I Am Installing a Second Battery Monitor, Do I Need to Install a Second Shunt?

Question:

Hi Jeff, first let me say that I really enjoy your videos so thanks for that. I want to install a battery monitor in my system. At my DC panel, I do have instantaneous current and voltage displays but they do not integrate amp hours in or out. The installed amp meter signal is generated via a shunt on the negative bus. When I install the new monitor, can I parallel the signal from the existing shunt or do I need to install a second shunt? If I install a second shunt, would it be in series with the existing shunt?  Thank You.  - Marc

Answer:

Hi Marc,  if you want the new battery monitor to accurately track the battery state, then a new shunt will need to be installed in series with the DC negative, with the battery side of the shunt connected to the battery, and no other cables connected to the battery side of that shunt.  - Jeff