WorksheetCode-sensitiveLast reviewed April 29, 2026
Electrical reference chart
Current Shunt Voltage Chart
Use this worksheet after the calculator result to record shunt ohms, rated current, millivolt output, meter input, lead arrangement, burden, heat, and calibration follow-up.
Quick reference table
A current shunt voltage chart is a calculator-led measurement worksheet. It connects current, shunt resistance, and millivolt output with meter range, lead layout, burden, and calibration review before using the reading.
Current shunt measurement worksheet
| Item | Record from calculator | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Shunt data | Resistance, rated current, mV rating | Confirm calibration and temperature rating |
| Measurement | Expected current and shunt voltage | Check meter range and resolution |
| Connections | Sense leads, burden, polarity | Verify four-wire path where applicable |
| Thermal note | Power loss or heating flag | Check mounting and duty cycle |
| Record | Instrument and date | Attach calibration and next test note |
Current shunt accuracy checks
| Accuracy item | Record on worksheet | Why it changes the reading |
|---|---|---|
| Sense terminals | Four-wire or Kelvin connection note | Load-current leads can add unwanted voltage drop |
| Meter burden | Input impedance, range, resolution | Small millivolt signals need suitable instrumentation |
| Thermal duty | Power loss, mounting, ambient, duty cycle | Heating can shift resistance and accuracy |
| Calibration chain | Shunt certificate, meter calibration, date | Both shunt and meter affect the final current value |
Formula basis
Shunt voltage = current x shunt resistance.
- Current is the measured or expected current through the shunt.
- Shunt resistance is the calibrated resistance value of the shunt.
- Shunt voltage is the millivolt signal measured across the sense terminals.
- Meter and lead details affect accuracy and heating, especially at high current.
Worked examples
Assumptions. Balanced load and line-to-line voltage assumptions behind this chart.
- The worksheet assumes the shunt is correctly installed, rated, cooled, and connected to a suitable instrument.
- Measurement accuracy depends on calibration, lead placement, temperature, burden, polarity, and circuit safety controls.
Code and standard notes. Planning limits that should be checked before final equipment selection.
- Use this chart as a calculation record; verify manufacturer shunt data, instrument calibration, OSHA electrical safety controls, adopted NEC installation context, facility procedures, AHJ expectations, and qualified-person review before measurement work.
How to use this chart
Worksheet checklist. Record source basis, review gaps, and assumptions before using the chart result.
- Capture shunt dataRecord rated current, resistance, mV output, tolerance, temperature rating, and calibration date.
- Capture measurement dataWrite expected current, measured voltage, calculated current, meter model, and lead details.
- Capture follow-upDocument heat, mounting, retest, calibration, and next measurement date.
Common mistakes to avoid. Review these before turning chart current into an equipment decision.
- Measuring across the wrong terminals and including load current in the sense leads.
- Ignoring shunt temperature and calibration when using small millivolt readings.
- Calculating current from millivolts without checking meter burden, polarity, lead routing, and shunt tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.
Can I use any voltmeter with a current shunt?
No. The meter range, input impedance, lead arrangement, resolution, and safety rating must match the shunt and circuit.
Why record shunt heating?
High current through even a small resistance creates heat, which can affect accuracy and equipment condition.
Related calculators
- Current Shunt CalculatorSize DC current shunts from target millivolt drop, derive ammeter shunts from meter-movement data, or check the voltage drop and power loss of an existing shunt.
- Shunt CalculatorVerify existing DC current shunts from nameplate data, measured drop tests, or meter-to-shunt millivolt matching.
- Electrical Testing CalculatorScreen insulation resistance, 62% fall-of-potential setup, contact resistance drift, and tan-delta trend movement without pretending to replace manufacturer or NETA acceptance criteria.
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