What are the types of resistor?

Answer 1

There are many types of Resistors , which can be classified in many ways.

The fundamental classification is based on the Power Handling Rating , which breaks up into Power Resistors & Low power resistors.

Power Resistors can handle large Powers & Currents. These are generally made

of High Resistance alloys like Nichrome , which are used in heaters , toasters etc. Some types of small power resistors are also used in electronic circuits which handle large currents like in power supplies etc. Infact the incandescent lamp is a special form of power resistor.

Low power resistors are usually used in electronic circuitry , which again have different power capacity ratings usually less than 1watt to small surface mounted devices which are rated for few tenths of milliwatts.

Another important classification is based on the stability of the resistor material & hence its ohmic values. Such resistors are used for precision applications like measuring circuits , meters etc.

Then there are specialised forms of clasification depending on application e.g

Positive & Negative Temeprature coefficient resistors ( Thermistors ) are used for temperature sensing , Voltage Dependent resistors are used in protection circuitry, High Voltage resistors are used where requires for high voltage

( kilovolts ) electronic circuitry like X Ray , Laser & Electrostatic Power supplies.