“The device used for comparing the unknown quantity with the unit of
measurement or standard quantity is called a Measuring Instrument.
(OR)
―An instrument may be defined as a machine or system which is designed to
maintain functional relationship between prescribed properties of physical
variables & could include means of communication to human observer.‖
Electrical instruments may be divided into two categories, that are;
1. Absolute instruments, 2.
Secondary instruments.
-Absolute instruments gives the quantity to be measured in
term of instrument constant & its deflection.
-In Secondary instruments the deflection gives the magnitude
of electrical quantity to be measured directly. These
instruments are required to be calibrated by comparing with
another standard instrument before putting
into use.
Electrical measuring instruments may also be classified according
to the kind of quantity, kind of current, principle of operation of
moving system.
CLASSIFICATION OF SECONDARYINSTRUMENTS
Secondary instruments can be classified into three
types;
i. Indicating instruments;
[Link] instruments;
[Link] instruments.
- Indicating Instruments:
It indicate the magnitude of an electrical quantity at the time
when it is being measured. The indications are given by a pointer
moving over a graduated dial.
- Recording Instruments:
The instruments which keep a continuous record of the variations
of the magnitude of an electrical quantity to be observed over a
defined period of time.
- Integrating Instruments:
The instruments which measure the total amount of either
quantity of electricity or electrical energy supplied over a
period of time. Forexampleenergymeters.
A defined above, indicating instruments are those which indicate
the value of quantity that is being measured at the time at which
it is measured. Such instruments consist essentially of a pointer
which moves over a calibrated scale
& which is attached to a moving system pivoted in bearing. The
moving system is subjected to the following three torques:
1. A deflecting ( or operating) torque;
2. A controlling ( or restoring) torque;
- The deflecting torque is produced by making one of the
magnetic, heating, chemical, electrostatic and
electromagnetic induction effect of current or voltage and
cause the moving system of the instrument to move from its
zero position.
- The method of producing this torque depends upon the type
of instrument.
- The magnitude of the moving system would be some what
indefinite under the influence of deflecting torque, unless the
controlling torque existed to oppose the deflecting torque.
- It increases with increase in deflection of moving system.
- Under the influence of controlling torque the pointer will
return to its zero position on removing the source producing the
deflecting torque.
- Without controlling torque the pointer will swing at its
maximum position & will not return to zero after removing the
source.
Spring Control:
•When the pointer is deflected one
spring unwinds itself while the other
is twisted. This twist
in the spring produces restoring
(controlling) torque, which is
proportional to the angle of
deflection of the moving systems.
• In gravity controlled instruments, a small adjustable weight is
attached to the spindle of the moving system such that the
deflecting torque produced by the instrument has to act against the
action of gravity.
• Thus a controlling torque is obtained. This weight is called the
control weight. Another adjustable weight is also attached is the
moving system for zero adjustment and balancing purpose. This
weight is called Balance weight.
• We have already seen that the moving system of the instrument
will tend to move under the action of the deflecting torque.
•But on account of the control torque, it will try to occupy a
position of rest when the two torques are equal and opposite.
•However, due to inertia
of the moving system, the
pointer will not come to rest immediately but oscillate about its
final deflected position as shown in figure and takes appreciable
time to come to steady state.
•To overcome this difficulty a damping torque is to be
developed by using a damping device attached to the moving
system.
• The damping torque is proportional to the speed of rotation of
the moving system, that is
• Depending upon the degree of damping introduced in the
moving system, the instrument may have any one of the
• There are two types of moving coil
instruments namely, permanent magnet
moving coil type which can only be used for
direct current, voltage measurements.
• The dynamometer type which can be used on
either direct or alternating current,
voltage measurements.
―The principle operation of
PMMC is based upon the principle of current
carrying
conductor is placed in a
magnetic field it is acted
upon by force which tends to
move it.‖
• An attraction type of moving-iron instrument is
shown diagrammatically in Figure. When current
flows in the solenoid,apivoted soft-iron disc is
attracted towards the solenoid and the movement
causes a pointer to move across a scale.
In the repulsion type moving-iron instrument shown
diagrammatically in Figure, two pieces of iron are
placed inside the solenoid, one being fixed, and the
other attached to the spindle carrying the pointer.