Q&A for How to Identify Resistors

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What color is a 2.2 K ohm resistor?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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These resistors have a 4-band color code, with 3 red bands and 1 gold band.

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Question

What is the “K” in a resistor?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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The K stands for 1,000 ohms. This means that, for example, a 5K resistor would have a value of 5,000 ohms.

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What are the 4 types of resistors?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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There are many different kinds of resistors, but the main types are linear resistors (which can be fixed or variable) and non-linear resistors. There are a variety of subtypes in each of those categories.

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What resistor can I use to step down from 12 v DC to 5 v DC?

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Resistors are typically used to limit electrical flow, not step it down. What you should use is what is called a "step-down transformer."

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Question

How could I identify the five watt resistor?

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Hold the five watt resistor and measure by using a multmeter or by reading the color coding.

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Question

On vintage Japanese built electronics,I have resistors marked JA28, JA20, JA23,etc. What is code system relating to these? I have no schematic and want to do in-circuit troubleshooting.

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

They may be markings that are specific to the electronic or are no longer used. Try researching outdated resistor markings online to identify them.

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I have a resistor with no colors, just fat and skinny black stripes. str

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Black represents a value of 0 and are likely shorting links, since these components have zero resistance.

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Where can I purchase resistors?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

You can find them at electronic supply stores, computer stores, and online.

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Question

How do I read and tell what the wattage is on my resistors?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

First, find the number of ohms for the resisters, then convert the ohms to watts.

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