first time using metal film resistors

Frequently asked question regarding resistors, potentiometers, types, requirements, ratings etc.
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jimiguitar
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Post by jimiguitar »

first time using metal film resistors is there a size different between carbon 1/4 watt and metal metal film 1/4 watt i justt received my order from amazon and they look somewhat small than 1/4 watt carbons

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DrNomis
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Post by DrNomis »

jimiguitar wrote:first time using metal film resistors is there a size different between carbon 1/4 watt and metal metal film 1/4 watt i justt received my order from amazon and they look somewhat small than 1/4 watt carbons


Probably not, I buy 1/2 Watt metal film resistors from my local Jaycar Electronics store and they're about the same size as 1/4 Watt carbon film resistors....... :thumbsup
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Post by grrrunge »

I buy the 1/4W metal films from tayda. they're also in a 0703 package
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Frank_NH
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Post by Frank_NH »

I purchased some 1/4 W metal film resistors on eBay, and while the body of the resistor is the same as the common carbon film types, the wire lead diameter appears somewhat smaller/thinner. I can check this difference with my micrometer tonight. I don't think it's a problem for vero or pcb builds - just something I noticed. I was speculating that a thinner wire was necessary to ensure 1% tolerance on the indicated values for low value resistors? (maybe not...)

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Post by Tall Steve »

Frank_NH wrote:I was speculating that a thinner wire was necessary to ensure 1% tolerance on the indicated values for low value resistors? (maybe not...)
Nah. The Tayda metal films have thinner leads than the Xicon metal films you get from Mouser for example, and they're both 1% tolerance. The thicker leads are easier to work with IMHO. They hold their shape better. If you're in the states, bulk pricing on the Xicons is competitive with Tayda. Two hundred Xicons can be had for $4 USD.
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Post by Nocentelli »

I think thinner leads just means cheaper. I've only bought carbon film from tayda, but they're also thinner than from other sources. I've also got some RS labelled carbon film from years ago and they are way thicker and last much longer for repeated breadboard use than any modrn resistors i've bought.
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