Red Seal Construction Electrician Practice Exam

Which tool is most commonly used to measure electrical current?

1. Multimeter

2. Oscilloscope

3. Ammeter

4. Voltmeter

The correct answer is: Ammeter

The tool most commonly used to measure electrical current is the ammeter. An ammeter is specifically designed for this purpose and is typically connected in series within a circuit to measure the flow of electric charge, allowing it to provide a direct reading of current measured in amperes (A). It works by detecting the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through it, providing accurate measurements of both AC and DC current. While a multimeter can also measure current, it is multifunctional and more commonly used for measuring voltage and resistance in addition to current. In professional settings, the ammeter would be the preferred tool when the primary objective is to measure current directly. An oscilloscope is used to visualize and analyze the waveforms of electrical signals rather than measure current directly. It can, however, indirectly provide information about current when used with current probes but is not fundamentally designed for this purpose. A voltmeter is used to measure voltage, which is the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. It cannot measure current directly as it is usually connected in parallel across components rather than in series. In summary, the specific design and function of the ammeter make it the most appropriate tool for measuring electrical current.