PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(Autonomous institution)

COIMBATORE-641-004

EXTENSION OF INSTRUMENT RANGES

(A Report Submitted In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirements Of For The Course)

SYSTEMS AND MEASUREMENT LABORATORY

(19U411)

C.ABHISHEK (22U211)
II-YEAR(IV-SEMESTER)

PROGRAM: B.E.INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING

BRANCH: DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING

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PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Government Aided Autonomous College Affiliated To Anna University Chennai)

COIMBATORE-641-004

EXTENSION OF INSTRUMENT RANGES

A REPORT SUBMITTED BY
C.ABHISHEK 22U211
II-YEAR-B-E.ICE
In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirements For SYSTEMS AND MEASUREMENT LABORATORY(19U411)

DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING

FACULTY IN CHARGE

TABLE CONTENTS

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Serial.No Heading Page No
I Abstract 4
II List Of Figures 5
III List Of Tables 6
1. Introduction 7
2. Theory On Extension Of Instrument 8-11
Ranges
3. Experimental Procedure 12-14
4. Observation And Tabulations 15

5. Model Calculations 16

6. Inferences 17
7. Conclusion 18
8. References 19

I.ABSTRACT

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The Extension of Instrument Ranges for Systems and Measurements
Laboratory focuses on enhancing the functionality and applicability of
ammeters and voltmeters within experimental setups. This study
delves into the critical aspect of expanding the measurement
capabilities of these instruments to accommodate a broader range of
electrical parameters. Through systematic calibration procedures and
innovative circuit design techniques, the laboratory investigates
methods to extend the range of ammeters and voltmeters while
ensuring accuracy and reliability.

The abstract outlines the objectives, methodologies, and key findings

of the laboratory experiment. It highlights the significance of
extending instrument ranges in enhancing the versatility and precision
of measurements in various electrical applications. This research
contributes to advancing the understanding of instrument calibration
and circuitry design principles, providing valuable insights for future
experimentation and practical implementation in engineering and
scientific domains.

II.LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE NO
1. Extension Of Ammeter Using 10
Current Transformer
4
 2. Extension Of Voltmeter Using 11
Potential Transformer

3. Circuit Diagram For Extension 14

Of Voltmeter Using Potential
Transformer
4. Circuit Diagram For Extension 14
Of Ammeter Using Current
Transformer

III.LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO TITLE PAGE NO

1. Apparatus Required For Extension 12

Of Ac Instruments Using Instrument
Transformers
5
 2. Extension Of Ac Voltmeter 15

3. Extension Of Ac Ammeter 16

1.INTRODUCTION
The Extension of Instrument Ranges for Systems and Measurements
Laboratory focuses on enhancing the functionality and applicability of
ammeters and voltmeters within experimental setups. This study
delves into the critical aspect of expanding the measurement
capabilities of these instruments to accommodate a broader range of
6
electrical parameters. Through systematic calibration procedures and
innovative circuit design techniques, the laboratory investigates
methods to extend the range of ammeters and voltmeters while
ensuring accuracy and reliability.

The abstract outlines the objectives, methodologies, and key findings

of the laboratory experiment. It highlights the significance of
extending instrument ranges in enhancing the versatility and precision
of measurements in various electrical applications. This research
contributes to advancing the understanding of instrument calibration
and circuitry design principles, providing valuable insights for future
experimentation and practical implementation in engineering and
scientific domains.

2.THEORY ON EXTENSION OF
INSTRUMENT RANGES
Operating Principles of Ammeters and Voltmeters:

 There's no fundamental difference in the operating principles of

ammeters and voltmeters. Both are current-operated devices,
except electrostatic-type voltmeters, where deflecting torque is
produced when current flows through their operating coils.

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  In an ammeter, the deflecting torque is produced by the current
to be measured or by a definite fraction of it, while in a
voltmeter, torque is produced by the current proportional to the
voltage to be measured.
 The real difference between the two instruments lies in the
magnitude of the currents producing the deflecting torque. An
ammeter is connected in series with the circuit whose current is
to be measured, requiring low resistance. Conversely, a
voltmeter, connected in parallel with the circuit whose voltage is
to be measured, must have high resistance.
 Thus, the difference is primarily in the resistance of the
instrument. An ammeter can be converted into a voltmeter by
connecting a high resistance in series with it.

Range Extension Devices:

Moving coil instruments can safely carry a maximum current of about

50 mA, with a potential drop across the moving coil instrument of
about 50 mV. However, practical measurements often require heavier
currents and voltages.

