Does my Leisure Battery System need a Shunt?

A shunt is a device that measures the current flowing through a circuit. It is often used in leisure battery systems to monitor the state of charge (SoC) of the batteries. A shunt can be a valuable tool as it can help you to:
- Extend the life of your batteries by preventing them from deep discharge
- Optimise your battery charging system
- Identify and troubleshoot problems with your battery system
If you are serious about maximising the performance and lifespan of your RV leisure battery system, then a shunt is a worthwhile investment.
Here are some of the benefits of using a shunt in your leisure battery system:
- Accurately measure the state of charge (SoC) of your batteries. A shunt can provide you with a real-time reading of the SoC of your batteries, which can help you to prevent deep discharge and extend the life of your batteries.
- Optimise your battery charging system. A shunt can help you to optimise your battery charging system by providing you with data on the current being drawn by your batteries. This information can be used to adjust the charging parameters of your charger to ensure that your batteries are charged efficiently and effectively.
- Identify and troubleshoot problems with your battery system. If you are experiencing problems with your battery system, such as low battery voltage or excessive battery drain, a shunt can help you to identify the source of the problem. This can save you time and money in the long run by preventing you from replacing parts that are not actually defective.
If you are considering installing a shunt in your leisure battery system, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
- The size of the shunt. The size of the shunt that you need will depend on the amount of current that your battery system draws.
- The type of shunt. There are two main types of shunts: resistive shunts and Hall effect shunts. Resistive shunts are less expensive, but they are not as accurate as Hall effect shunts.
- The installation. The installation of a shunt is relatively straightforward, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the shunt or your battery system.
If you are not comfortable installing a shunt yourself, you can contact us and we’d be delighted to help.