Contents

Resistance: ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Resistor ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Symbols of Different Types of Resistors. IEEE & IEC symbols of Resistors .......................................... 3
Types of Resistors .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Uses / Application of Resistors ........................................................................................................................ 4
1. 1. 1) Carbon Composition Resistors ........................................................................................................... 6
1. 1. 2) Wire wound Resistors ........................................................................................................................... 6
1. 1. 3) Thin Film Resistors ................................................................................................................................ 7
1. 1. 3. 1) Carbon Film Resistors ...................................................................................................................... 7
1. 1. 3. 2) Metal Film Resistors .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.4) Thick Film Resistors ................................................................................................................................ 8
1.1.4.1) Metal Oxide Resistors .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.4.2) Cermet Oxide Resistors ....................................................................................................................... 9
1.1.4.3) Fusible Resistors................................................................................................................................... 9
1. 2) Variable Resistors ...................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.1) Potentiometers .......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.2) Rheostats ..................................................................................................................................................11
What is the main Difference between Potentiometer and Rheostats?.....................................................12
1.2.3) Trimmers ...................................................................................................................................................12
2. Non Linear Resistors .....................................................................................................................................13
2.1) Thermisters ..................................................................................................................................................13
2.3) Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR (Light Dependent Resistors) ............................13
2.4) SMD (Surface Mount Technology) Resistors ........................................................................................14
Varistor .........................................................................................................................................................................14
2.2) Varisters (VDR) ............................................................................................................................................14
Definition..................................................................................................................................................................15
Packages ...................................................................................................................................................................15
Characteristics.........................................................................................................................................................15
Applications .............................................................................................................................................................16
Types .........................................................................................................................................................................17
Varistor symbol .......................................................................................................................................................17
Resources .................................................................................................................................................................17
Related Articles.....................................................................................................................................................18

Page 1 of 18
 Lighting Design Calculation in a Building – Step by Step ........................................................................................18
What is Energy Efficient Lighting and Techniques to Implement It .........................................................................18
What are Industrial Communication Networks? An Overview .................................................................................18
What is Stepper Motor: Construction, Types and Modes of Operation .....................................................................18
What is Voltage Stabilizer & How it Works? ...........................................................................................................18
What is Negative Feedback and Negative Feedback Amplifier Systems ...................................................................18
Internet of Things (IOT) and Its Applications in Electrical Power Industry ..........................................................18

Page 2 of 18
Resistance:
The property of a substance which opposes the flow of electric current (or electricity) through it is
called Resistance OR Resistance is the ability of a circuit which opposes current.
Mica, Glass, Rubber, Wood etc. are the examples of resistive materials. The unit of resistance
is OHM (Ω) where 1Ω = 1V/1A. which is derived from the basic electrical Ohm’s law = V = IR.

Other definitions of Ohm “Ω “are as follows;

If there is a potential difference of 1 volt between two ends of the conductor and the flowing current
through it is 1Ampere, then the resistance of that conductor would be 1 Ohm (Ω). OR
If 1 ampere of current is flowing through a resistance, and 1 joule per second (1Watt) energy (in the
form of heat) is generated, then the measurement of that resistance is 1 Ω.

Ohm is the measurement quantity of resistance, which produces one joule of energy (in the form of
heat) in one second, when one ampere of current is flowing through it.
The reciprocal of the resistance is called conductance.
Resistor
A resistor is a component or device designed to have a know value of resistance. OR,
Those components and devices which are specially designed to have a certain amount of resistance
and used to oppose or limit the electric current are called resistors.

Good to know: Resistance of a resistor depends on their length (l), resistivity (ρ) and its cross
sectional area (a) which is also known as laws of resistance … R = ρ (l/a) .
Symbols of Different Types of Resistors. IEEE & IEC symbols of Resistors

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Resistors and Symbols of Different Types of Resistors. IEEE & IEC symbols of Resistors
Types of Resistors
Resistors are available in different size, Shapes and materials. We will discuss all possible resistor
types one by one in detail with pro and cons and application/uses.
Uses / Application of Resistors
Practically, both types of resistors (Fixed and Variable) are generally used for the following purposes.
Resistors are used:
I. For Current control and limiting
II. To change electrical energy in the form of heat energy
III. As a shunt in Ampere meters
IV. As a multiplier in a Voltmeter
V. To control temperature
VI. To control voltage or Drop
VII. For protection purposes, e.g. Fusible Resistors
VIII. In laboratories
IX. In home electrical appliances like heater, iron, immersion rod etc.
X. Widely used in the electronics industries

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Different Types of Resistor Chart/Tree.
There are two basic types of resistors.
1. Linear Resistors
2. Non Linear Resistors
1. Linear Resistors:
Those resistors, which values change with the applied voltage and temperature, are called linear
resistors. In other words, a resistor, which current value is directly proportional to the applied voltage
is known as linear resistors.
Generally, there are two types of resistors which have linear properties.

