Decoding the Color Code of 4700 Ohm Resistors and Understanding Tolerance

Resistors play a crucial role in electronic circuits, and understanding their color codes is essential for any electronics enthusiast or engineer. This article will guide you through the color code system of resistors, focusing specifically on a 4700 ohm resistor. Learn how to identify the value and tolerance of a resistor using its color bands, and understand the significance of each.

Understanding the Color Band Code System

Resistors use a color band system to indicate their values and tolerance. This color code system is based on a mnemonic that can be remembered as: B B ROY Great Britain Very Good Wife. Here's what each color represents:

Color Code Table

Color Value (in Ohms) Black (B) 0 Brown (B) 1 Red (R) 2 Orange (O) 3 Yellow (Y) 4 Green (G) 5 Blue (B) 6 Violet (V) 7 Grey (G) 8 White (W) 9

Decoding the 4700 Ohm Resistor

Let's break down the color code for a 4700 ohm resistor using the color bands start from near one end and go up to a little past the middle of the cylindrical body of the resistor:

Color Band Reading

The bands on a resistor are read from the end where they start:

First Band (Brown): Brown represents 1 ohm (1). Second Band (Black): Black represents 0 ohms (0). Third Band (Red): Red represents 2.

The first two bands give the value of the resistor in ohms, which in this case is 1 × 102 ohms 1 kiloohm (kΩ).

The third band (Red) is the multiplier in powers of ten. Here, it represents 102, which means the value is multiplied by 102. Therefore, the value is 102 × 102 104 ohms or 1 kiloohm (kΩ).

The fourth band (Silver) gives the tolerance of the resistor. Silver indicates a tolerance of ±10%. This means the actual value of the resistor could vary within a range of ±10% of its nominal value.

Considering these parameters, a resistor with the color code Brown Black Red Silver would have a value of 4700 ohms (4.7 kiloohms), with a tolerance of ±10%.

Tolerance in Resistor Circuits

What Does Tolerance Mean?

Tolerance in resistors is an important consideration, as it determines the range of values a resistor can have. For example, let's consider a resistor with the color code Green Violet Red Silver:

First Band (Green): Green represents 5 Ω. Second Band (Violet): Violet represents 7 Ω. Third Band (Red): Red indicates a multiplier of 102. Fourth Band (Silver): Silver indicates a tolerance of ±10%.

To calculate the actual value, we combine the first two bands, multiply by the third band, and then apply the multiplier:

Value 57 × 102 5700 ohms or 5.7 kiloohms.

With a tolerance of ±10%, the resistance can vary between:

5.7 - 0.57103 ohms to 5.7 0.57103 ohms

Or simply, 5.17913 ohms to 6.22087 ohms.

Conclusion

Understanding the color code and tolerance of resistors is crucial for any electronics project. By analyzing the color bands, you can accurately determine the resistance value and its tolerance. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, mastering this skill will significantly enhance your ability to work with electronic circuits effectively.

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