EXPERIMENT 1

RESISTOR COLOR CODE AND

USE OF OHMMETER, VOLTMETER AND AMMETER

I. OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the values of 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 on an electronic voltmeter.

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, one symbol for 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. Note the color bands. 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
Resistor Color Code

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In Figure 1.1, the resistor is coded red, black, gold. Its value would be 22
ohms at 5% tolerance. In the case of a resistor whose value is less than 1
ohm, the multiplier is silver (band or dot). In the case of a resistor whose
value is greater than 1 ohm but less than 10 ohms, the multiplier is gold.

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 three-terminal device whose circuit symbol is

shown in Figure 1.2. Points A and B connect into circuit. A rheostat has
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.

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 Figure 1.2a
Rheostat is a Variable Resistor with Three-Terminals

(a) circuit symbol (b) end view showing shaft and terminals
Figure 1.3
Potentiometer is a Three-Terminal Device

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 A and C
varies as the length of the element included between points A 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

This is one of the functions of an EVM. Each manufacturer provides operating

instructions for the use of this particular instrument. Hence, it will be
necessary to refer to the instruction manual before using any electronic
voltmeter. The student should be thoroughly familiar with the operation of
the ohmmeter function before he attempts to use it in this experiment.

To measure resistance, the function switch should be set to ohms. Next,

before using the ohms function of an electronic meter, the students should
adjust to their proper settings the ohm zero controls of the meter. 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 to point B. The meter pointer indicates, on
the ohms scale the value of the resistance between A and B if the meter
reading is zero ohms, points A and B are “SHORT-CIRCUITED”. If however, the
meter pointer does not move (that is the indicator points to “INFINITY” on

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the ohms scale), points A and B are “OPEN-CIRCUITED”, that is there is an
infinite resistance between them.

Reading the Ohmmeter Scale

All 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. Thus, the arc
distance (between and 1) is much greater than the distance between 9 and 10,
though each arc represents in this case a change of 1 ohm.

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 basic 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 unit

charge of electricity from one point to other of an electric circuit. The
rate of low 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.

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 force is developed on the conductor. The
direction of force is governed by the law of electromagnetic induction.
Current flow in the moving coils through the spiral springs. 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 in a line, 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 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.

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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.

III. INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS

▪ 2 EMS Resistance Modules (A and B)

▪ 1 EMS DC Voltmeter Module
▪ 1 EMS DC Ammeter Module
▪ 1 EMS Power Supply
▪ 1 Analog VOM
▪ 1 10KΩ Potentiometer
▪ 10 Assorted Color-Coded Resistors

IV. PROCEDURE

Run 1: Color-Coded Resistors

1. Determine the value of each resistor supplied from the color code. Fill
in the information required in Table 1.2.

2. Using the VOM, zero adjust the ohmmeter and measure each resistor with the
ohmmeter, 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. Indicate percentage difference between coded and measured
value.

| Coded Value – Measured Value |

% Difference = ---------------------------------- x 100
Coded Value

Run 2: The Potentiometer

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

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

2. Connect the ohmmeter terminals across AC. Turn the potentiometer control
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 the value of Rac + Rbc.

3. Now observe how the resistance Rac varies as the potentiometer is turned
from its clockwise position to complete counterclockwise position and how

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 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 one-quarter of the way to clockwise. Measure and record
Rac and Rbc in Table 1.3. Compute and record Rac + Rbc.

5. Set the control of three-quarters of the way to clockwise. Measure and

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

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.

2. Turn ON the switch of the power supply module and slowly adjust the
control at 20 volts DC. 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.

4. Connect the DC supply, the voltmeter, ammeter and a resistor in series.

Record the meter readings.

Figure 1.4
The Experimental Circuit

Run 4: Meter Resistances

Note: Do Not Switch or No Connections to the Power Supply

1. Using VOM, measure the resistance of the voltmeter module at 30 volts

range and 50 volts range and record in Table 1.5.

2. Using VOM, measure the resistance of the ammeter module at 2-ampere range
and 500-mA range and record in Table 1.5.

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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

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Run 3: Connecting the Voltmeter and Ammeter

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

Step 4: Ammeter Reading: ___________________

Voltmeter Reading: ___________________

Run 4: Meter Resistances

Table 1.5
Voltmeter Ammeter
Range 30V 50V 500mA 2A
Resistance

Instructor’s Signature: _______________

Grade: __________

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VI. COMPUTATIONS

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.

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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 of the meter
correspond to 100 amps?

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

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