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Difference Between Ammeter and Galvanometer, Applications

Find out the difference between ammeter and galvanometer below! The critical difference between ammeter and galvanometer is in their measurement capabilities. Keep reading to know more!
authorImageKrati Saraswat27 May, 2025
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Difference Between Ammeter and Galvanometer

Difference between Ammeter and Galvanometer:  In the realm of electrical instruments, the measurement of parameters such as current flow holds great significance. Two common devices employed for current measurement are the ammeter and the galvanometer, each possessing distinct characteristics.

The main difference between these two is in their capabilities: the galvanometer indicates both the direction and magnitude of the current, whilst the ammeter just indicates the magnitude of the current. This discussion will go into both instruments' properties, giving light on the distinctions between the ammeter and galvanometer.
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Difference between Ammeter and Galvanometer Overview

The galvanometer and ammeter differ significantly in their functions. One notable difference is that the galvanometer provides information about the current's direction and magnitude, whereas the ammeter solely indicates the magnitude. The comparison chart below illustrates other key differences between the galvanometer and the ammeter. The galvanometer employs a movable coil that can rotate freely within a permanent magnet.
When a current flows through the coil, it experiences deflection, and the extent of deflection is directly proportional to the current.  Resistance is connected in parallel with the circuit to convert a galvanometer into an ammeter. Conversely, when resistance is connected in series with a galvanometer, it functions as a voltmeter. On the other hand, the ammeter, also known as an ampere meter, is specifically designed to measure current magnitude. Connected in series with the circuit, it accurately determines the current's value in the circuit. The unit of current is the ampere, and the ammeter is calibrated to measure the exact current passing through it.

Difference Between Ammeter and Galvanometer

Ammeters find applications in various fields, including electronics, automotive, industrial machinery, and power distribution systems, making them versatile tools. Modern ammeters are designed with high precision, ensuring accurate and reliable current measurements. Galvanometers find applications in various fields, including physics experiments, electrical testing, and as components in other instruments like potentiometers.  Galvanometers typically consume low power, making them energy-efficient instruments. The below table shows the difference between ammeter and galvanometer:

Difference between Ammeter and Galvanometer

Sr. No. Feature Ammeter Galvanometer
1 Basic Function Measures electric current flowing in a circuit. Detects and indicates the presence of electric current.
2 Scale Type Linear scale for direct current (DC) measurements. May have both linear and circular scales for AC and DC. Typically has a circular scale for detecting current direction and magnitude.
3 Connection Connected in series with the circuit where current is to be measured. Initially connected in parallel with a high resistance, often used as a sensitive switch.
4 Resistance Low resistance to minimize voltage drop. High resistance to ensure minimal current flows through the device.
5 Range Multiple switchable ranges for different current magnitudes. Limited range, often requires a shunt or multiplier for extending the range.
6 Purpose Precisely measures current for various applications. Primarily used for qualitative detection of current presence and direction.
7 Use Cases Commonly used in electronic circuits and power systems. Historically used in laboratories and early electrical instruments.
8 Construction Typically consists of a coil, shunt, and a calibrated scale. Comprises a coil suspended in a magnetic field with a pointer attached to indicate current flow.
9 Reading Interpretation Direct numerical values on the scale indicate the current. Requires calibration and may involve interpreting both the angle and deflection direction.
10 Application Integral part of circuit analysis and troubleshooting. Often replaced by digital instruments for precise measurements.

What is Ammeter?

An ammeter, derived from the term "ampere meter," serves as a device employed for measuring the current in an electrical circuit. To facilitate direct measurement, the ammeter is connected in series with the circuit where the current is to be gauged. Its inherent resistance is designed to be sufficiently low, ensuring it doesn't induce a significant voltage drop in the monitored circuit. The operation of an ammeter relies on both resistance and inductive reactance. With a crucial focus on maintaining low impedance to minimize voltage drop, the ammeter is connected in series, considering the uniformity of current flow in the series circuit. This instrument's primary purpose is to gauge the flow of electricity through a set of coils featuring extremely low resistance and inductive reactance.

