Resistor Selection: Application Notes
Resistor Selection: Application Notes
Application Notes
R e s i s t o r F a c t s an d F a c t o r s
A resistor is a device connected into an electrical circuit to
introduce a specified resistance. The resistance is measured in
ohms. As stated by Ohms Law, the current through the resistor
will be directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to the resistance.
The passage of current through the resistance produces
heat. The heat produces a rise in temperature of the resistor above the ambient temperature. The physical ability of the
3 . Choose the most suitable kind of unit, including type, terminals and
mounting.
d e t e r m i n e r e s i s t an c e an d w a t t s
Ohms Law
(a) R = VI or I = V
R or V = IR
Ohms Law, shown in formula form
above, enables determination of the
resistance when the required voltage and
current are known. When the current and
voltage are unknown, or the best values
not decided on, at least two of the three
terms in Ohms Law must be measured
in a trial circuit.
(b) P = I R or P = VI or P = V
R
Power in watts, can be determined from
the formulas above, which stem from
Ohms Law. R is measured in ohms, V in
volts,I in amperes and P in watts.
2
Step
400
Step
300
200
100
200
100
Percent Current
or Voltage
A resistor operated at a constant wattage will attain a steady temperature which is determined largely by the ratio between the size
(surface area) and the wattage dissipated, The temperature stabilizes
when the sum of the heat loss rates (by radiation, convection and
conduction) equals the heat input rate (proportional to wattage). The
greater the resistor area per watt to be dissipated, the greater the
heat loss rate and therefore the lower the temperature rise. The relation between the losses varies for different resistors.
Free Air Watt Rating
The wattage rating of resistors, as established under specified standard conditions, is defined as the Free Air Rating (Full Rating or
Maximum Power Rating). Several standard methods of rating are
in use based on different service conditions. The method of both
195
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
700
600
500
300
200
Bare Resistor
NEMA;
Corrib & Powr-rib
400
A 375C 675F
350
B 325C 585F
300
C 300C 540F
250
400
U.L.-NEMA Std.
for Resistors
Mil-R-26: Char. U
EIA: Char. G
D 250C 450F
200
80
2540
U.L.-NEMA Std.
for Resistors
60
Mil-R-26: Char. U
EIA: Char. G
40
20
275
150
100
100
50
50
100
150
200
250
Ambient Temperature, C
340
300
350
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Fig. 2: Approximate hot spot temperature rise of a resistor in free air for various specifications.
each specification.
The absolute temperature rise for a specific resistor is roughly
related to the area of its radiating surface. It is also dependent upon
a number of other factors, however, such as thermal conductivity of
the core and coating materials, emissivity factor of the outer surfaces,
ratio of length to diameter, heat-sink effect of mountings, and other
minor factors.
The maximum permissible operating temperature for a given
resistor is basically determined by the temperature limitations
imposed by the materials used in its construction. Generally speaking, these limits cannot be sharply defined in terms of temperature
alone. Other factors such as resistance stability versus time, deterioration rates of insulation and moisture-resistance characteristics,
type and size of resistance wire, all enter into consideration of
acceptable service life.
For these reasons, the precise temperature limits corresponding to
100% rated wattage are somewhat arbitrary and serve primarily as
design targets. In the last analysis, once a wattage rating has been
assigned on the basis of an empirical hot spot limit, the verification of
its correctness must be established through long term load-life tests
based on performance and stability standards rather than the measurement of hot spot temperature. Maximum limits are stipulated for
parameter changes as a result of various tests, including a 2000 hour
196
100
load-life test.
It is also assumed that the temperature rise at a given wattage
is independent of the ambient temperature in which this wattage
is being dissipated. Therefore, for high ambient temperatures, the
operating wattage should be limited in accordance with the curves
of Fig. 3. Although the assumption that temperature rise is independent of ambient is not exactly true, the approximation is sufficiently
close for all practical purposes and, therefore, has been adopted for
derating purposes.
