Question

What are the symbols on a voltmeter?

Answer 1

A voltmeter typically has a few common symbols to indicate its function and measurement settings:

1. **V (with a straight line)** – This is the main symbol for measuring **voltage**. The "V" stands for volts, which is the unit of measurement for electrical potential difference. The straight line indicates DC (direct current) voltage.

2. **V (with a dashed line and a straight line underneath)** – This symbol represents **AC (alternating current)** voltage measurement. The dashed line shows that the voltmeter is measuring an AC voltage instead of DC.

3. **VΩ (sometimes with a line and dashed line)** – This is sometimes seen on a multimeter, which can also measure voltage and resistance. The "Ω" symbol represents ohms, which is the unit of resistance. When you see both "V" and "Ω" together, it indicates a multimeter that can switch between different functions.

4. **+ and - (signs)** – Some voltmeters, especially digital ones, may also have + and - symbols to indicate polarity when measuring DC voltage. This helps you know which terminal is positive and which is negative.

Do you use a voltmeter in your work, or are you just getting into it?