Determine resistors' performances in surge/overload conditions

Keywords: surge conditions  overload conditions  wirewound resistors 

Electrical surges are a common failure mode for many types of resistors in a variety of harsh environments, including power supply, automotive and industrial applications. Thin film, solid composition, thick film and wirewound resistors all have different strengths and limitations, particularly under surge conditions. The underlying principle in this application is that increased film/wire mass and elimination of areas of current constriction will increase surge capability. Of the four types of resistors, the two that are most often used in surge applications are thick film and wirewound. When specifying any resistor for a specific application, it is important to consider not only the capabilities of each resistor technology, but also their characteristics under surge conditions.

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