Despite the above variables, figures may be cited in terms of
watts dissipated per square inch of winding surface for a given
temperature rise. For power type resistors operating at 300C rise
above ambient, this figure varies between approximately 6.3 watts
per square inch for large resistors (175 watt) to about 9 watts
per square inch for smaller resistors (12 watt). It should also be
observed from Fig. 2 that temperature rise is not directly proportional
to wattage dissipated. Note, for example, that at 50% rated wattage,
the temperature rise still remains about 70% of that at full rating.
The wattage ratings used in this catalog, unless otherwise stated for
certain types, are on the basis of a nominal operating temperature of
350C at full rating. There are two general categories of power resistors for which the 350C nominal temperature limit does not apply.
One is that class of power-precision resistors where high stability is a
salient feature, in which case the operating temperature is nominally
limited to 275C. The other category includes all exposed ribbon wire
resistors (see description of Corrib and Powr-Rib) which are rated
for 375C (675F) maximum temperature rise when measured on the
wire per NEMA standards.
Temperature Distribution on a Resistor
The temperature rise varies (following a curve) along the length
of the resistor with the hot spot at the center-top (of a horizontal
tube) and the ends at approximately 60% of the maximum temperature rise. The terminals themselves are still cooler. When the
resistor is vertical, the hot spot shifts upwards a little and the top
end is hotter than the bottom. The standard Free Air Watt Rating,
however, is used regardless of position.
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
Steps
Select a Resistor
A p p l i c a t i o n Wa t t R a t i n g
To allow for the differences between the actual service conditions and the Free Air Watt Rating it is a general engineering
practice to operate resistors at more or less than the nominal
rating. The details by which such ratings can be estimated are
given in the following pages. Most thermal calculations, however, involve so many factors which are usually not accurately
known, that at best they are only approximations.
The most accurate method of determining or checking the
rating is to measure the temperature rise in a trial installation. A
thermocouple (made of #30 B & S gage wire) is recommended
for the measuring element. Even measurements made with a
thermocouple will vary slightly with different samples and techniques. The factors which affect the temperature rise act independently of each other and are summarized as follows:
1. Ambient Temperature
As the maximum permissible operating temperature is a set
amount, any increase in the ambient temperature subtracts
from the permissible temperature rise and therefore reduces
the permissible watt load.
2. Enclosure
Enclosure limits the removal of heat by convection currents in
the air and by radiation. The walls of the enclosure also introduce a thermal barrier between the air contacting the resistor
and the outside cooling air. Hence, size, shape, orientation,
amount of ventilating openings, wall thickness, material and finish all affect the temperature rise of the enclosed resistor.
3. Grouping
When resistors are close to each other they will show an
increased hot spot temperature rise for a given wattage
because of the heat received by radiation from each other and
the increased heat per unit volume of air available for convection cooling.
4. Altitude
The amount of heat which air will absorb varies with the density, and therefore with the altitude above sea level. At altitudes
above 100,000 feet, the air is so rare that the resistor loses
heat practically only by radiation.
5. Pulse Operation
This is not an environmental condition but a circuit condition.
As a pulse of power, when averaged over the total on and off
time, results in less heat per unit time than for continuous duty,
the temperature rise is affected. This may permit higher power
during the pulses. The conditions must be expertly considered
for conservative rating. The open-wound Powr-Rib resistor
construction is most suitable.
6. Cooling Air
Forced circulation of air over a resistor removes more heat per
unit time than natural convection does and therefore permits
an increased watt dissipation. Liquid cooling and special conduction mountings also can increase the rating.
7. Limited Temperature Rise
It is sometimes desirable to operate a resistor at a fraction of
the Free Air Watt Rating in order to keep the temperature rise
low. This may be to protect adjacent heat sensitive apparatus,
to hold the resistance value very precisely both with changing
load and over long periods of time and to insure maximum life.
