Where Can You Find Resistors at Home and Online?

Resistors are essential components in electronic devices, often found in various forms within our homes and prominently featured in electronic stores online. Let's explore some common places where you can find resistors and how to safely obtain them.

Common Places to Find Resistors at Home

Resistors are widely used in home electronics and can be found in a variety of devices. Here are some common places where you can locate them:

Old Electronics and Circuit Boards

Older electronic devices such as radios, TVs, computers, and game consoles typically have circuit boards with resistors. You can find these in:

Radio and TV receivers Computer motherboards and other components Game consoles

Power Supplies and Chargers

Power supplies and chargers for phones, laptops, and other devices may also contain resistors. For example:

Phone chargers /miscellaneous power adapters

Toys and DIY Projects

Battery-operated toys and remote-controlled cars used resistors in their circuits. Similarly, if you have done any DIY electronics projects, you may have leftover resistors. Additionally, old computer parts like hard drives or motherboards may also feature resistors.

Home Appliances

Resistors are a common component in small home appliances, including:

Hair dryers Toasters Microwaves Battery chargers

Lighting

LED light fixtures and some types of lamps may also have resistors in their circuits. These components are crucial for controlling the voltage and current to ensure proper operation.

Where to Get Resistors Online

For those looking to purchase resistors online, several reputable sources offer a wide variety to choose from. Some popular websites include:

Jan 24th, 2023: eBay and Amazon - Both platforms offer a wide range of resistors from various brands and at competitive prices. You can find them at shops like Radio Shack, which has an online ordering system. In Australia, Jaycar electronics provides both online and physical store options.

The Nature of Resistors

Resistors are designed to control the flow of electrons in an electrical circuit. They act as a barrier to electric current, limiting the amount of current that can flow through a circuit. Here are some key points about resistors:

Conductors vs. Insulators

Resistors fall between conductors and insulators in terms of their ability to allow or block the flow of electrons:

Conductors: Materials that allow electrons to flow freely. Examples include copper, aluminum, and gold. Insulators: Materials that prevent or significantly impede the flow of electrons. Examples include rubber, plastic, and woven products.

Practical Applications of Resistors

Resistors have various applications, including:

Power components in electric rice cookers, ovens, and heaters. Control circuits in refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners. Dimming functions in LED TVs and micro ovens. Speed regulators in fans and television remotes. Current limiting in laptop computers and mobile chargers.

Resistor Properties and Selection

Electronic engineers fabricate specific resistors with precise values for specific applications. Common types of resistors include:

Small cylindrical resistors with color bands indicating resistance values. Resistors with larger capacitance or power ratings for more demanding applications. Wire-wound resistors for high power applications.

Understanding the materials and applications of resistors is crucial for electronic repair and project work. For instance, the length of wire itself creates resistance, which is important to consider when extending power cords for appliances like chainsaws. Using thinner wires can create excessive heat, posing fire hazards or tripping circuit breakers.

Conclusion

Resistors play a vital role in home electronics and are commonly found in various devices. Whether you are looking for them in your home or online, understanding their importance and proper handling can help you make informed decisions. From old electronics to modern gadgets, resistors are a fundamental component in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electronic devices.