EXPERIMENT 1

RESISTOR COLOR CODE AND

USE OF OHMMETER, VOLTMETER AND AMMETER

I. OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the values of carbon resistors from their EIA (Electronic

Industries Association) color code.

2. To read the resistance value at a specified point on each of the ohmmeter

scales of an electronic(digital) multitester(VOM).

3. To measure the resistance across each combination of two of the three

terminals of a potentiometer and observe the range of resistance change as
the shaft of the potentiometer is varied throughout its entire range.

4. To be familiar with the connection, use and operation of DC voltmeter and

ammeter.

II. THEORY

Color-Coded (Carbon) Resistor

The OHM is the unit of resistance, and the symbol for the ohm is Ω (Greek
letter Omega). Resistance values are indicated by a standard color code
adopted by manufacturers. This code involves the use of color bands on the
body of the resistor. The colors and their numerical values are given in the
resistor color code chart, Table 1.1. This code is used for ½ watt, ¼ watt, 1
watt, 2 watts and 3 watts resistors.

The basic resistor is shown in Figure 1.1. The color of the first band tells
the first significant figure of the resistance. The color of the second band
tells the second significant figure. The color of the third band tells the
multiplier (number of zeros to be added or the placement of the decimal
point). A fourth color band is used for the tolerance designation. The
absence of the fourth color band means 20% tolerance.

Figure 1.1
Color Coded Resistor

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 1 of 10
In Figure 1.1, the resistor is coded red, red, black, gold. Its value would
be 22 ohms at 5% tolerance.

Table 1.1. Resistor Color Chart

Multiplier Tolerance Significant Figures Color
1 - 0 Black
10 - 1 Brown
100 - 2 Red
1,000 - 3 Orange
10,000 - 4 Yellow
100,000 - 5 Green
1,000,000 - 6 Blue
10,000,000 - 7 Violet
100,000,000 - 8 Gray
1,000,000,000 - 9 White
0.1 5% - Gold
0.01 10% - Silver
- 20% - No Color

Wirewound Resistor

Wire-wound, high voltage resistors usually are not color coded, but have the
ohmic value and wattage rating printed on the body of the resistor. Resistors
with brown color are insulated; those with black body color are not insulated.
In writing the values of resistors, the following designation are employed:

K, a multiplier which stands for 1,000

M, a multiplier which stands for 1,000,000

For example, 33 kilo ohms (33KΩ) stands for 33,000 ohms, 1.2 meg ohms (1.2MΩ)
stands for 1,200,000 ohms.

Variable Resistors

In addition to fixed-value resistors, variable resistors are used extensively

in electronics. There are two types of variable resistors, the rheostat, and
the potentiometer. Volume controls used in radio and the contrast and
brightness controls of television receivers are typical examples of
potentiometers.

A rheostat is essentially a two-terminal device whose circuit symbol is shown

in Figure 1.2. Points A and B connect into the circuit. A rheostat has a
maximum value of resistance, specified by the manufacturer, and a minimum
value usually zero ohm. The arrowhead in Figure 1.2 indicates a mechanical
means of adjusting the rheostat so that the resistance, measured between
points A and B can be set to any intermediate value within the range of
variation.

The circuit symbol for a potentiometer, Figure 1.3, shows that it is a three-
terminal device. The resistance between points A and B is fixed. Point C is
the variable arm of the potentiometer.

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 2 of 10
 Figure 1.2: Rheostat

(a) circuit symbol (b) end view showing shaft and terminals
Figure 1.3: Potentiometer

The arm is a metal contactor which moves along the un-insulated surface of the
resistance element, selecting different length of resistive surface. Thus,
the longer between points A and C, the greater is the ohms resistance between
these two points. Similarly, the resistance between points B and C varies as
the length of the element included between points B and C.

The axiom which states that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts applies
to a potentiometer as well as it does in geometric figures. In this case it
is apparent that the resistance Rac from A to C, plus the resistance Rcb from
C to B make up the fixed resistance Rab of the potentiometer.

A potentiometer maybe used as a rheostat if the center arm and one of the end
terminals are connected into the circuit, and the other end terminals is left
disconnected. Another method of converting a potentiometer into a rheostat is
to connect a piece of hook wire between the arm and one of the end terminals,
for example C connected to A. The points B and C now serve as the terminals
of a rheostat. (When two points in a circuit are connected by hook up wire,
these points are shorted together).

Measuring Resistance

To measure resistance, the function switch or selector switch of an analog or

digital multitester(VOM), should be set to the ohm function. Next, before
using the ohm function of a multitester, the students should adjust to their
proper settings the ohm zero controls of the meter, if it is an analog type.
He/she is then ready to make resistance and continuity checks. Now to measure
the resistance between two points, say A and B, one of the ohmmeter leads is
connected to point A, the other ohmmeter lead to point B. The meter pointer
indicates, on the ohms scale the value of the resistance between A and B.