8. Other Considerations
High Resistance. High resistance units, which require the
use of very small diameter wire, generally should operate at
reduced temperature for maximum reliability.
High Voltage
A maximum voltage gradient of 500 volts R.M.S. (705 volts
peak) per inch of winding length is recommended under normal conditions. For higher gradients in pulse applications or
for other special conditions such as oil immersion, consult factory.
High Frequency
Non-inductively wound resistors are generally required for use
at high frequencies.
Military and Other Specifications
The special physical operating and test requirements of the
applicable industrial or military specification must be considered. Military specification resistors should be ordered by their
MIL numbers.
197
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
En v i r o n m e n t a l F a c t o r s e ff e c t o n t h e p o w e r ra t i n g o f c o m p o n e n t s
400
200
300
200
100
25
50
Percent Rated Load
75
100
2540
U.L.-NEMA Std.
for Resistors
Mil-R-26: Char. U
EIA: Char. G
40
20
275
0
50
100
150
200
250
Ambient Temperature, C
340
300
350
100
80
2" (50.8 mm) space
1" (25.4 mm) space
0.5" (12.7 mm) space
60
40
20
10
11
12
100
5000
ft.
80
Percent Rated Watts
60
80
Percent Rated Watts
Resistor
in Free Air
Resistor in
Large Box
100
198
Resistor in
Small Box
500
C
300
F
540
Temperature Rise
60
40
20
10
20
70
30
40
50
60
Altitude in Thousands of Feet
80
90
100
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
1200
10
40
45
50
Powr-rib
(low resistance)
325
0.125 x 8.5" Corrib
(28.575 x 215.90 mm)
300
800
275
Powr-rib
(high resistance)
250
600
225
400
200
175
10 15
15
15
70 75
45
30
NEMA Duty Cycles
15
15
20
30
000
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
10
20
30
100
200 300
50
500
1000
On Time in Seconds to Reach Rated Temperature
2000
Fig. 9: Time Required for Typical Resistors to Reach Rated Operating Temperatures at
Various Watt Loads.
150
200
100
seconds on: 5
seconds off: 75
375
350
1000
0.2
1400
0.1
1000
Percent of Continuous-duty Wattage Rating
Pulse Operation
Unlike the environmental factors, which result in reduction of
the watt rating, pulse operation may permit higher power in the
pulses than the continuous duty rating.
The NEMA has set up certain standard duty cycles for motor
control resistors and the resistor ratings for some of these conditions are shown in Fig. 8.
The curves in Figures 10,11,12 and 13 illustrate the more
general case of various combinations of on and off time for
specified loads up to 1000% for a continuous series of pulses.
Intermediate loads can be approximated by interpolation. The
on-time at which each curve flattens out also indicates the
maximum on-time for single pulses (with enough off-time for
cooling to ambient). Additional data on single pulses is given by
Fig. 9. Resistors will reach about 75% of the rated maximum
temperature rise in approximately 5 to 8 pulses and level off at
maximum rise in another 10 to 20 cycles, depending on percent load, size, type, etc. Any curve passing above the intersection of the designated on and off-times indicates a percent
load which can be used. A resistor operated at the rating of an
interpolated curve through the point of intersection would operate at maximum rated temperature rise.
The exact temperature rise, of course, varies with each resistor, depending on size, ohms winding, etc. The curves shown
indicate the approximate rise for typical units only, as a band or
range of values actually exists for each percent load.
Ratings at over 1000% are not recommended except for
Powr-Rib resistors. Curves for intermediate size resistors can
be roughly estimated by comparison with the sizes given.
Ratings for single pulses in the milli-second range (and up to
1 to 2 seconds) require individual calculation. This is because
the ratings vary greatly with the resistance, or more specifically
with the actual weight and specific heat of the resistance alloy
used. Calculation is based on the assumption that all of the
heat generated in the pulse goes to raise the temperature of
the resistance wire.
