What is a Power Resistor?

A power resistor is a type of resistor specifically designed to handle high power levels and dissipate significant amounts of heat. It is used in electronic circuits to limit current flow, drop voltage, or provide a specific resistance value.

Power resistors are generally larger compared to standard resistors, and they are constructed with materials and designs that allow them to withstand higher power ratings. They are often composed of a resistive element made of metal or carbon composite, which has a high power dissipation capability.

The main characteristics of power resistors include:

• Power Rating: Power resistors are specified with a power rating, which indicates the maximum amount of power they can handle without exceeding their temperature limits. Power ratings for these resistors typically range from a few watts to several hundred watts or even kilowatts for specialized applications.
• Resistance Value: Like standard resistors, power resistors have a specified resistance value, which determines the amount of resistance they provide to the electrical current passing through them. Resistance values can range from fractions of an ohm to several megaohms.
• Tolerance: Power resistors have a tolerance specification, which represents the allowable deviation from the specified resistance value. Common tolerance values for power resistors are 5%, 10%, or even tighter tolerances depending on the application requirements.
• Heat Dissipation: Power resistors generate heat when current flows through them and voltage is dropped across them. They are designed to dissipate this heat efficiently to prevent overheating and damage. Power resistors may have heat sinks, fins, or other cooling mechanisms to enhance heat dissipation.

Power resistors are specifically designed to handle high power levels and dissipate heat efficiently. They are commonly used in applications where high power dissipation, current limiting, voltage dropping, or specific resistance values are required. They are used in various applications such as:

• Power Electronics: They are used in power supplies, motor drives, inverters, and amplifiers to control current flow, limit voltage, and dissipate heat.
• Load Banks: Power resistors are used in load banks to simulate electrical loads for testing purposes in areas such as power generation, distribution, and automotive applications.
• Braking Systems: Power resistors are employed in braking systems of electric vehicles or trains to convert excess electrical energy into heat during regenerative braking.
• High-Power Audio Systems: They can be used in audio amplifiers or speaker systems to control impedance matching and ensure proper power distribution.

Power Resistors from the leading manufacturers are listed on everything PE. You can use the filters on the left side to narrow down the list of products based on your requirements - type, resistance, tolerance, power rating, package type, etc. Our parametric search tool will scan multiple manufacturer websites to identify Power Resistors that meet your requirement. You can then download datasheets, request quotations via everything PE. Your inquiry will be routed to the manufacturer or their representative who will give you more information on the product.