Decoding the Color Bands
Resistor color codes follow the IEC 60062 standard. Each band represents a specific attribute:
- Value Bands: These bands (usually the first two or three) represent the significant digits of the resistor’s value.
- Multiplier: This band multiplies the significant digits to yield the full resistance value.
- Tolerance: Indicates how much the actual resistance can vary from the stated value.
- Temperature Coefficient: (For 6‑band resistors) Shows the change in resistance with temperature.
Examples
Four-Band Resistor: Two value bands, one multiplier, and one tolerance. For example, green–blue–red–gold means 56 × 100 = 5600Ω with ±5% tolerance.
Five-Band Resistor: Three value bands, one multiplier, and one tolerance. For example, brown–yellow–violet–black–green represents 1,470Ω with ±0.5% tolerance.
Six-Band Resistor: Three value bands, one multiplier, one tolerance, and one temperature coefficient. For example, orange–red–brown–green–red–(ppm) indicates 3210Ω with ±1% tolerance and a temperature coefficient of 50ppm/°C.
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