Wire-Wound

Wire-wound resistors typically control large amounts of current and have high power ratings. Resistors of this type are constructed by winding a resistance wire around an insulating rod, usually made of porcelain. The windings are then coated with an insulation material for physical protection and heat conduction. Both ends of the windings are then connected to terminals, which are used to connect the resistor to a circuit. [Figure 10-56]

A wire-wound resistor with tap is a special type of fixed resistor that can be adjusted. These adjustments can be made by moving a slide bar tap or by moving the tap to a preset incremental position. While the tap may be adjustable, the adjustments are usually set at the time of installation to a specific value and then operated in service as a fixed resistor. Another type of wire-wound resistor is that constructed of Manganin wire, used where high precision is needed.

Variable Resistors

Variable resistors are constructed so that the resistive value can be changed easily. This adjustment can be manual or automatic, and the adjustments can be made while the system that it is connected to is in operation. There are two basic types of manual adjustors. One is the rheostat and the second is the potentiometer.

 
 
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