Reading the Ohmmeter Scale of an Analog Ohmmeter

All analog volt-ohm-milliammeters(VOMs) contain basic ohms which readings are

made directly on the Rx1 range of the meter. Usually, the ohms scale is
nonlinear, that is, the arc distance between consecutive graduations is not
equal.

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 3 of 10
Note that the ohms scale becomes fairly crowded to the right of the 100 ohms
division. If a resistance greater than 100 ohms is to be measured with some
degree of accuracy, the meter range should be switched to Rx10, Rx100, Rx1000
will usually be found on the meter. In the Rx10 range, any reading made on
the meter scale must be multiplied by 10. In the Rx100 range, any reading
must be multiplied by 100, etc.

NOTE: After switching from one range to another, the settings of the zero ohms
adjustment should be checked and reset, if necessary.

DC Voltmeter and Ammeter

Difference of potential or voltage is the work necessary to move a charge of

electricity from one point to another point of an electric circuit. The rate
of flow of an electric charge is called CURRENT. The mechanical analogue of
voltage and current in a hydraulic system are pressure and rate of water flow
respectively. Electric current will not flow if a potential difference is not
existing, as water cannot flow if there is no pressure in a hydraulic system.
Voltage and current are measured by a voltmeter and ammeter, respectively.

Direct-current instruments work on the principle of motor action. When a

current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, force is developed
on the conductor. The direction of the force is governed by the law of
electromagnetic induction. Current flows in the moving coil of an analog
meter through the spiral spring. The permanent magnet produces the magnetic
flux that causes force to be developed in the moving coil when current flows
through it. The moving coil moves the pointer by means of the spiral spring
when it rotates. The pointer is pivoted on jeweled bearings. The scales are
calibrated to indicate voltage or current. The zero adjusting screw adjusts
the position of the pointer to exactly read zero on the scale. The anti-
parallax mirror enables one to read the meter accurately. For correct
reading, the pointer and its shadow on the mirror should coincide.

Potential difference or voltage is ordinarily measured by a voltmeter. In

voltmeter, a very high resistance is connected in series with the moving coil
to limit the current. Thus, when a voltmeter is connected across the lines or
devices, the current that it takes is very small and in most cases, negligible
compared to current in the circuit.

When measuring current, an ammeter is used. The construction of the moving

coil assembly of an ammeter is similar to that of the voltmeter. Shunt
resistors of very small values are connected across the moving coil of the
meter, to bypass most of the current which should otherwise flow through the
coil. The resistance of an ammeter is therefore very small. Because of this,
ammeters cannot be connected across a source of voltage.

As a general rule, a voltmeter must be connected across the lines or devices,

while an ammeter must be connected in series with the load. The polarity of
the meters must be considered when taking DC measurements. A wrong polarity
will move the pointer backward and may cause the pointer to be bent. The
instruments must be handled with care since these are delicate. Rough
handling may affect the accuracy of the meter. If the quantities to be
measured are not yet approximated, the meter must be set at its highest range.
The range of a voltmeter may be extended by connecting an additional resistor
in series with the instrument. In the case of an ammeter, the range is
extended by connecting resistances across the instrument.

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 4 of 10
III. INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS

 2 EMS Resistance Modules (A and B)

 1 DC Voltmeter
 1 DC Ammeter
 1 EMS Power Supply
 1 Analog or Digital VOM
 1 10KΩ Potentiometer
 10 Assorted Color-Coded Resistors

IV. PROCEDURE

Run 1: Color-Coded(Carbon) Resistors

1. Determine the resistance value of each carbon resistor using the

Resistor Color Chart(Table 1.1) Fill in the information required in Table
1.2.

2. Using the VOM, set in the ohmmeter function, measure the

resistance of each resistor, and fill in the results in the row “Measured
value”. The coded value and the measured value should agree within the
tolerance range of the resistor. Determine the percentage difference
between the coded and the measured value,

| Coded Value – Measured Value |

% Difference = ---------------------------------- x 100
Measured Value

Run 2: The Potentiometer

1. Examine the potentiometer assigned to you. Orient it so that the

rotatable shaft is pointing towards you. Call the terminals of the
potentiometer A, C and B as shown in Figure 1.3b. Measure and record in
Table 1.3 the total resistance Rab, between A and B. Vary the arm(shaft)
of the potentiometer, while keeping the ohmmeter connected across AB. Does
the total resistance vary? Indicate the effect in Table 1.3.

2. Connect the ohmmeter probes across AC. Turn the potentiometer

control(shaft) completely clockwise. Measure and record the resistance Rac
(between points A and C), also the resistance Rbc (between points B and C).
Compute and record in Table 1.3, the value of Rac + Rbc.

3. Now observe how the resistance Rac varies as the potentiometer

shaft is turned from its clockwise position to complete counterclockwise
position and also, how Rbc varies over this range. Record the clockwise
and counterclockwise values for Rac and Rbc. Compute and record Rac + Rbc
in each case.

