Resistor I.D.

Resistor Color Codes

Resistors are identified by a standard
color-coding system.
The colors are read from left to right.
The bands are arranged to favor one
side of the resister.
Resistors
The first band and the second band
signify the first two digits of the ohmic
value.
For example 22-ohms resistor, the first
two color bands are: Red and Red
 This signifies “2” and “2”.
The third band is called the multiplier,
which is simply the number of zeroes
you put after the first two digits to get
the final ohmic value.
 If the third is brown.
 This means that zero will be placed after the
Resistors
The fourth band is called the tolerance
signifier.
This is how much the actual value may vary
from the specified value shown by the color
bands.
If a resistor measures more than the allowed
specified value, it is considered not useable.
The more expensive or the higher the
construction quality, the tighter the
specification.
Some circuits require precision resistors to
operate effectively.
Resistor Color Codes
A resistor with five bands – red, green,
black,brown and brown from left to right
– would be sized as follows
 The first three bands set the digits;
 red (2)
 green (5)
 Black (0)
 So the base value is 250
Resistor Color Codes
The next band is the multiplier; brown
(10).
 So, the resistor has a value of 250 x 10, or
2500 ohms (2.5K ohms).
And , the last band is the tolerance;
brown (1%).
 So, the resistance value is 2500 ohms + or
– 25 ohms (2.475-2.525 K ohms).
Resistor Color Codes
Some circuits require precision resistors
to operate effectively.
If a resistor is replaced, never use a
resistor of a wider tolerance.
This could cause improper operation of
the circuit.
Wattage
Resistors must be of the proper
wattage value.
Wattage is the amount of heat the
resistor can withstand.
Improperly rated components will
prematurely fail.
Since resistors restrict flow of
electricity, electrical friction causes
heat to build up within the component.
The resistor must be large enough to
dissipate this heat to the surrounding
environment.