High-voltage resistors are used to limit voltage through a circuit at a certain value.
This is useful because it prevents damage to sensitive hardware and makes life easier when working with high voltages.
High-voltage resistors come in many different formats and can be used in just about any electronic circuit.
High voltage resistive are available in many standard values, making them extremely versatile for use in just about every type of electronic device.
They can also be used as frequency converters or as part of an oscillator circuit.
The most common uses for high-voltage resistors include limiting the current flowing through a device that gets very hot, limiting power supply voltages, or providing protection from short circuits.
What is a High Voltage Resistor?
A high-voltage resistor is a special type of resistor designed to handle very high voltages safely.
For example, there are high-voltage resistors that are rated to handle voltages up to 400,000 volts! These resistors are usually rated in megohms or megaohms, but they can also be found with other values such as 10 megohms, 100 megohms, etc.
There are several different types of high-voltage resistors, each designed for specific types of usage and voltages.
Somewhat confusingly, the general term “high voltage resistor” is often used to refer to resistors rated at a much lower voltage than the types that can handle voltages above 400,000 volts.
Functions of High Voltage Resistors
– Voltage Limiting – A high voltage resistor is used to limit the voltage that flows through a circuit.
There are two main ways to do this with a high-voltage resistor:
– Match the Volts –
If you have a circuit that gets very hot, you can use a high-voltage resistor to limit the voltage that you are sending to the device.
This is usually done when powering a frying device as it will prevent damage to the hardware and prevent the hardware from getting too hot.
– Ground Protection –
High voltage resistors can be used to protect a circuit from being shorted.
A short circuit occurs when current flows through a path that is not supposed to be conducting current (like a wire or the chassis of a device).
The result is a sudden, very high voltage that can destroy electronics or even cause fires.
Protection from Short Circuits and Overheating
A high-voltage resistor is often used to protect components from damage from a short circuit.
If a device is shorted to a circuit that has a high voltage running through it, the high voltage will cause the component to explode and potentially cause serious injury or death.
High-voltage resistors are used to protect sensitive electronic equipment from short circuits.
For example, a power supply that is running too much current might blow out the motherboard or other components when a short circuit is completed.
A high-voltage resistor is set in parallel with the power supply, allowing current to flow through the resistor instead of damaging the components.
High-voltage resistors are also used in microwave ovens to protect the microwave components.
If a circuit is too hot, the components can get blown out or even catch fire.
A high-voltage resistor is thus used to protect sensitive components from overheating.
Oscillator circuit for making frequency adjustments
High-voltage resistors can be used in an oscillator circuit to adjust the frequency of a signal.
In an oscillator circuit, a voltage is created in one part of the circuit, then is inverted and sent through the resistor to another part of the circuit.
This causes the signal to change frequency.
The frequency of the signal can be altered by changing the resistance of the resistor.
A low resistance causes a high frequency, while a high resistance results in a lower frequency.
High voltage resistors are therefore used to change the frequency of a signal.
High voltage resistors can also be used to change the speed of an Arduino or other type of controller board.
For example, a high-voltage resistor attached to a motor could be used to speed up or slow down the rotation of the motor.
Reducing Power Supply Voltages
High-voltage resistors are also used in power supply circuits to lower the voltage supplied to sensitive components.
For example, a computer power supply is typically rated at 110 or 115 volts.
However, many devices such as monitors and other high-power devices require more voltage.
A power supply that is rated at 110 volts may not be enough to run all the devices in your home.
High-voltage resistors can be used to convert the power supply voltage to a higher voltage.
Summary
High-voltage resistors are used to protect sensitive components from short circuits or excessive heat.
They are also used in power supply circuits to provide extra voltage or reduce voltage.
High-voltage resistors are available in many standard values, making them extremely versatile for use in just about any electronic circuit.