Four terminal measurement
Updated 2026-10-27
Data records
- A four-terminal measurement, also called a Kelvin measurement, passes the test current through one pair of leads and reads the voltage drop through a separate pair connected directly across the item under test, so that the resistance of the current leads and their contacts does not enter the reading. It is the method used by low-resistance ohmmeters, micro-ohmmeters and winding resistance meters.
- A maker's description of low-resistance testing states that its low-resistance ohmmeters and micro-ohmmeters make a four-terminal Kelvin measurement so that the resistance of the test leads and of the contacts does not enter the reading. It adds that a high test current overcomes the effects of lead resistance, oxidation, contamination and thermal EMF, with bi-directional testing and filtering used to keep the readings stable.
Sources
- Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy, Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy of test methods, 2026-10 edition, Electrical Testing Reference. Held as: Own observation.
- Megger product family page, Low Resistance Testing Solutions, web page edition, Megger. Held as: Public page. Publisher page
Changelog (5 entries)
| Date | Revision | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 | created (gloss.four-terminal-measurement.definition) | |
| 2026-10-27 | review_status unreviewed -> software_reviewed (gloss.four-terminal-measurement.definition) | |
| 2026-10-27 | created (gloss.four-terminal-measurement.usage) | |
| 2026-10-27 | revised (gloss.four-terminal-measurement.usage) | |
| 2026-10-27 | review_status unreviewed -> software_reviewed (gloss.four-terminal-measurement.usage) |
Cite this page
Cite the governing standard for the fact itself; cite this page as the finding aid.
"Four terminal measurement." Test Instrument Reference. 2026-10-27. https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/four-terminal-measurement/.
Test Instrument Reference, Four terminal measurement (Oct. 27, 2026), https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/four-terminal-measurement/.
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organization = {Test Instrument Reference},
publisher = {Test Instrument Reference},
year = {2026},
note = {last substantive change 2026-10-27}
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