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Shunts are used to measure current. They are accurate, very low resistance resistors. They are connected in series in the circuit in which you wish to measure current. A millivolt meter connected across the terminals of a shunt will accurately reflect the current flowing through that shunt since the voltage drop across the shunt is directly proportional to the current. Shunts are usually installed in the negative wire to prevent accidental shorts with grounded enclosures.