USCG Exam PracticeHand/power tools, measuring instruments, and maintenance
When using a multimeter to measure voltage in a circuit, the instrument's voltage function must be connected in which manner?
- A. In series with the load, using low input resistance to maximize current flow
- ✓ In parallel across the measurement points, using high input resistance to avoid loading the circuitCorrect
- C. In series with the load, using high input resistance to limit current through the meter
- D. In parallel across the measurement points, using low input resistance to improve accuracy
Why B is correct
DOE-HDBK-1011 Vol.4 §14-1 specifies that the multimeter measures voltage connected in parallel across the points with high input resistance to avoid loading the circuit. Low input resistance would draw excessive current and depress the measured voltage.