125
100
Fig. 8: Percent of Continuous Duty Rating for Resistors for Typical NEMA Duty Cycles.
199
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
P u l s e O p e ra t i o n C o o l i n g L i m i t e d T e m p e ra t u r e s
100
70
50
40
30
100
70
50
40
30
200%
500%
20
1000%
10
7
5
4
3
200%
100
70
50
40
30
500%
20
1000%
10
7
5
4
3
2
2
1
Corrib Resistors
300 watt
1500 watt
20
On Time in Seconds
20
On Time in Seconds
100
70
50
40
30
10
20
30 50 100
300 500 1K
40 70
200 400 700
2K
3K 5K 10K
4K 7K
10
30 50 100
300 500 1K
20 40 70
200 400 700
Off Time in Seconds
100
70
50
40
30
500%
20
1000%
10
7
5
4
3
2
Powr-ribs
round wire
edgewound
20
200%
On Time in Seconds
On Time in Seconds
100
70
50
40
30
125%
150%
20
Fig.12: Percent of Continuous Duty Rating for Pulse Operation of CORRIB, Corrugated
Ribbon Resistors.
200%
100
70
50
40
30
300%
500%
800%
1000%
20
10
7
5
4
3
10
30 50 100
300 500 1K
20 40 70
200 400 700
Off Time in Seconds
2K
3K 5K 10K
4K 7K
Fig. 11: Percent of Continuous Duty Rating for Pulse Operation of Large Vitreous
Enameled Resistors.
10
30 50 100
300 500 1K
20 40 70
200 400 700
Off Time in Seconds
2K
3K 5K 10K
4K 7K
Fig. 13: Percent of Continuous Duty Rating for Pulse Operation of Powr-Rib, Bare
Resistors
400
350
Percent Rated Watts
Cooling Air
Resistors can be operated at higher than rated wattage when
cooled by forced circulation of air. A typical curve is illustrated
in Fig 14. The curve tends to level off at higher velocities as
excessive hot spots develop where the air flow does not reach
all parts uniformly.
Limited Temperature Rise
When it is desired to operate a resistor at less than maximum
temperature rise, the percent watts for a given rise can be
read from Temperature Rise vs. Resistor Load Fig 2 graph on
page 91.
300
250
200
150
100
500
1000
1500
Fig. 14: Percent of Free Air Rating for Typical Resistor Cooled by Forced Air
Circulation.
200
300%
500%
800%
1000%
2
1
200%
round wire
100
70
50
40
30
3K 5K 10K
4K 7K
edgewound
Fig. 10: 10 Percent of Continuous Duty Rating for Pulse Operation of small to Medium
Size Vitreous Enameled Resistors.
2K
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
S h o r t - C u t C h ar t M e t h o d T o F i n d R e q u i r e d S i z e
(as affected by application conditions)
1. For each Condition, locate the relevant value on the scales below
and record the corresponding Factor (F1 to F7). Note: The Standard
Free Air Condition Factor is always 1.
Application Conditions
no.
100
F2
2.0
5.0
4.1
3.2
2.7
200
Record the
watts to be
dissipated as
set by your
circuit
conditions.
2.2
1.8
70
1.7
60
1.6
1.6
1.4
1.3
50
25
1.1
1.0
3
2
40
1.4
30
1.3
1.6
1.5
10
None
1.2
1.1
1.0
F4
1.3
12
8
70
1.1
1.0
0.27
900
50
1.5
40
1.4
1.3
700
10
5
0
600
500
400
20
0.11
0.12
800
1.2
1.3
F6
1500
1400
30
1.4
1.2
fpm
60
1.2
F5
0.10
80
1.5
%
1000
1.5
1.3
1.4
Limited
Temp. Rise
90
1.4
20
1.4
1.3
12
1" space
1.5
ft.