1. 1. Fixed Resistors
1. 2. Variable Resistors

1. 1. Fixed Resistors
As the name tells everything, fixed resistor is a resistor which has a specific value and we can’t
change the value of fixed resistors.

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 Types of Fixed resistors.
1. Carbon Composition Resistors
2. Wire Wound Resistors
3. Thin Film Resistors
4. Thick Film Resistors
1. 1. 1) Carbon Composition Resistors
A typical fixed resistor is made from the mixture of granulated or powdered carbon or graphite,
insulation filler, or a resin binder. The ratio of the insulation material determines the actual resistance
of the resistor. The insulating powder (binder) made in the shape of rods and there are two metal
caps on the both ends of the rod.

There are two conductor wires on the both ends of the resistor for easy connectivity in the circuit via
soldering. A plastic coat covers the rods with different color codes (printed) which denote the
resistance value. They are available in 1 ohm to 25 mega ohms and in power rating from ¼ watt to up
to 5 Watts.
.

Carbon Composition Resistors.Construction and Wattage Rating

Characteristic of Fixed Resistors

Generally, they are very cheap and small in size, hence, occupy less space. They are reliable and
available in different ohmic and power ratings. Also, fixed resistor can be easily connected to the
circuit and withstand for more voltage.

In other hand, they are less stable means their temperature coefficient is very high. Also, they make a
slight noise as compared to other types of resistors.
1. 1. 2) Wire wound Resistors
Wire wound resistor is made from the insulating core or rod by wrapping around a resistive wire. The
resistance wire is generally Tungsten, manganin, Nichrome or nickel or nickel chromium alloy and the
insulating core is made of porcelain, Bakelite, press bond paper or ceramic clay material.

The manganin wire wound resistors are very costly and used with the sensitive test equipment e.g.
Wheatstone bridge, etc. They are available in the range of 2 watts up to 100 watt power rating or
Page 6 of 18
more. The ohmic value of these types of resistors is 1 ohm up to 200k ohms or more and can be
operated safely up to 350°C.

in addition, the power rating of a high power wire wound resistor is 500 Watts and the available
resistance value of these resistors are is 0.1 ohm – 100k Ohms.

Construction of Wire wound Resistors

Advantages and Disadvantage of Wire wound Resistors

Wire wound resistors make lower noise than carbon composition resistors. Their performance is well
in overload conditions. They are reliable and flexible and can be used with DC and Audio frequency
range. Disadvantage of wire wound resistor is that they are costly and can’t be used in high frequency
equipment.

Application/Uses of Wire Wound Resistors

Wire wound resistors used where high sensitivity, accurate measurement and balanced current
control is required, e.g. as a shunt with ampere meter. Moreover, Wire wound resistors are generally
used in high power rating devices and equipment, Testing and measuring devices, industries, and
control equipment.

1. 1. 3) Thin Film Resistors

Basically, all thin film resistors are made of from high grid ceramic rod and a resistive material. A very
thin conducting material layer overlaid on insulating rod, plate or tube which is made from high quality
ceramic material or glass. There are two further types of thin film resistors.
1. Carbon Film Resistors
2. Metal Film Resistors
1. 1. 3. 1) Carbon Film Resistors
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Carbon Film resistors contains on an insulating material rod or core made of high grade ceramic
material which is called the substrate. A very thin resistive carbon layer or film overlaid around the
rod. These kinds of resistors are widely used in electronic circuits because of negligible noise and
wide operating range and the stability as compared to solid carbon resistors.

Construction of Carbon Film Resistors & Its labels.

1. 1. 3. 2) Metal Film Resistors
Metal film resistors are same in construction like Carbon film resistors, but the main difference is that
there is metal (or a mixture of the metal oxides, Nickel Chromium or mixture of metals and glass
which is called metal glaze which is used as resistive film) instead of carbon. Metal film resistors are
very tiny, cheap and reliable in operation. Their temperature coefficient is very low (±2 ppm/°C) and
used where stability and low noise level is important.

