What are the differences between Shunt Resistor and Hall Effect Ammeter?

crutschow

Joined Mar 14, 2008
34,285
The Hall Effect device detects current my measuring the magnetic field around a conductor, so does not require you to break the connection.

A standard ammeter requires you to break the connection to put the shunt resistor in series with the conductor.
This is generally cheaper that using a Hall Effect Device.

So the tradeoff is cost, versus having to break into the line (and then dealing with the voltage that's on the line).
 

LowQCab

Joined Nov 6, 2012
4,026
Accuracy is much better than You will ever need for either type of Current-Measurement.

The cost is a relative thing, how much Current do You want to measure ?
Micro-Processor-Board-Level, or a 200-Horsepower-Motor ?
Would Isolation from the Circuit actually be less expensive in the overall design ?

You need to specify the application before a cost analysis can be made.
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dendad

Joined Feb 20, 2016
4,451
Another advantage the can come from a shunt driven meter is that if you use a meter movement, it can powered from the circuit under test. And uses no standby power.
And with a sensitive meter, the amount of power lost to it is quite small.
 

Ian0

Joined Aug 7, 2020
9,671
Hall effect types are noisier and have worse DC offset, but they are isolated from the supply being measured.
If you don't need an accurate reading for low currents, then the noise and DC offset won't matter.
 
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