100
12
50
1.2
watts to be
dissipated
80
1.9
1.9
100
Standard
free air
conditions
90
F3
Cooling Air
300
0.13
0.14
0.15
0.16
0.17
0.18
0.19
0.20
0.25
1300
1200
1100
1000
air velocity: feet per minute
Pulse
Operation
percent load
F1
6.6
Altitude
thousands of feet
300
Grouping
std. brackets
Enclosure
0.5" space
Ambient
Temperature
2" space
Watts
1.0
1.0
200
100
0.28
13.0
10.0
8.0
0.29
0.30
F7
7.0
100
0.32
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
0.35
800
700
600
500
2.5
0.40
200
2.0
1.75
0.50
1.5
1.4
0.30
400
0.35
300
0.60
200
0.70
1.2
0.80
1.1
0.40
1.1
900
40
50
0.50
0.60
100
0.75
1.0
Still
1.3
0.90
1.0
300
1.0
factor
factor
factor
factor
factor
factor
factor
Temperature at
installation includes
room temperature
plus temperature
rise due to adjacent
heat sources.
Factors apply
approximately for
average sheet
metal boxes of
dimensions such
that watts per sq.
in. of surface are in
the range of 0.2 to
0.4.
Factors apply to
uniformly spaced
banks of parallel
resistors with
spacing as shown.
Factors apply to
altitudes show. No
derating is required
for altitudes to
5000 ft. above sea
level.
Factors are
approximations
only. Effectiveness
of cooling varies
with installation.
Low temperatures
may be desired
because of
adjacent
apparatus,
increased stability
or maximum
reliability.
Example
F2
100%
x 2.0
x
F3
F4
4@2
1.2
x 1
F5
F6
Standard Conditions
1
x
1
F7
1
201
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
T e m p e ra t u r e C o e ff i c i e n t o f R e s i s t an c e
The resistance alloys used for all except the lowest ohmic
values show such little change with temperature that in most
power circuits the resistance is considered constant. Actually
there may be changes at full load of -4% to +8% of the initial
resistance. The change is attributed in most part to the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) which is the change
in resistance expressed as parts per million per degree centigrade of temperature (ppm/C).
For special applications which require very constant resistance, it may be necessary to specify the maximum permissible
TCR for the range of temperature involved. This would limit
the choice of wire to only certain types of resistance alloys.
The commonly known low TCR alloys in the 800 ohms per
circular-mil-foot class consist largely of nickel and chromium
alloyed with small amounts of aluminum and either copper or
iron. Other low resistivity alloys, 294 ohms per circular-mil-foot,
consist primarily of nickel and copper with only traces of other
metals.
+8%
-50
0 +25
Temperature Attained, C
+100
+200
90 ohms
per C.M.F. wire
+380 PPM/C
+7%
Calculated Change in Resistance
+300
+6%
+5%
675 ohms
per C.M.F. wire
+140 PPM/C
+4%
+3%
+2%
+1%
Range for
294 or 800 ohms
per C.M.F. wire
20 PPM/C
0
-1%
-2%
-3%
-100
Both of these wire classes are rated by the wire manufacturers as having a TCR of 020ppm/C. The expression
020ppm/C implies that, although the nominal value of the
TCR is zero, the actual value may lie anywhere within the tolerance range of 20ppm/C to +20ppm/C.
For other resistance wires such as the widely used nickelchromium-iron, for example, a nominal value of +140ppm/C is
given. Actually, however, a tolerance of 30ppm is applicable
so that the TCR may range between the limits of +110 to
+170ppm/C.
Unfortunately, the TCR of a completed power resistor is
generally somewhat different from that of the original wire.
This is because the TCR may be affected by such factors as
heat treatment during processing, and materials and methods
of construction. Without special controls and precautions, the
TCR over the range of 25C to 300C rise may increase to as
much as
080ppm from the original 020ppm for certain types of
wire on vitreous enameled resistors. Theoretical changes in
resistance with temperature are shown in Fig. 15.
