When measuring AC voltage, what should the configuration of the voltmeter be?

When measuring AC voltage, the voltmeter should be connected across the load. This configuration allows the voltmeter to measure the potential difference (voltage) that is present between the two points across which it is connected. By placing the voltmeter across the load, it can effectively capture the voltage being supplied to that specific component, providing an accurate reading that reflects the operational voltage in the circuit under normal conditions.

This method is essential for ensuring that the reading reflects the actual voltage utilized by the load, as the voltmeter operates based on the principle that it should measure the voltage drop across the component. This setup is crucial for troubleshooting and monitoring the performance of electrical circuits because it gives insights into the voltage levels that devices are actually receiving while in operation.

Connecting a voltmeter in series with the load would disrupt the circuit and lead to incorrect readings, as the voltmeter is designed to measure potential difference, not current flow. Measuring around the conductor does not accurately provide the voltage across the load, and connecting to ground does not reflect the voltage relevant to the load in the circuit. Therefore, connecting the voltmeter across the load is the proper method for measuring AC voltage effectively.