Where must an inline ammeter be connected in an electrical circuit?

• A. in series
• B. in parallel
• C. around the conductor
• D. with the jaws closed.

Answer: (A)

Current is measured by having the meter take part in the path that current follows, so all the current flows through the meter. An inline ammeter is placed in series with the load, meaning it becomes part of the circuit path. This way, the same current that powers the load also goes through the meter, giving an accurate reading.

Putting the meter in parallel would create another path for current that bypasses the load, which can distort the measurement, waste energy, or even cause damage or a short. Measuring by surrounding the conductor with jaws is a different method (a clamp meter) that does not insert into the circuit, so it isn’t an inline setup. The idea of jaws being closed specifically relates to that clamp-style instrument, not to an inline ammeter.