Measurement Techniques of Low Value High Current Single Range Current Shunts 15 Amps to 3000 Amps

Published

August 1, 2006

Author(s)

Marlin E. Kraft

Abstract

Standard resistors that are used to measure current and are designed to dissipate relatively high levels of power are known as current shunts. This paper will discuss some of the many different types of single range current shunts in use today, and describe self-heating effects and the kinds of errors associated with specific current shunt designs. The importance of the length of time it takes for some shunts to reach both temperature equilibrium and resistance equilibrium will be discussed. Because of the effects of non-uniform temperature distribution, these are not the same length of time for some shunts and may depend on the location of the temperature sensor. Other topics include how errors in measuring current shunts can be reduced by making symmetric, low-resistance connections and considering how the current distribution and the placement of the potential terminals affect the measurement.

Proceedings Title

Conference Proceedings of NCSL International Workshop and Symposium

Conference Dates

August 6-10, 2006

Conference Location

Nashville, TN

Conference Title

NCSL International Workshop and Symposium

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

current, equilibrium, self-heating, Shunts, standard resistor, thermocouple

Citation

Kraft, M. (2006), Measurement Techniques of Low Value High Current Single Range Current Shunts 15 Amps to 3000 Amps, Conference Proceedings of NCSL International Workshop and Symposium, Nashville, TN, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=32286 (Accessed December 15, 2024)