Measuring RMS Voltage with a DMM

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how to measure RMS voltage using a digital multimeter (DMM), including the capabilities of different DMMs and the conditions under which they provide accurate readings. The scope includes technical explanations and practical considerations for measuring AC and DC voltages.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that DMMs provide RMS voltage readings when set to measure AC voltage, while they measure average voltage when set to DC.
  • It is mentioned that not all DMMs measure true RMS voltage; some may only measure average voltage, and users are advised to check their DMM's manual.
  • One participant explains that voltmeters not labeled as "true RMS" typically measure scaled average voltage, which can equal RMS voltage only for sinusoidal waveforms.
  • Questions arise regarding the expected reading on a DMM set to AC voltage when measuring a sinewave with a known RMS value, with some suggesting that it should read the same RMS value if there is no DC component.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of DMMs for measuring sinewaves at higher frequencies, suggesting limitations in their accuracy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between RMS and average voltage measurements by DMMs, but there is no consensus on the reliability of DMMs for non-sinusoidal waveforms or at higher frequencies.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the waveform shape (e.g., sinusoidal) and the frequency range for accurate measurements are present but not fully explored. The discussion does not resolve the implications of using non-true RMS DMMs for various waveforms.

mishraneel
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Suppose at a test point in my circuit ,I need to measure rms voltage, how I should measure it with DMM?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
DMM provide rms voltage when set to measure AC voltage. If Set to measure DC Voltage they measure Average.
 
mishraneel said:
Suppose at a test point in my circuit ,I need to measure rms voltage, how I should measure it with DMM?

Peak to peak voltage (non-RMS) typcially only shows up on an oscilloscope.
 
Some DMM measure RMS voltage and some DMM measure average voltage.

Check the manual for your DMM and if it reads average voltage, get a DMM that reads RMS voltage.
 
Voltmeters that don't describe themselves as being "true RMS" generally measure scaled average voltage. That is, they display the average voltage times [itex]\pi / \sqrt{8}[/itex], (approx 1.11). This scaling factor makes the average voltage equal the RMS voltage, but only for a sinusoidal waveform.
 
In one of replies to my post, I got an answer that AC voltmeters measure rms voltages, further I want to know that at AC volt position 1V RMS will be shown as what, 1v or less or more?
 
mishraneel said:
In one of replies to my post, I got an answer that AC voltmeters measure rms voltages, further I want to know that at AC volt position 1V RMS will be shown as what, 1v or less or more?
Providing you are measuring a sinewave, and there is no DC component, then on the AC scale your meter will read 1.00v for a sinewave having an RMS value of 1.00v

DMM probably work reliably only for sinewaves up to a few kHz.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K