Metal Film Resistor. Construction and name of internal parts.

1.1.4) Thick Film Resistors
The production method of Thick film resistors is same like thin film resistors, but the difference is that
there is a thi ck film instead of a thin film or layer of resistive material around. That’s why it is called
Thick film resistors. There are two additional types of thick film resistors.
1. Metal Oxide Resistors
2. Cermet Film Resistors
3. Fusible Resistors
1.1.4.1) Metal Oxide Resistors
Page 8 of 18
By oxidizing a thick film of Tin Chloride on a heated glass rod (substrate) is the simple method to
make a Metal oxide Resistor. These resistors are available in a wide range of resistance with high
temperature stability. In addition, the level of operating noise is very low and can be used at high
voltages.
1.1.4.2) Cermet Oxide Resistors
In the cermet oxide resistors, the internal area contains on ceramic insulation materials. And then a
carbon or metal alloy film or layer wrapped around the resistor and then fix it in a ceramic metal
(which is known as Cermet). They are made in the square or rectangular shape and leads and pins
are under the resistors for easy installation in printed circuit boards. They provide a stable operation
high temperature because their values do not change with change in temperature.

Cermet Film Resistor Network Construction

1.1.4.3) Fusible Resistors

These kinds of resistors are same like a wire wound resistor. When a circuit power rating increased
than the specified value, then this resistor is fused, i.e. it breaks or open the circuit. That’s why it is
called Fusible resistors. Fusible restores perform double jobs means they limit the current as well as it
can be used as a fuse.

They used widely in TV Sets, Amplifiers, and other expensive electronic circuits. Generally, the ohmic
value of fusible resistors is less than 10 Ohms.
1. 2) Variable Resistors
As the name indicates, those resistors which values can be changed through a dial, knob, and screw
or manually by a proper method. In these types of resistors, there is a sliding arm, which is connected
to the shaft and the value of resistance can be changed by rotating the arm. They are used in the
radio receiver for volume control and tone control resistance.

Following are the further types of Variable Resistors

1. Potentiometers
2. Rheostats
3. Trimmers
1.2.1) Potentiometers

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Potentiometer is a three terminal device which is used for controlling the level of voltage in the circuit.
The resistance between two external terminals is constant while the third terminal is connected with
moving contact (Wiper) which is variable. The value of resistance can be changed by rotating the
wiper which is connected to the control shaft.

Potentiometer Construction

This way, Potentiometers can be used as a voltage divider and these resistors are called variable
composition resistors. They are available up to 10 Mega Ohms.

Different
Types of Potentiometers

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1.2.2) Rheostats
Rheostats are a two or three terminal device which is used for the current limiting purpose by hand or
manual operation. Rheostats are also known as tapped resistors or variable wire wound resistors.

Types of Rheostats resistor and construction

of Screw Drive Rheostat

To make a rheostats, they wire wind the Nichrome resistance around a ceramic core and then
assembled in a protective shell. A metal band is wrapped around the resistor element and it can be
used as a Potentiometer or Rheostats (See the below note for difference between Rheostat and
Potentiometer).

Construction of Tapped Rheostat

Variable wire wound resistors are available in the range of 1 ohm up to 150 Ohms. The available
power rating of these resistors is 3 to 200 Watts. While the most used Rheostats according to power
Page 11 of 18
rating is between 5 to 50 Watts.

Wirewound Rheostat Construction

Good to Know:
What is the main Difference between Potentiometer and Rheostats?
Basically, there is no difference between Potentiometer and Rheostat. Both are variable resistors.
The main difference is the use and circuit operation, i.e. for which purpose we use that variable
resistor?
For example, if we connect a circuit between resistor element terminals (where one terminal is a
general end of the resistor element while the other one is sliding contact or wiper) as a variable
resistor for controlling the circuit current, then it is Rheostats.
In the other hand, if we do the same as mentioned above for controlling the level of voltage, then
this variable resistor would be called a potentiometer. That’s it.
1.2.3) Trimmers
There is an additional screw with Potentiometer or variable resistors for better efficiency and
operation and they are known as Trimmers. The value of resistance can be changed by changing the
position of screw to rotate by a small screwdriver.

Construction of Different Types of Trimmers.