The circuit designer should carefully consider the actual
needs of the circuit before specifying limits on the TCR of a
desired resistor. Wherever possible it is best to select a resistor for a critical application so that it operates at a low temperature rise. This will also provide the maximum stability over
a long period. For low TCR (and other) applications, Ohmite
can provide resistors with an Ohmicone (silicone-ceramic)
coating. Ohmicone is processed at much lower temperatures
than vitreous enamel and therefore makes control of TCR and
tolerance easier. Data on the TCR and other properties of various alloys is given on page 98.
Ambient
Temp.
0
+100
+200
Temperature Rise, C
+300
202
Resistor Selection
Application Notes
R e s i s t an c e A l l o y s an d U s e s
A number of different resistance alloys are used in winding
resistors and rheostats as shown in Fig. 16. The general use
for each alloy is indicated by the column headed, Resistance
Range for Which Used. Whether a particular alloy can be used
on a specific resistor can be estimated by dividing the given
resistance by the area of the given winding space and determining whether the quotient falls within the limits given hereafter. The high resistance alloys cover the range from approximately 10 to 25,000 ohms per square inch of winding area, the
low to medium type from 5 to 400 ohms and the very low
resistance alloys from less than an ohm to 250 ohms. It should
be noted that the Ohms per Square Inch ranges overlap
considerably, indicating that in many instances a given resistor could use any of several alloys. Both the upper and lower
limits of the ranges are only approximate and in general can be
extended somewhat when necessary.
The actual temperature coefficient of a complete resistor
is generally greater than the nominal for the wire alone. The
approximate change in overall resistance at full load is shown in
the table.
ASTM
Alloy Alloy Composition
Class* (Approximate)
Ohms
per Trade
CMF Names
Other Alloys
In addition to the alloys tabulated which show small changes
in resistance with temperature, there are others which sometimes have to be used for very low resistance units. These
alloys have higher temperature coefficients, which limit their
use to applications where the change in resistance with load
is not important. An example is No. 60 alloy, which has a
resistance of 60 ohms per circular-mil-foot and a temperature
coefficient of +700ppm/C.
Ballast Wire
There are other alloys which are selected especially for
their high temperature coefficient of resistance. These are
used for so-called ballast resistors where a large change in
resistance is desired with a change in load. A typical ballast
wire is Nickel, which has 58 ohms/cmf and a temperature coefficient of +4800ppm/C. Others are Hytemco and Balco at
120 ohms/CMF and a TC of +4500pp /C.
Mean Temp
Coeff. of Res.
ppm/C
1a
1b
Nickel base,
800
non-magnetic
Ni 75%, Cr 20%
800
plus Al, Cu, Fe, etc.
2a
2b
Temperature
Range for
TCR C
Evanohm
0 20
-65 to + 250
Karma
Moleculoy
0 10
-65 to + 150
Nikrothal L
-65 to + 200
0 to + 150
3a
650
Nickel-Chromium
80% 20%
3b
675
Chromel A
Nichrome V
+ 80 20
Nikrothal B
-65 to + 250
Protoloy A
+ 60 20
Tophet C
4
Nickel-Chromium-Iron 675
60%16%24%
Chromel C
Electroloy
Nichrome
+ 140 30
-65 to + 200
Nikrothal 6
Tophet C
5a
Copper-Nickel
300
5b
55% 45%
Advance
0 20
Copel
Cupron
-65 to + 150
0 40
Cuprothal 294
Neutroloy
Resistance
Range for
Which Used
Under 1%
to 2%
Alternate
sometimes
for Class 1
Under 1%
to 2%
High and
medium
+ 4 to + 5%
High and
medium
+ 5 to + 8%
Under
1% to 2%
Manganin
6
290 Manganin
0 15
+ 15 to + 35
13% Mn, 87% Cu
Copper-Nickel
7
180
77% 23%
180 Alloy
Cuprothal 180
Midohm
+ 180 30
-65 to + 150
Very low
+ 5% to + 8%
Copper-Nickel
9
90
90% 10%
90 Alloy
95 Alloy
Cuprothal 90
+ 450 50
-65 to + 150
Very low
+ 5% to + 10%
203
Resistance Values
Preferred Standard Resistance Values
20% Tol.
