A
Ammeter
An ammeter indicates current from a direct or instrument-transformed measurement circuit.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · G
Galvanometer
Sensitive indicating instrument used to detect very small currents or a balance point in a bridge circuit.
In plain English
What does Galvanometer mean?
A galvanometer is a very sensitive current indicator, often with a centre zero, used to detect small currents rather than measure them to a scale. It is drawn in bridge and comparison circuits, where the operator adjusts a component until the galvanometer reads zero.
A simple example
On modern drawings the function is often performed by an electronic null detector, but the symbol still marks the balance point. It does not show sensitivity, damping or protection against overload, which matter because the instrument is easily damaged by currents far above its scale.
What the drawings help you do
Identify the two points whose balance is being detected. Look for protective shunts or switches around the instrument. A galvanometer detects small or zero current; an ammeter measures current to a calibrated scale.
This particular reference
Sensitive indicating instrument used to detect very small currents or a balance point in a bridge circuit. A galvanometer detects small or zero current; an ammeter measures current to a calibrated scale.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
Schematic · G
What it represents
A galvanometer is a very sensitive current indicator, often with a centre zero, used to detect small currents rather than measure them to a scale. It is drawn in bridge and comparison circuits, where the operator adjusts a component until the galvanometer reads zero.
On modern drawings the function is often performed by an electronic null detector, but the symbol still marks the balance point. It does not show sensitivity, damping or protection against overload, which matter because the instrument is easily damaged by currents far above its scale.
How to read it
- Identify the two points whose balance is being detected.
- Look for protective shunts or switches around the instrument.
Information to show or reference
- State sensitivity
- Show protective shunt
- Identify bridge arms
A distinction that matters
A galvanometer detects small or zero current; an ammeter measures current to a calibrated scale.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
Graphic-symbol standards context for instrument designations.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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