Trimmer potentiometer Resistor construction

They are made from carbon composition, carbon film, cermet and wire materials and available in the
range of 50 Ohms up to 5 mega ohms. The power rating of Trimmers potentiometers are from 1/3 to
¾ Watts.
Page 12 of 18
2. Non Linear Resistors
We know that, nonlinear resistors are those resistors, where the current flowing through it does not
change according to Ohm’s Law but, changes with change in temperature or applied voltage.

In addition, if the flowing current through a resistor changes with change in body temperature, then
these kinds of resistors are called Thermisters. If the flowing current through a resistor change with
the applied voltages, then it is called a Varistors or VDR (Voltage Dependent Resistors).

Following are the additional types of Non Linear Resistors.

1. Thermisters
2. Varisters (VDR)
3. Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR
2.1) Thermisters
Thermisters is a two terminal device which is very sensitive to temperature. In other words,
Thermisters is a type of variable resistor which notices the change in temperature. Thermisters are
made from the cobalt, Nickel, Strontium and the metal oxides of Manganese. The Resistance of a
Thermister is inversely proportional to the temperature, i.e. resistance increases when temperature
decrease and vice versa.

Types of Thermisters & Its

Construction
It means, Thermisteres has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) but there is also a PTC
(Positive Temperature Coefficient) which a made from pid barium titanate semiconductor materials
and their resistance increases when increases in temperature.
2.3) Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR (Light Dependent Resistors)
Photo Resistor or LDR (Light Dependent Resistors) is a resistor which terminal value of resistance
changes with light intensity. In other words, those resistors, which resistance values changes with the
falling light on their surface is called Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR (Light
Dependent Resistor). The material which is used to make these kinds of resistors is called photo

Page 13 of 18
conductors, e.g. cadmium sulfide, lead sulfide etc.

Construction of LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), Photo-resistor or photo conductive cell

When light falls on the photoconductive cells (LDR or Photo resistor), then there is an increase in the
free carriers (electron hole pairs) due to light energy, which reduce the resistance of semiconductor
material (i.e. the quantity of light energy is inversely proportional to the semiconductor material). It
means photo resistors have a negative temperature coefficient.

Types of Photo cells, and LDR

Application and Uses of Photo Resistors/Photo Conductive Cells or LDR
These types of resistors are used in burglar alarm, Door Openers, Flame detectors, Smock detectors,
light meters, light activated relay control circuits, industrial, and commercial automatic street light
control and photographic devices and equipment.
2.4) SMD (Surface Mount Technology) Resistors
You can read about SMD Resistor with color coding methods.

Varistor
2.2) Varisters (VDR)
Varisters are voltage dependent Resistors (VDR) which is used to eliminate the high voltage
transients. In other words, a special type of variable resistors used to protect circuits from destructive
voltage spikes is called varisters.
When voltage increases (due to lighting or line faults) across a connected sensitive device or system,

Page 14 of 18
then it reduces the level of voltage to a secure level i.e. it changes the level of voltages.

The resistance of a varistor is variable and depends on the voltage applied. The word is composed
of parts of the words “variable resistor”. Their resistance decreases when the voltage increases. In
case of excessive voltage increases, their resistance drops dramatically. This behavior makes them
suitable to protect circuits during voltage surges. Causes of a surge can include lightning strikes
and electrostatic discharges. The most common type of VDR is the metal oxide varistor or MOV.
Definition
Varistors are nonlinear two-element semiconductors that drop in resistance as voltage
increases. Voltage dependent resistors are often used as surge suppressors for sensitive circuits.

Packages
Here are some examples of different packages which are often encountered. The block packages
are used for higher power ratings.

Characteristics
A voltage dependent resistor
has a nonlinear varying
resistance, dependent on the
voltage applied. The
Disc Block Radial leaded Axial leaded impedance is high under
nominal load conditions, but
will sharply decrease to a low value when a voltage threshold, the breakdown voltage, is
exceeded. They are often used to protect circuits against excessive transient voltages. When the
circuit is exposed to a high voltage transient, the varistor starts to conduct and clamps the
transient voltage to a safe level. The energy of the incoming surge is partially conducted and
partially absorbed, protecting the circuit.

The most common type is the MOV, or metal oxide varistor. They are constructed of a sintered
matrix of zinc oxide (ZnO) grains. The grain boundaries provide P-N junction semiconductor
characteristics, similar to a diode junction. The matrix of randomly oriented grains can be
compared to a large network of diodes in series and parallel. When a low voltage is applied, only
very little current flows, caused by the reverse leakage through the junctions. However when a
high voltage is applied, which exceeds the breakdown-voltage, the junctions experience an
avalanche breakdown and a large current can flow. This behavior results in the nonlinear current-
voltage characteristics.