E6 Values
(Plus 25
and 50)
10
15
22
5% Tol.
10% Tol.
1% Tol.
E96 Values E24 Values E12 Values
(Plus 25
(Plus 250 (Plus 25
and 50)
and 50)
and 500)
255
261
267
27
27
274
280
287
294
30
301
309
316
324
33
33
332
340
348
357
36
365
374
383
39
39
392
402
412
422
43
432
442
453
464
47
47
475
487
499
500
50
50
51
511
20% Tol.
E6 Values
(Plus 25
and 50)
33
47
5% Tol.
10% Tol.
1% Tol.
E96 Values E24 Values E12 Values
(Plus 25
(Plus 250 (Plus 25
and 50)
and 50)
and 500)
523
536
549
56
56
562
576
590
604
619
62
634
649
665
68
68
681
698
715
732
750
75
768
787
806
82
82
825
845
866
887
909
91
931
953
976
20% Tol.
E6 Values
(Plus 25
and 50)
68
50
25
O h m s L aw
P = Watts
2
Watts = Volts
Ohms
Watts = Amperes2 s Ohms
Watts = Volts s Amperes
I R
2
Watts Amps
PR
Volts Ohms
V = Volts
Watts s Ohms
Volts = Watts
Amperes
Volts = Amperes s Ohms
204
V2/R
P/I
Volts =
VI V/R
IR V/I
P/V
I = Amperes
Amperes = Volts
Ohms
Amperes = Watts
Volts
Amperes = Watts
Ohms
P/R
P/I2
V2/P
R = Ohms
Volts
Amperes
2
Volts
Ohms =
Watts
Ohms = Watts 2
Amperes
Ohms =
Ohms Law defines the relationships between (P) power, (V) voltage, (I) current, and (R) resistance. One ohm is the resistance value through which one
volt will maintain a current of one ampere.
Resistor Terminology
Adjustable Resistor: A resistor so constructed
that its resistance can be readily changed.*
Alternating Current: A periodic current the
average value of which over a period is zero.
The equation for alternating current is the same
as that for a periodic current except that I0=O*
Ambient Temperature: The temperature of
the surrounding coiling medium, such as gas
or liquid, which comes into contact with heated
parts of the apparatus.*
Ampere: The unit of constant current which,
maintained in two parallel rectilinear conductors of infinite length separated by a distance of
one meter, produces between these conductors
a force equal to 2x10-7 mks (meter-kilogramsecond) units of force per meter of length.
Armature Resistor: A resistor connected in
series with the armature of a motor either to
limit the inrush current on starting, the gradual
short circuiting of which brings the motor to
normal speed, or to regulate the speed by
armature-voltage control.
Axiohm: Centohm Coated axial terminal
wirewound resistor.
Bracket Terminal Resistor: A resistor
equipped with slotted metal end j brackets that
serve as a means of mounting and connecting
to the resistor.
Capacitance: That property of a system of
conductors and dielectrics which permits the
storage of electricity when potential differences exist between the conductors. Its value is
expressed as the ratio of a quantity of electricity
to a potential difference. A capacitance value is
always positive.*
Capacitor: A device, the primary purpose of
which is to introduce capacitance into an electric circuit. Capacitors are usually classified,
according to their dielectrics, as air capacitors,
mica capacitors, paper capacitors, etc.*
Clearance: The shortest distance through
space between two live parts, between live
parts and supports or other objects, or between
any live part and grounded part.
Conduction: The transmission of heat or electricity through, or by means of, a conductor.
Conductor: A body so constructed from conducting material that it may be used as a carrier
of electric current.*
Continuous Duty: A requirement of service
that demands operation at a substantially constant load for un indefinitely long time.*
Continuous-Duty Resistor: A resistor that is
capable of carrying continuously the current
for which it is designed without exceeding the
specified temperature rise.