4. Set the control(shaft) one-quarter of the way to full clockwise.

Measure and record Rac and Rbc in Table 1.3. Compute and record Rac + Rbc.

5. Set the control(shaft) three-quarters of the way to full

clockwise. Measure and record Rac and Rbc in Table 1.3. Compute and
record Rac + Rbc.

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 5 of 10
Run 3: Connecting the Voltmeter and Ammeter

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 1.4. The value of the

resistor is 150 ohms. Note: Use the colored black digital VOM as the
voltmeter and the colored yellow digital VOM as the ammeter.

Figure 1.4
The Experimental Circuit

Note: The left-end terminals of the circuit(in Fig. 4), are connected to the
positive and negative terminals of the DC source in the Power Supply Module.

2. Turn ON the switch of the power supply module and slowly adjust
the control knob of the power supply module so that the reading of the
voltmeter is 20 volts DC. For each resistance value of R, record in Table
1.4 the voltage and current as indicated by the voltmeter and ammeter.

3. Repeat step 2 for the 75-, 50-, 60- and 30-ohm resistors. Note:
For the 30-ohm and 60-ohm resistance values of the resistor, refer to the
Table of settings of the switches of the resistance module for different
values of resistances. The said Table is included in the first few pages of
the Laboratory Manual.

Run 4: Meter Resistances

1. Turn off the switch of the power supply module and disconnect or
remove the meters from the circuit.

2. Using the yellow digital VOM as ohmmeter, measure the resistance

of the voltmeter(black digital VOM)that you used in the experiment, and
record in Table 1.5.

3. Using the black digital VOM as ohmmeter, measure the resistance of

the ammeter(yellow digital VOM)that you used in the experiment and record
in Table 1.5.

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 6 of 10
PRELIMINARY REPORT Date Performed: _______________

Experiment Number: 1

Experiment Title: RESISTOR COLOR CODE AND USE OF OHMMETER, VOLTMETER AND
AMMETER

Group Number: __________ Signature:

Group Leader: _____________________ __________________

Group Members Present: _____________________ __________________

_____________________ __________________

_____________________ __________________

_____________________ __________________

V. DATA AND RESULTS

Run 1: Color-Coded Resistors

Table 1.2
Resistors
Band
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1st Color
2nd Color
3rd Color
4th Color
Coded Value, ohms
Tolerance, %
Measured Value, ohms
% Difference

Run 2: The Potentiometer

Table 1.3
Rac + Rbc
Step Potentiometer Setting Rab Rac Rbc
Computed Value
1 vary over its range X X
2 completely CW X
3 CW to CCW X
4 1/4 CW X
5 3/4 CW x

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 7 of 10
Run 3: Connecting the Voltmeter and Ammeter

Table 1.4
Resistance 150 ohms 75 ohms 60 ohms 50 ohms 30 ohms
Voltage
Current

Run 4: Meter Resistances

Table 1.5
Resistance(Measured)
Voltmeter
Ammeter

Instructor’s Signature: _______________

Grade: __________

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 8 of 10
VI. COMPUTATIONS/GRAPH:

1. Show sample computations of the per cent difference between the coded
and measured values of resistances of the carbon resistors.

2. In the Final Report, draw a graph of V versus I, using the recorded data
in Table 1.4.

VII. CONCLUSION

In concise point form, draw appropriate conclusions from the results of the
experiment.

VIII. QUESTIONS

1. For carbon resistors, what is the color code for:

a) 0.27 ohms?
b) 2.2 ohms?
c) 39 ohms?
d) 560 ohms?
e) 33,000 ohms?

2. What is meant by short circuit? Open circuit?

3. How does a potentiometer differ from a rheostat?

4. How can a potentiometer be used as a rheostat?

5. What will happen if an ammeter is connected across the line?

Explain.

6. What will if a voltmeter is connected in series with the load?

Explain.

7. Most ammeter binding posts are made of heavy, bare metal whereas
voltmeter terminals are usually much lighter and well insulated. Explain
why this is desirable.

8. An ammeter and a voltmeter of suitable ranges are to be used to

measure the current and voltage of an electric lamp. If a mistake were
made and the meters interchanged, what will happen?

9. Some types of fuses used to protect electric meters have

resistances of several ohms. Is this objectionable (a) in ammeter
circuits and (b) in voltmeter circuits? Why?

10. An ammeter has a resistance of 0.0090 ohm reads up to 10 amps.

What resistance shunt is needed to make full-scale deflection if the
meter is to have a range of of 0-100A?

11. A 50-mv meter has a resistance of 5 ohms. A multiplier resistance

has been inserted to produce a voltmeter of range 3 volts. How can the
multiplier be modified so that the new meter will have the range of 15
volts?

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 9 of 10
12. Comment on the graph of V vs. I that you’ve plotted using the data
in Table 1.4.

Experiment in Lbyec73 and Lbyec74

Experiment 1: Resistor Color Code and Use of Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter
Page 10 of 10