A Voltmeter can NOT be wired in series. The current must not flow through a voltmeter - that will destroy it.
If you have a voltmeter (as shown in the post #1 diagram) do not set it up as we have described.
No that is not true. A voltmeter in series with the battery and load will simply read battery voltage. The meter will not be hurt, but neither, will it pass enough current to operate any of the loads
