Ammeters

Ammeters provide an accurate way of measuring and displaying current within a circuit. They are designed for panel mounting and are used across a range of industrial applications. These metered instruments measure current flow in amperes. The ampere level of the current is displayed on using either an analogue scale or digital readout. The current is presented in draw (how much current flows) or continuity (how uninterruptable the current is). Learn more about the different types of ammeters in our complete guide to ammeters.

What are digital panel ammeters?

Digital ammeters feature a programmable bar graph scale that allows both minimum and maximum values to be set, enabling a custom scale, dependant on the needs of the application. The digital display can be programmed to change colour, flash or change annunciator message. These panel meters often feature triggers that can be programmed to sound an alarm when a critical point has been reached. The digital meter can also be set to trip when values exceed, fall behind, are between or are outside set points.

What are analogue panel ammeters?

Analogue panel ammeters determine whether erratic loads exist in electrical circuits. High ampere levels may indicate short-circuiting, unintentional grounding or indicate a defective component in the network. Low current flow points to high resistance or weak flow in the circuit.

Types of analogue panel ammeters

Analogue panel ammeters come in five types:

• Moving coil: where magnetic deflection causes the coil to move when the current passes through the coil
• Moving magnet: where the coil is mounted in the metered case, and a permanent magnet moves the needle
• Moving iron: where an iron needle moves in response to an electromagnetic force from the coil
• Electrodynamic: where an electrodynamic magnet responds to alternating and direct current movement
• Hot wire: where current passes through a wire that expands when heated, indicating low or high ampere levels