Continuous Rating: Continuous rating is the
rating that defines the load which can be carried for an indefinitely long time.*
Convection: Convection is the motion resulting
in a fluid owing to differences of density and the
action of gravity.
Corrib: A tubular resistor consisting of an
alloy resistance ribbon, crimped and edgewound on a ceramic core, the ribbon being
securely and permanently fastened to the core
by vitreous enamel or cement.
Creepage Distance: The shortest distance
between conductors of opposite polarity or
between a live part and ground as measured
over the surface of the supporting material.
Resistor Terminology
Note 1: Such operating characteristics as load,
voltage, frequency, etc., may be given in the
rating.
Note 2: The rating of control apparatus in general is expressed in volts, amperes, horsepower
or kilowatts as may be appropriate, except
that resistors are rated in ohms, amperes and
class of service.*
Reactor: A device used for introducing reactance into a circuit for purposes such as motor
starting, paralleling transformers and control of
current.*
Rectifier: A device which converts alternating
current to unidirectional current by virtue of a
characteristic permitting appreciable flow of
current in only one direction.*
Resistance: The (scalar) property of an electric
circuit or of any body which may be used as
part of an electric circuit which determines for a
given current the rate at which electric energy
is converted into heat or radiant energy and
which has a value such that the product of the
resistance and the square of the current gives
the rate of conversion of energy. In the general
case, resistance is a function of the current, but
the term is most commonly used in connection
with circuits where the resistance is independent of the current.*
Resistance Tolerance: The resistance tolerance of a power resistor is the extent to
which its resistance may be permitted to deviate above or below the specified resistance.
Resistance tolerance is usually expressed in
percent.
Resistance Method of Temperature
Determination: This method consists in the
determination of temperature by comparison of
the resistance of the winding at the temperature
to be determined with the resistance at a known
temperature.**
R e s i s ta n c e Va l u e s
Numeric Value
Abbreviation
Milli
m Thousandth
R001
0.001
1 Milli Ohm
1.0 x 10-3
Centi
c Hundredth
R010
0.01
1 Centi Ohm
1.0 x 10-2
Deci
d Tenth
R100
0.1
1 Deci Ohm
1.0 x 10-1
One
1R00
1 Ohm
1.0 x 100
Deca, Deka
da Ten
10R0
10
1 Deca Ohm
1.0 x 101
Hecto
h Hundred
1000*
100
1 Hecto Ohm
1.0 x 102
Kilo
k Thousand
1001*
1002*
1003*
1,000
10,000
100,000
M Million
1004*
1504*
1005*
1006*
1506*
1,000,000
1,500,000
10,000,000
100,000,000
150,000,000
Giga
G Billion
1007
1507
1008
1009
1509
Tera
T Trillion
100A
150A
100B
Mega
Description
Scientific
Notation
Prefix
1 Kilo Ohm
10 Kilo Ohms
100 Kilo Ohms
1.0 x 103
1.0 x 104
1.0 x 105
1 Mega Ohm
1.5 Mega Ohms
10 Mega Ohms
100 Mega Ohms
150 Mega Ohms
1.0 x 106
1.5 x 106
1.0 x 107
1.0 x 108
1.5 x 108
1,000,000,000
1,500,000,000
10,000,000,000
100,000,000,000
150,000,000,000
1 Giga Ohm
1.5 Giga Ohms
10 Giga Ohms
100 Giga Ohms
150 Giga Ohms
1.0 x 109
1.5 x 109
1.0 x 1010
1.0 x 1011
1.5 x 1011
1,000,000,000,000
1,500,000,000,000
10,000,000,000,000
1 Tera Ohm
1.5 Tera Ohms
10 Tera Ohms
1.0 x 1012
1.5 x 1012
1.0 x 1013
206