First, follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer. It will be necessary to ensure that the ammeter and shunt have the capacity for handling the same levels of mV. You must then attach the shunt to the negative cable connecting the battery bank to the electrical circuits. This can be identified by following the negative lead from the battery to the circuits or fuse box.
If you want to measure the current being consumed by the connected device and supplied by the alternator, it will be necessary to adjust the negative connections on the battery to the corresponding side of the battery and shunt. A suitably thick cable should be connected to the other side of the shunt, leading to the battery’s negative terminal.
You will need to mount the shunt in an area without the risk of shorting cables. The negative cables may be cut for the process of making the installation easier. It will also be necessary to cut a suitable hole for panel mounting the ammeter. The hole will need to be tight enough to securely connect the meter. The connection between the leads and DC current or voltage should have correctly fitted plus and minus pins. You will also have to ensure that the meter is set correctly (the current may be measured in AC, DC, ohms etc).
The wiring process should begin with a basic check to ensure that the shunt is in series with the load. You will also need to wire a suitable battery pack and ensure that it is connected to the correct side of the shunt. The wiring should then feed from the shunt to the load. There shouldn’t be any connection between the ammeter and the ground. However, the ammeter should be wired in parallel with the shunt, with the shunt being in series with the load.
Measurement of the current or voltage should begin with the powering of the circuit. You may then proceed to take the meter reading. However, you shouldn’t switch the power on if you are measuring the level of resistance.