Red Seal Construction Electrician Practice Exam

Which device is used to measure electrical current in a circuit?

1. Ammeter

2. Voltmeter

3. Ohmmeter

4. Transformer

The correct answer is: Ammeter

An ammeter is specifically designed to measure electrical current flowing through a circuit. It operates by being connected in series with the circuit, allowing the device to measure the flow of electrons directly. The reading on the ammeter indicates the amount of current, typically in amperes (A), allowing electricians and technicians to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical systems effectively. In contrast, a voltmeter measures the potential difference (voltage) across two points in a circuit and is connected in parallel. An ohmmeter measures resistance in ohms, which helps determine how much opposition there is to current flow but does not directly measure the current itself. A transformer, on the other hand, is utilized for changing voltage levels in an alternating current (AC) circuit and does not measure current. Therefore, the ammeter is the appropriate device for measuring electrical current.