Applications of Ammeter

Here are the applications of ammeter:
1) Electronic Circuit Testing Ammeters are commonly employed in laboratories and workshops to measure current flow in electronic circuits. This is crucial for analyzing and troubleshooting the performance of electronic devices.
 2) Power Distribution Systems In power distribution systems, ammeters are key in monitoring current flow through different network branches. This helps maintain balanced loads and ensures the safety of the electrical system.
 3) Automotive Industry Ammeters are used in vehicles to monitor the charging and discharging of the battery. They provide valuable information about the electrical health of the vehicle, especially in terms of alternator performance.
 4) Industrial Machinery Ammeters are integrated into various industrial machinery to monitor the current drawn by motors and other electrical components. This aids in preventive maintenance and ensures efficient operation.
  5) Energy Management Systems In energy management systems for residential or commercial buildings, ammeters monitor the current consumption of different appliances and devices. This data helps in optimizing energy usage.
  6) Current Measurement The primary advantage of an ammeter is its ability to measure electric current accurately. It provides a direct reading of the current flowing through a circuit.
  7) Real-Time Monitoring Ammeters offer real-time monitoring of electrical currents, allowing users to assess a circuit or device's performance instantly. 

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What is Galvanometer?

A galvanometer is an electromechanical measuring instrument designed to assess current strength and direction within an electric circuit. Its essential components include a moving coil, permanent magnet, iron core, non-magnetic frame, suspension wire, and a spring. Positioned between the poles of the permanent magnet, the coil undergoes movement when an electric current traverses through it, generating a magnetic field around the coil. This magnetic field interaction with the permanent magnet's field results in a force acting on the coil, initiating its motion. Attached to the moving coil is a pointer, and the deflection of this pointer indicates both the magnitude and direction of the current. In a galvanometer, the deflection of the pointer is directly proportional to the strength of the current circulating through the circuit. It's important to note that a galvanometer is exclusively used for measuring direct current (DC). Widely employed in bridges and potentiometers, it plays a crucial role in detecting zero current.

Applications of Galvanometer

Here are the applications of galvanometer:
  1) Magnetic Field Measurement Galvanometers are often utilized to measure the strength of magnetic fields. By incorporating coils and magnets, galvanometers can detect changes in magnetic flux and provide readings proportional to the field strength.
  2) Bridge Circuits Galvanometers serve as null detectors in Wheatstone bridge circuits and other bridge configurations. They indicate when the bridge is balanced, helping in precision resistance measurements.
  3) Scientific Experiments Galvanometers are fundamental tools in scientific experiments involving electrical currents. They are used to detect and measure weak electric currents in various experimental setups.
  4) Geophysical Surveys Galvanometers are employed in geophysical surveys to measure the electrical resistivity of the Earth's subsurface. This is valuable in applications such as mineral exploration and environmental studies.
  5) Medical Equipment Galvanometers find applications in medical instruments, particularly early electrocardiography (ECG) devices. They were historically used to detect and record electrical signals from the heart.
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What are their common use cases?

Ammeters are commonly used in electronic circuits, power systems, and various applications requiring accurate current measurement. Galvanometers were historically used in laboratories and early electrical instruments for detecting the presence and direction of current.

How are they connected in a circuit?

Ammeters are connected in series with the circuit where the current is to be measured. Initially connected in parallel with a high resistance, it is often used as a sensitive switch.

What types of scales do they have?

Ammeters typically have a linear scale for direct current (DC) measurements. Some may have both linear and circular scales for AC and DC. Galvanometers often have a circular scale for detecting both the direction and magnitude of current.

How do they handle resistance in their construction?

Ammeters have a low resistance to minimize voltage drop and accurately measure current. Galvanometers have high resistance to ensure minimal current flows through the device, requiring a shunt or multiplier for extended range.

What is the purpose of each instrument?

Ammeters precisely measure current for various applications, which is integral in circuit analysis and troubleshooting. Galvanometers have historically been used for qualitatively detecting current presence and direction, often replaced by digital instruments for precise measurements.
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