Resistor Wire- Information In Detail

By Author: Salvatore Andrea
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Resistor wire is a type of electrical wire that has the property of electrical resistance. This is used mainly at high temperatures and this is the reason for its high melting point. This item is used for heating elements and high-power resistors. This helps to produce heat required in electric ovens, electric heaters, toasters, and other appliances. This wire is made up of nichrome, which is a non-magnetic alloy of chromium and nickel. This material has high resistivity as well as resistance to oxidation even at high temperature, thus it is used to make the wire.

It has seen that resistance wire wound into coils while being used as heating element. There is a problem in using nichrome though. It would not stick to the common electrical solder. Thus, screw terminals or crimp connectors are used to make its connection with the electrical power. Then there is constantan, which is used where the resistance is required that does not change with temperature. This material is readily soldered. However, soldered joints possess limited temperature range. Different alloys and ...
... elements are used as resistance wire according to their properties to suit different purposes.

You would find resistance track in variable resistors, which remains connect with a wiper at both ends. The wiper moves as and when you turn the spindle. The track is generally made up of coil of wire, cermets, or carbon. The track is mainly rotary however straight track versions are also available. They are known as sliders. Variable resistors are also known as potentiometers in catalogues and books. It can also be used as potentiometer with the total three connections or as rheostat using only two connections. Presets are the miniature versions, which are made to set up circuits and do not require any further adjustment.