FCC Exam Question: 6A520

What is the purpose of multiplier resistance used with a voltmeter?

A. Multiplier resistance is not used with a voltmeter
B. To increase the voltage indicating range of the voltmeter
C. To decrease the voltage indicating range of the voltmeter
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A voltmeter uses a sensitive current-measuring meter movement internally. To measure voltage, a resistor, known as a multiplier resistance, is placed in series with this movement. The purpose of this series multiplier resistance is to drop a significant portion of the voltage being measured, allowing only a small, proportional current to flow through the meter movement. By increasing the total resistance in the circuit (the meter movement's resistance plus the multiplier resistance), a higher voltage is required across the combination to produce the full-scale deflection current for the meter. This effectively extends the voltage range that the voltmeter can safely and accurately indicate. Therefore, option B is correct because adding series resistance increases the total resistance, which, by Ohm's Law (V=IR), means a higher voltage can be applied across the circuit for the same full-scale current, thus increasing the measuring range. Option A is incorrect as multiplier resistances are fundamental to voltmeter design. Option C is incorrect as it describes the opposite effect; adding resistance increases the range, it does not decrease it.

Pass Your FCC Exam!

Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the GMDSS Trainer app.


Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.