Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Keep Resistors Cool

Resistors are electronic components that are frequently used in electronic circuits. A resistor basically resists the flow the electrical current. Because of this resistance, the resistor heats up. The temperature of the resistor can increase to very high values if high current flows through it. In fact, it is not uncommon for resistors to burn in cases of a sudden increase in electrical current. To avoid the burning of a resistor, the generated heat must be somehow dissipated. This can be done in various ways.

Things You'll Need

Resistor
Clip-on type heat sink
Small +5V fan with mounting bracket
Screwdriver
Wire stripper

Instructions

- 1
  Clip the heat sink on top of the resistor such that it covers most of its body. The heat sink is basically a piece of metal. The advantage of using a clip-on type heat sink is that it does not need to be mounted with screws or soldered to the board.
- 2
  Mount the fan on a side of the circuit board such that it is facing the resistor. Use the mounting bracket that came with the fan. Generally, the bracket has two holes, which are used to mount it on to the board. Insert the mounting screws through these holes and tighten them into the circuit board with a screwdriver.
- 3
  Identify the +5V and ground connector on the circuit board. Strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the two wires coming out of the fan. Insert the red wire into the +5V hole of the power connector on the board and tighten its screw using the screwdriver. Similarly, connect the black wire to the ground of the connector.

Science