How To Read Resistor Color Code

Resistor color code is a standard method to identify the wire of resistors in a circuit. It’s also known as resistor code or ohmmeter resistance reading method. This page explains how resistors are identified using their color codes and tells you about the different resistor types, as well as their physical properties and applications.

What is a Resistor?

A resistor is a passive component that obstructs the flow of electricity. People use resistors to control current flow in electronic circuits so that the devices don’t burn out. When you turn on the lights in a room, the filament inside a fluorescent light bulb is connected to the switch or the power supply. Once the filament is connected to the switch, nothing happens because the switch is not “on,” and it is connected to nothing. If you supply power to the bulb, the filament will be connected to the switch’s terminal and the room will get bright. A resistor is connected between the switch terminal and the filament so that the current is reduced. If you want to supply a higher voltage to the bulb, you need to buy a different switch or find a way to reduce the current.

Color Codes Based on Resistors

A resistor is identified with its color code. The color codes are standardization methods to identify the resistors. The color codes are used by electronic devices, and humans can’t see the color, but they can identify the resistors by it. Each color code represents one segment of resistance. The larger the color change, the higher the resistance. The common color codes are: When you have the color code, you can determine the resistance of a resistor with a digital multimeter.

Graphical Representation of Resistor Color Codes

The resistor color codes are graphically represented as a graph. Instead of using a table, the graph shows how the resistance of a resistor changes with the voltage. The resistors are connected in series or in parallel. So, the value of the resistance of a resistor changes as you change the current or the voltage. The graph shows the resistance of the resistor at a number of points. It’s like a road map to find the resistance in a circuit. The x-axis represents voltage and the y-axis represents resistance. From the graph, you can see where the resistor is connected to the circuit.

Why is the color code important?

People identify the wires using the color code because it gives the same information. Resistor color code gives information about the resistance of the resistor. Resistor color code is used not only for identification but also for calculating the resistance of a resistor. A computer uses resistor color code to control a device’s power supply. The computer sends a controlling signal to the power supply that tells it how much voltage and current to generate.

Important notes:

The resistor color codes are guidelines and not mandatory. Different manufacturers use different color codes for resistors. When you buy a resistor, you must look at the resistor’s package or data sheet. There you must find the resistor’s value and other useful information. All resistors have a maximum limit of current. Current-carrying capacity of a resistor is indicated on the resistor’s data sheet. The value of a resistor can’t exceed its maximum current-carrying capacity.

Conclusion

Resistors are used to reduce the current or the voltage in a circuit. The resistor color code tells you the resistor’s value, the value of the circuit and where the resistor is connected. Resistor color code is important in electronic circuits. Resistors are very important in electronic circuits. But a resistor is a very simple component and it can be identified using a resistor color code. All you need to do is to memorize the resistor color code. Now you know how resistors are identified using their color codes and tell you about the different resistor types, as well as their physical properties and applications.