What is a common effect of stray magnetic fields on measuring instruments?

Stray magnetic fields can significantly interfere with the operation of measuring instruments, leading to inaccurate readings. These fields can induce unwanted currents or voltages in the measuring circuits, affecting the calibration and the precision of measurements. Sensitive instruments, such as those used in electrical and instrumentation applications, can pick up these stray magnetic influences, resulting in erroneous data that could lead to incorrect conclusions about the system being measured.

For instance, in environments where strong magnetic fields are present—like those near large electric motors or transformers—measuring devices can display values that do not accurately reflect the true conditions. This effect can mislead operators and engineers, making it crucial to account for stray magnetic fields and implement corrective measures, such as shielding or using differential measurement techniques.