to convey the intensity of sound, abbreviated as dB.

Decibel Meter

A device used to measure the intensity of sound. Many DMMs have a decibel meter function.

Diode

A two-terminal semiconductor device that allows current to flow through it in only one direction. A
diode has a low resistance to electrical current in one direction and a high resistance in the other
direction.

Directly Proportional

A relationship where a number increases or decreases together with another number at the same
ratio. Directly proportional is the opposite of inversely proportional.

DMM

The abbreviation for a digital multimeter.

Dynamometer Movement

An action using two stationary coils to measure power output. One coil is energized by voltage, the
other by amperage, producing deflection.

Efficiency

A measure of the energy output of a system versus the total energy supplied to it.

Electromagnet

A magnet which is charged by a current-carrying coil wound around it. Electromagnets can produce
much larger magnetic field than permanent magnets.

Electromagnetic Deflection

The ability of an electrical current to displace a magnetic field. Electromagnetic deflection reacts to
and is able to measure the magnitude or intensity of a field.

Energy

The ability to do work. Energy is measured in kWh and expressed as the product of power and
time.

Full Scale Deflection

Moving the indicator all the way up without hitting the stop pin. The more sensitive the instrument,
the less input it takes to reach full scale deflection.

Galvanism

An effect whereby electrical current causes mechanical motion. Galvanism reacts to polarity and
accurately measures magnetic flux directionally.

Galvanometer

A basic device for measuring a small electric current by means of a mechanical motion derived
from electromagnetic forces produced by the current.

International Electrotechnical Commission

An organization that provides conformity assessment for government, business, and society for all
electrical, electronic and related technologies.

Interpolation

Estimating the value of a quantity from known values on either side of it. Users of analog meters
often must interpolate data on the readout.

Kilowatt-Hour Meter

The more common range of a watt-hour meter. Because energy is usually measured over an
extended period of time, the use of power is expressed in kilowatts.

Leads

The red and black conductive wires attached to meters and connected to circuits.

Lockout/Tagout

A method of protecting employees from accidental machine startup through proper locking and
labeling of machines that are undergoing maintenance.

Multimeter

A device that combines the functions of an ammeter, voltmeter, and ohmmeter. A multimeter is the
most versatile and common meter used today.

Multirange

A meter able to measure wide ranges using fixed internal series resistances. A dial on the meter
makes it easy to switch to the different ranges.

National Electrical Code

The minimum standard for safe electrical installations. The NEC is adopted in some form as law in
all 50 states.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

An organization that defines a product, process, or procedure with reference to safety,

performance, and testing.

National Fire Protection Association

The organization that produces the National Electric Code. The NFPA outlines the minimum safety
requirements for any electrical installation.

National Institute Of Standards And Technology

A federal agency that promotes innovation and industrial competitiveness by developing better
standards and technology.

Ohm's Law

The universal truth stating that it takes one volt to push one amp through one ohm.

Ohmmeter

A device used to measure resistance. A resistor must be removed from a circuit to attach an
ohmmeter.

Oscilloscope

A device that produces a visual trace of voltage or current wave shapes, generally on a cathode ray
tube.

Perfect Conductor

A material that allows a completely free flow of electrons. A perfect conductor has zero resistance.

Perfect Insulator

A material that does not allow any flow of electrons. A perfect insulator has infinite resistance.

Polarity

Having two oppositely charged poles, one positive and one negative. Polarity determines the
direction in which current tends to flow.

Power

The rate at which a device converts electrical energy into another form, such as heat or light. Power
is measured in watts.

Rectifier

A device, such as a diode, that converts alternating current to direct current. Rectifiers allow meters
to measure both DC and AC.

Resistance

The opposition to current flow. Resistance is measured in ohms.

Resistor

A device that restricts current flow and produces work, such as heat or light.

Sensitivity

The degree of response of an instrument to an incoming signal. A more sensitive meter can make
more exact measurements.

Shunt

A low-resistance connection between two points in an electric circuit that forms an alternative path
for a portion of the current. Shunts allow meters to produce accurate readings in a much wider

Vocabulary Term

Definition
range.

Solenoid

A cylindrical coil of wire that generates a force when an electrical current is applied.

Solid State Relay

Circuitry that has replaced D'Arsonval movement in digital meters. SSR is faster and does not wear
out.

Voltage

A measure of electrical pressure or potential known as electromotive force. Voltage is measured in

volts.

Voltmeter

A device used to measure voltage. Voltmeters connect in parallel to a circuit.

VOM

Abbreviation for volt, ohm, milliammeter, the most common setup of a multimeter. Because of this,
multimeters are often known as VOMs.

Watt-Hour Meter

A device used to measure electrical energy.

Wattmeter

A device used to measure electrical power.

Wiggins Solenoid Meter

A testing device that vibrates when a current is detected. Also called a "wiggy", it is small and
durable, but may be replaced by more versatile and safer DMMs.