To address this, four common devices are used for range extension of
ammeters and voltmeters: shunts, multipliers, and current and
potential transformers.
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Shunts and multipliers extend the range of moving coil ammeters and
voltmeters, respectively.

For moving iron ammeters:

 Shunts are used for ranges up to 0 – 250 A.

 Current transformers (CTs) are used for ranges higher than
0 – 250 A.

For moving iron voltmeters:

 Multipliers are used for ranges up to 0 – 750 V.

 Potential transformers (PTs) are used for ranges higher
than 0 – 750 V.

Range Extension of Ammeter by Shunt:

 To extend the range of an ammeter, one can employ a shunt. A

shunt is a low-value resistance with minimal temperature
coefficient, connected in parallel with the ammeter requiring
extension. This combination is then connected in series with the
circuit under measurement.
 The shunt serves as a bypass for excess current as it is connected
across (i.e., in parallel with) the instrument.
 With this setup, shunted instruments can effectively measure
currents significantly higher than their normal full-scale
deflection currents.

Range Extension of Voltmeter by Multipliers:

For the range extension of voltmeters, multipliers are employed. A

multiplier is a non-inductive high-value resistance connected in series
with the instrument whose range is to be extended. This combination
is then connected across the circuit whose voltage is to be measured.

Range Extension of ammeter by Current Transformer

For ranges above 0 – 250 A, a current transformer is used in

conjunction with 0 – 5 A moving iron AC ammeter as shown in the

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figure. The current transformer is a step up transformer i.e. number of
secondary turns is more than the primary turns.

Fig.1.extension of ammeter using current transformer

Usually, the primary winding of the transformer contains a single turn

or at the most a few turns. The primary of this transformer is
connected in series with the load and carries the load current. The AC
ammeter is connected across the secondary of the transformer.

Since in figure, the current transformer ratio is 10:1, it means that line
(or load) current is equal to 10 times the reading on the AC meter.
Therefore, load current, IL = 3 x 10 = 30 A.

Range Extension of Voltmeter by Potential Transformer

The range of a moving-iron AC voltmeter is extended by connecting a

high resistance (multiplier) in series with it.

For ranges higher than 0 – 750 V, where power wasted in the

multiplier would be excessive, a 0 – 110 V moving-iron AC voltmeter
is used in conjunction with a potential transformer as shown in the
figure.

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The potential transformer is a step-down transformer i.e. number of
primary turns is more than the secondary turns. The primary of the
transformer is connected across the load across which voltage is to be
measured. The AC voltmeter is connected across the secondary.

Fig.2.extension of voltmeter using potential transformer

Since in figure, the potential transformer ratio is 20:1, the load voltage
is equal to 20 times the reading on the AC voltmeter.
Load voltage, VL = 100 x 20 = 2000 V

Note that both secondaries of the instrument transformers are

grounded as a safety measure.

3.EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
1.Aim:

To extend the range of ammeter and voltmeter by using current

transformer for AC ammeter and potential transformer for AC
voltmeter to measure large number of values.

S.NO APPARATUS RANGE QUANTITY

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 REQUIRED
1 Current Transformer (30/5)A 1
2 Potential (433/110)V 1
Transformer
3 Ac Ammeter (0-30)A 1
4 Ac Ammeter (0-5)A 1
5 Ac Voltmeter (0-300)V 1
6 Ac Voltmeter (0-100)V 1
7 Single Phase Variac 230V/15A 1
8 Lamp Load 1.8kw/230V 1

2.Apparatus Required:

Table.1.apparatus required for extension of ac instruments

3.Precautions:

 Current transformer secondary circuit should never be open

circuited.
 Single-phase auto transformer in minimum position.
 All loads should be initially in OFF position.

4.Procedure:
(i) Extension of AC Ammeter:
 For extending the AC ammeter circuit, connections are made
according to the circuit diagram. By adjusting the lamp load,
current values of both standard and test meter readings are
recorded.
(ii) Extension of AC Voltmeter:

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  To extend the AC voltmeter circuit, connections are established
as per the circuit diagram. By adjusting the single-phase auto
transformer, corresponding substandard and test meter readings
are noted.

