A few days ago
sethlumbao

Why is the resistor connected in series with a voltmeter called a “Multiplier”?

I have found out that the resistor connected in series with a voltmeter is called a “multiplier”? Why is it so? Does it multiply something as its name suggests? If so, what is it?

Top 4 Answers
A few days ago
Tom P

Favorite Answer

A “multiplier” resistor is put “in series” with a voltmeter (internal the voltmeter device) to allow:

the voltmeter’s needle ( or digital display ) to cover a greater range of measurement.

The “in series” multiplier resistor creates a voltage divider with the voltmeter’s internal resistor, reducing the voltage which basically gives the needle (or digital display) a GREATER range of sensitivity.

So….the “multiplier” resistor is in actuality multiplying the range of display for the voltmeter.

Its a bit confusing, but it is very well explained at the following web site:

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_8/2.html

Read it, and re-read it…… it does make sense.

Good luck.

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4 years ago
menden
Resistor Multiplier
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5 years ago
Anonymous
You should always connect a voltmeter in parallel. Description: A voltmeter is a high resistance device. If I connect this in series, potential drop across the voltmeter would be high and it effects the potential drop across the part which you have to measure. This is in accordance with Kirchhoff’s 2nd rule or Loop rule.
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A few days ago
david j
resistor in series is for dropping voltage
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