ASE Electrical and Electronic Systems (A6) Practice Test 2025 - Free ASE A6 Practice Questions and Study Guide

An ammeter is a specialized instrument designed to measure the flow of electric current in a circuit. When connected in series with a load or component, it provides a direct readout of the current flowing through that specific part of the circuit, typically expressed in amperes (A). The functionality of an ammeter is fundamentally centered around its ability to gauge current, which is a crucial parameter in electrical and electronic systems for ensuring proper operation, diagnosing issues, and evaluating circuit performance.

In contrast to other measurements, such as voltage or resistance, an ammeter does not measure the potential difference across components (voltage), the power consumed in the circuit, which is calculated using both voltage and current, or the opposition to current flow provided by resistors (resistance). Its specific role is solely focused on current measurement, making it an essential tool for technicians and engineers when analyzing electrical systems.