5.Formula:
 Extension of AC ammeter:
Actual value = Measured value x CT ratio
 Extension of AC voltmeter:
Actual value = Measured value x PT ratio

6.Circuit diagram

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Fig.3.circuit diagram for extension of voltmeter using potential
transformer

Fig.4.circuit diagram for extension of ammeter using current

transformer

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 4.OBSERVATION AND
TABULATIONS
1.THE FOLLOWING READINGS WERE OBSERVED DURING
THE EXTENSION OF VOLTMETER USING POTENTIAL
TRANSFORMER

PT RATIO=433/110

Table.2.extension of ac voltmeter

S.NO TEST METER READING IN SUBSTANDARD

RMS METER
ACTUAL MEASURED READING IN
READING READING RMS
1 78.7 20 80
2 98.4 25 100
3 118.09 30 120
4 137.7 35 140
5 157.45 40 160
6 177 48 180

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2.THE FOLLOWING READINGS WERE OBSERVED DURING
THE EXTENSION OF AMMETER USING CURRENT
TRANSFORMER

CT RATIO=30/5

Table.3.extension of ac ammeter

S.NO TEST METER READING IN SUBSTANDARD

RMS METER
ACTUAL MEASURED READING IN
READING READING RMS
1 2.4 0.4 2.8
2 3 0.5 3
3 3.36 0.56 3.65
4 3.72 0.65 4
5 4.08 0.68 4.5
6 4.4 0.74 4.9

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 5.MODEL CALCULATIONS

1.MODEL CALCULATION FOR EXTENSION OF VOLTMETER

Extension of AC voltmeter:
Actual value = Measured value x PT ratio

Measured Value=20 Volts

PT Ratio=433/110
Actual Value=20*(433/110)=78.7 (Vrms)

2.MODEL CALCULATION FOR EXTENSION OF AMMETER

Extension Of AC AMMETER:
Actual Value = Measured Value X CT Ratio

Measured Value=0.4 Amps

CT Ratio=30/5
Actual Value=0.4*(30/5)=2.4 (Irms)

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 6.INFERENCES
 Enhanced Measurement Range: The extension of instruments
through methods like shunts, multipliers, and transformers allows
for the measurement of currents and voltages beyond the native
range of the instrument. This expands the applicability of these
instruments to a wider range of electrical systems and circuits.
 Improved Versatility: By extending the range of instruments,
researchers and engineers gain the flexibility to measure higher
currents and voltages without the need for additional specialized
equipment. This versatility simplifies experimental setups and
reduces the complexity of measurement systems.
 Precision and Accuracy: Despite extending the range,
maintaining precision and accuracy in measurements remains
paramount. Calibration procedures and careful selection of
extension methods ensure that measurements obtained with
extended instruments remain reliable and consistent.
 Safety Considerations: Extending instrument ranges often
involves dealing with higher currents and voltages, which can pose
safety hazards if not managed properly. Precautionary measures,
such as proper insulation, grounding, and adherence to safety
protocols, are essential to ensure the safety of personnel and
equipment.
 Cost-Effective Solution: Instead of investing in separate
instruments for different measurement ranges, extending the range
of existing instruments through shunts, multipliers, or transformers
can be a cost-effective solution. This optimizes resources and
reduces the need for redundant equipment.
 Educational Value: Laboratories and educational institutions
benefit from the extension of instrument ranges as it allows
students to gain hands-on experience with a wider range of
measurement scenarios. Understanding how to extend instrument
ranges enhances students' comprehension of electrical principles
and instrumentation techniques.

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 7.CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the extension of instrument ranges in the Systems and
Measurements Laboratory has proven to be a pivotal endeavour,
yielding significant benefits across various aspects of electrical
engineering and experimentation. Through the utilization of
techniques such as shunts, multipliers, and transformers, we have
successfully expanded the measurement capabilities of instruments
like ammeters and voltmeters, enabling us to accurately quantify
currents and voltages across a broader spectrum.

This extension not only enhances the versatility and applicability of

our measurement tools but also promotes efficiency and cost-
effectiveness by optimizing resource utilization and streamlining
experimental setups. Additionally, stringent adherence to safety
protocols and calibration procedures ensures the reliability and
accuracy of measurements, safeguarding personnel and equipment
from potential hazards associated with higher currents and voltages.
Moreover, the pursuit of extending instrument ranges has underscored
the innovative spirit of electrical engineering, driving advancements
in instrumentation techniques and fostering a deeper understanding of
electrical principles among students and researchers alike.
Furthermore, the practical applications of these advancements extend
beyond the laboratory, impacting industries ranging from power
generation and distribution to telecommunications and electronics.

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 8.REFERENCES
1. A COURSE IN ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENTS AND
INSTRUMENTATION BY A.K SAWHNEY
2.THE ART OF ELECTRONICS BY PAUL HOROWITZ AND
WINFIELD HALL

3.HELFRICK &COOPER-MODERN ELECTRONIC

MEASUREMENT & INSTRUMENTATION

4.GOLDING, E.W.- ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENT AND

MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

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