Are you curious about the different types of resistors? You might be asking yourself, what is a resistor used for in electronics?
You’ll need electronic resistors if you plan to create a circuit for a machine that uses electricity. However, you can’t use any old electronic resistor you find on Amazon. You need to place the right size and type in every circuit.
To know more, continue reading to learn about the three types of electronic resistors.
What Is an Electronic Resistor?
A resistor is a passive component in a circuit used in electronic equipment. As its name goes, its job is to resist or reduce current flow. Besides resisting, they also have other uses, including:
- Adjusting signal levels
- Dividing voltages
- Bias active elements
- End transmission lines
Without a resistor, your components may receive more voltage than necessary. It can cause a short circuit, or too much current will flow into it.
To ensure that your circuit works, look for the best electronic resistors. You can buy from a local shop, or you can also visit one of the 447 electronic parts wholesalers in the US.
What Are the Three Types of Electronic Resistors?
The three main types of resistors based on composition are:
- Carbon composition resistors
- Carbon film resistors
- Metal film resistors
First, the carbon composition resistor consists of carbon clay and plastic. The lead used for it is tinned copper. Others also call it only a carbon resistor.
Carbon resistors are some of the most common and available types. They’re also cheap, durable, and available in many values. A drawback of carbon resistors is that it produces electric noise and is sensitive to heat.
Carbon film resistors have a thin film of carbon placed in an insulating substrate. They have lower tolerances and less sensitivity to heat. They’re also less noisy than carbon resistors.
The last type is the metal film resistor. It has a ceramic substrate with a thin metal film sprayed onto it. You’ll know the resistance value based on the length, thickness, and width of the metal spiral.
You’ll notice that most resistors have colored lines running across their main parts. Even the three types of resistors share this feature. These lines or stripes help you know how much tolerance the resistor can provide.
What Is the Best Type of Resistor?
The best electronic load resistor among the three is the metal film resistor. It provides the most precise resistance values compared to the other two. Temperature changes and aging also have little impact on the resistor.
The next best choice for a resistor is the carbon film, then the carbon composition resistor. Today, you can also find many more resistor types, including:
- Thermistor
- Wire-wound resistor
- Variable resistor; and more
If you’re working on a powerful machine, you’ll need high voltage resistors. Manufacturers like Riedon Shunts can provide you with quality high voltage resistors.
Get the Best Electronic Resistors for Your Project Today
Knowing more will help you find a suitable electronic resistor for your needs. With the knowledge of the three types based on their composition, are you now ready to buy one for your project? Head to a local store or search “where to buy electronic resistors near me” on Google now.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about electronic resistors. Do you want to read more guides on technology, business, lifestyle, and more? Read now for our other blog posts.
