Ammeters measure the current THROUGH a component. Connect the ammeter in series with the device being measured.
Voltmeters measure the potential difference (voltage) ACROSS a component. Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the device being measured.
Don't parade your ignorance by talking about voltage going through things. Current goes through things!!!
An ideal ammeter ...
- has zero volts across it
- has a resistance of zero Ohms
- does not affect the circuit it is measuring.
Real ammeters have resistances close to zero. Therefore very large currents can flow through the ammeter if it is wired up wrongly. Most ammeters are protected by a fuse.
Here is a circuit without and with an ammeter. The ammeter behaves almost like a connecting wire but also measures the current through the bulb.
Current is measured in Amps (Amperes) or more often milliamps or microamps. Power generating plants and industrial machinery might have currents measured in kiloamps.
How to Measure Current
Ammeters are easily destroyed by incorrect wiring.
