Resistors

Resistor Operating Principles

Resistors are electronic devices that reduces the flow of current through a
specific circuit or branch of a circuit. In the reduction of current, the over all
voltage of the circuit is similarly reduced
considerably as required by the specific
application.

It is as stated by Ohm's law that the

Current is always directly proportional to
the Voltage.

Fixed Value Resistors

Fixed resistors come in several

sizes depending on their rated
Wattage. The most commonly
used for general small current
circuit applications ranges from
1/4 watt to 2 watts.

For applications requiring higher

current, resistors rated 5 watts
and higher are used.

Color Coding

Resistors Rated 1/4 watts to 2 watts are color coded. This means that their
resistive values are imprinted on the device as colors which represents a numeric
quantity.

The most common of resistors is the 4 color band although there are 5 color
band resistor
used in certain
circuits as
required by the
manufacturers.

Tolerances are
often from 5%,
10% and 20%.
Precision circuits requires tolerance ratings from 2% to 1% of color coded values
for more accurate resistances.
Resistors rated 5 watts or more are usually imprinted with their actual numeric
values.

Resistor Color Coding Table

Numeric Color Multiplier Tolerance

Equivalent
Code
SILVER X0. 01 +-10%
GOLD X0.1 +-5%
no color +-20%
0 BLACK X1
1 BROWN X10 +-1%
2 RED X100 +-2%
3 ORANGE X1,000
4 YELLOW X10,000
5 GREEN X100,000
6 BLUE X1,000,000
7 VIOLET
8 GREY
9 WHITE

Multiplier & Tolerance Codes for Resistors 5 watts or more.

Codes Multiplier Tolerance

F +-1%
G +-2%
J +-5%
K X1000 +-10%
M X10000 +-20%
 R

Variable Resistors

Adjustable resistance setting to variably control current flow is

achieved by using a type of resistor called a variable resistor.

The variable resistor functions much like a faucet of a valve in

where the amount of liquid flowing through a pipe is controlled
by varying the adjustments on the valve or faucet.

A variable resistor or a potentiometer has three terminals for connections. As

shown on the illustration above, nos. 1 to 3 where assigned to each of the
terminals to show their configuration on the actual potentiometer.

Terminals 1 and 3 is composed basically of fixed value resistor

which has a fixed resistance. This resistance is usually the
rated value of the resistor itself and is printed on the back of
the potentiometer. Terminal 2 or otherwise called the wiper is
mechanically connected to the shaft, represents the moving
part of the potentiometer. Terminal 2 in combination with either
Terminal 1, terminal 3 or both, constitutes the adjustable
resistor.

Movement of the wiper towards terminal 1 will cause the resistance of terminal 1
and 2 to decrease while the resistance of terminal 2 and 3 increases. Movement
of the wiper towards terminal 3 causes the resistance of terminal 1 and 2 to
increase while the resistance of terminal 2 and 3 decreases.

Resistance of the combination of terminals 1& 2 and terminals 2 &3 are

inversely proportional.

The sum of both resistances of terminal 1 & 2 and terminal 2 & 3 are always
equal to the rated resistance of the potentiometer.
Name : ________________________ Date : _______

Evaluation Sheet
Determine and record the resistances of the specific terminals of the
potentiometer at the required wiper setting indicated on the table.

Terminals Wiper Resistance in Sum of

To be setting  terminals
tested (1&2) + ((2&3)
1&2 Full
2&3 Counter
1&3 Clockwise
1&2 1/4
2&3 Clockwise
1&3
1&2 1/2
2&3 Clockwise
1&3
1&2 3/4
2&3 Clockwise
1&3
1&2 Full
2&3 Clockwise
1&3
Name : ________________________ Date : _______

Evaluation Sheet
Determine the terminal configuration of the slide potentiometer by using an
Ohmmeter then record the resistances of the specific terminal at the required
wiper setting indicated on the table.

Terminals Wiper Resistance in Sum of

To be setting  terminals
tested (1&2) + ((2&3)
1&2 Full
2&3 left
1&3
1&2 1/4
2&3 From the
1&3 left
1&2 1/2
2&3 From the
1&3 left
1&2 3/4
2&3 From the
1&3 left
1&2 Full
2&3 right
1&3