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An Overview of Current Sense Shunts

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This tutorial covers the basics of fuse blocks and current sense shunts in a nutshell. Current sense is a device that senses magnetic field which vary with the location of a person, and which triggers when the current variation is too low or high. When the current variation is high a magnetic sensor is triggered, and it terminates the operation. When the variation is low, a fuse is used to terminate the operation.

A typical use case for a current sense shunting device is illustrated in figure 1. In this example a circuit has been created which contains a load and a source with two terminals. The load can be used as a source of temporary power supply while the permanent power supply can be connected to a microchip or similar device, such as a fuse. The load will only draw power when the source terminal is triggered by the microchip, and any spikes created by the circuit will terminate the current sense operation. A bi-directional current sense shunt acts as an obstacle to prevent power flowing in only one direction.

There are two common types of current sense resistors. These are direct and alternating current DC Ammeter Shunt. The difference is that alternating current sensing resistors operate on a positive and alternating voltage drop. These are often found in applications requiring power indication to indicate power needs when multiple appliances are in the same room. Direct current sense resistors operate in the reverse and are commonly used in applications requiring protection from spikes to protect sensitive equipment.

DC Ammeter Shunt operation is simple to understand. Current sense shunt resistors are placed in circuit boards, and the current passing through the shunt creates a voltage drop across the terminals. This voltage drop is measured with an electronic ohmmeter. Commonly, this level of drop will be marked on the fuse blocks that house the individual fuses. The fuse blocks can be easily replaced when needed.

When selecting a particular brand of Current Sense Shunts, a careful review of the various fuse ratings should be conducted. This is especially important for the highest wattage loads because high amp dc ammeter shunts can create power surges that can ruin expensive electrical equipment. The highest rated ampere rating for current sense shunts is 120 watts. The maximum continuous output (CDPO) rating for these units is four amps. As an example, the four amp rating is the maximum continuous ampere that can be created during a one second continuously running cycle.

Although you should always verify your current sense shunts and fuse blocks before placing an order, it is not essential for purchasing this type of product. However, it is useful to have a comprehensive overview of the various current sense units so that you do not waste money if a particular brand does not work as described. For e-commerce sites that operate continuously and frequently, it is helpful to review these products to ensure that they are working properly. In addition, a tutorial covers shunt operation and installation so that you do not waste time or money on replacing damaged parts. Visit this website at http://www.ehow.com/slideshow_12254966_2013-consumer-electronics-show-whats-new-tech.html for more info about electronics.