A measuring instrument, basically an ammeter, that utilizes the elongation by heat of a thin wire carrying an electric current. The wire is rigidly clamped so that its elongation can be measured. The elongation is proportional to the temperature rise of the wire, which in turn is proportional to the square of the current. Such instruments can therefore be used for either DC or AC measurements. An extremely large resistance used in series with the instrument allows it to function as a voltmeter.