R in parallel- Check my math please...

R

RogerTango

New Member

• May 2, 2011

• #1

If you would please check my math, I would appreciate it...

Goal: 1.25Ω @ 2w power capability

Wired: 4X 5Ω 1/2w resistors in parallel


1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 = .8

1/.8 = Rt, 1/.8 = 1.25Ω

1/2(w) + 1/2(w) + 1/2(w) + 1/2(w) = 2(w) power rating

Final answer: 1.25Ω @ 2w power rating




Is this correct please?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Last edited: May 2, 2011

Reloadron

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 2, 2011

• #2

Yep, just fine.

Ron

 

crutschow

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 2, 2011

• #3

Your math is correct but I wouldn't dissipate more than about 1.5W total in those resistors for best reliability.

 

Reloadron

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 2, 2011

• #4

Oh yes,

Goal: 1.25Ω @ 2w power capability

Click to expand...

Your math is correct. You have a 1.25 Ohm 2 Watt resistor but you would not want to have it dissipate the max of 2 watts. I should have mentioned that as Carl points it out.

Ron

 

Last edited: May 2, 2011

R

RogerTango

New Member

• May 2, 2011

• #5

Thank you kindly, not running 100% w noted... I only needed 1.7w, so I already buffered up!

Andrew

 

P

Pommie

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 2, 2011

• #6

Don't test the temperature of the resistors with your finger.

Mike.

 

Mr RB

Well-Known Member

• May 4, 2011

• #7

That's not enough overhead for a lot of situations. The 1/2W rating is if they are free standing in cool air, and 4 resistors togther will heat each other.

You need to make sure they are up off the PCB and well away from each other, and hopefully with some air cooling (not a sealed enclosure).

If it was me I woudl just use a 1.2 ohm 5W resistor and mount it a bit above the PCB.