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The relationship between the current (I) through and the voltage (V) across the terminals, is
typically described by:

The term α describes the degree of non-linearity. Figure 1 shows the characteristic curves of a
MOV(high α) and SiC varistor(low α).

Important selection parameters are the clamping voltage, peak current, maximum pulse energy,
rated AC/DC voltage and standby current. When used on communications lines, the stray
capacitance is also an important parameter. A high capacitance can act as a filter for high
frequency signals or induce crosstalk, limiting the available bandwidth of the communications line.

Varistors are useful for short duration protection in case of high transient voltage surges in the
order of 1-1000 microseconds. They are however not suited to handle sustained surges. If a
transient pulse energy in joules (J) is too high and significantly exceeds the absolute maximum
ratings, they can melt, burn or explode.

MOVs degrade when exposed to repeated surges. After each surge the MOVs clamping voltage
moves a little lower, how much depends on the joule rating of the MOV in relation to the pulse. As
the clamping voltage falls lower and lower, a possible failure mode is a partial or complete short
circuit, when the clamping voltage falls below the protected line voltage. This situation could lead
to a fire hazard. To prevent fire hazards, they are often connected in series with a thermal fuse
which disconnects the MOV in case of overheating. To limit the degradation, it is advisable to use
an as high clamping-voltage as the protected circuit allows, to limit the amount of exposure to
surges.

Applications
The nonlinear characteristic of the varistor make them ideal for use as surge protector devices.
Sources of high voltage transients can for example be lightning strikes, electrostatic discharges or
inductive discharge from motors or transformers. They are for example often used in surge
protector power strips. Special types with a low capacitance protect communication lines. These
VDRs are useful for a wide variety of applications that can include:

 Telephone and other communication line protection

 Radio communication equipment transient suppression
 Surge protector power strips
 Cable TV system surge protectors
 Power supply protection
 Microprocessor protection
 Electronics equipment protection
 Low voltage board level protection
Page 16 of 18
 Transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS)
 Car electronics protection
 Industrial high energy AC protection
Types
The most important types are:
 Metal oxide varistor – Described above, the MOV is a nonlinear transient suppressor composed of
zinc oxide (ZnO)
 Silicon carbide varistor – At one time this was the most common type before the MOV came into
the market. These components utilize silicon carbide (SiC). They have been intensively used in
high power, high voltage applications. The disadvantage of these devices is that they draw a
significant standby current, therefore a series gap is required to limit the standby power
consumption.
Alternative types of surge suppressing devices include:

 Selenium cells – These suppressors use selenium rectifiers allowing a high-energy reverse
breakdown current. Some selenium cells have seal-healing properties that allow them to
withstand high-energy discharges. They however do not have the clamping ability of modern
MOVs.
 Zener diodes – A transient suppression device that utilizes silicon rectifier technology. They
have a very constant voltage clamp ability. The major drawback of these components is that
they have a limited energy dissipation capability.
 Crowbar devices – A crowbar device short-circuits a surge to ground, this short-circuit will
continue until the current is below a certain very low level. Creating a lagging or power-follow
effect. Examples of crowbar devices are:
o Gas discharge tube (GDT) or spark gap – These devices conduct after a conducting spark is
created, the disadvantage is that they take a relative long time to trigger, the advantage is
the large current carrying capabilities.
o Thyristor surge protection device (TSPD) – have similar characteristics as a GDT, but can act
much faster.
Varistor symbol
The following symbol is used for a varistor. It is depicted as a variable resistor which is dependent
on voltage, U.

Varistor symbol
IEC standard

Resources
Books
 Protection of Electronic Circuits from Overvoltages, Ronald B. Standler (Dover Books)
 Electroceramics: Materials, Properties, Applications, A.J. Moulson (Wiley)

Read more http://www.resistorguide.com/varistor/

Good to Know: The characteristic of different types of resistors are same on both AC and DC but
there is a difference between AC DC Resistance.

Page 17 of 18
 You might also read:
 Types of Switches
 Types of Fuses
 Required Value of Resistor for LED’s Circuit Calculator
 How to find The value of Burnt Resistor (Three handy Methods)
 Standard Resistor Closest Value Calculator

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Page 18 of 18