Shunt resistors are used to measure direct currents. A voltage proportional to the current drops across the shunt resistor, which can then be displayed, for example, with a moving coil instrument. The shunt resistors are manufactured to Class 0.2 according to DIN 43 703. The current flowing through the shunt resistor generates a voltage drop, which is measured with a parallel-connected measuring device. Shunt resistors are calibrated so that a precisely defined voltage (60 mV for type B2) drops at the rated current.