How should a voltmeter be connected?

A voltmeter measures the electrical potential difference (voltage) across two points in a circuit. To obtain an accurate reading of voltage, it must be connected in parallel with the load. This parallel connection allows the voltmeter to measure the potential difference across the load without altering the current passing through it.

When connected in parallel, the voltmeter experiences the same voltage as the load, enabling it to give a direct measurement of the voltage drop across that component. This is essential to ensure that the voltmeter does not affect the operation of the circuit and provides a true reading of the voltage.

Connecting the voltmeter in series, in line with the circuit breaker, or only at the source would yield incorrect measurements, as those configurations would either not allow the voltmeter to measure the voltage accurately across the load or could disrupt the circuit’s operation altogether.