The Best Places to Buy Resistors Online

Resistors are two-terminal components used to restrict current, voltage division, and timing applications. Don't know where to buy resistors online? We've chosen a list of five reputable online stores where you can conveniently buy resistors and find the components you need for your electronic projects. Also, this article will help you with common questions about buying resistors online.

Full List of Online Stores Selling Resistors

These online stores offer a wide selection of resistors and provide a good shopping experience for purchasing resistance online.

No.1 Chipsmall [Recommended]

Chipsmall is a recommended choice for customers seeking obsolete or hard-to-find components.

Based in Hong Kong, Chipsmall Limited has already established firm and mutual-benefit business relationships with customers from Europe, America and South Asia, supplying obsolete and hard-to-find components to meet their specific needs.

Chipsmall consists of a professional team with an average of over 20 years of expertise in the distribution of electronic components. Main products comprise ICs, resistors, capacitors, modules, potentiometers, IC sockets, relays, connectors and so on. Their parts cover such applications as commercial, industrial and automotive areas.

If you want to buy resistors online with good quality and low price, you can easily filter the different types of resistors on the chipsmall platform and find the parameters of each resistor, compare them and place your order.

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No.2 Sparkfun

Sparkfun is known for its wide selection of products, its focus on open-source hardware, and its strong community support.

Sparkfun Electronics is a Colorado-based company that designs, manufactures, and distributes open-source electronic hardware kits, components, and tools.

Sparkfun's mission is to "make electronics accessible to everyone." The company is committed to providing its customers with high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a supportive community.

No.3 Jameco

Jameco has built a solid reputation for offering great prices, a wide selection of components (including their own branded lines), and a reliable source for hard-to-find electronic parts.

Jameco Electronics is a reputable distributor of electronic components with over 45 years of experience. Jameco's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their guarantee of high-quality products, rigorous testing, and excellent customer service.

No.4 Parts-Express

Parts-Express is a good choice for customers who need a wide selection of audio and video components.

Parts Express is a global distributor of audio components, offering a wide range of products for Home Audio, Commercial Audio, Prosumer/Professional Audio and Lighting, and Mobile Electronics.

With over 12,000 items from 200+ brands, they provide quality products at affordable prices. They prioritize customer satisfaction and have a strong commitment to community involvement and charitable initiatives.

No.5 Mouser

Mouser is a good choice for customers who need a wide selection of products and global support.

Mouser Electronics, a global distributor of electronic components, boasts a vast product range, 27 locations worldwide, and a 100-acre headquarters in Texas.

With annual sales of $4 billion, Mouser continues to expand while offering exceptional customer service and a comprehensive online platform.

Common Questions You May Have When Buying Resistors

Before browsing the online plant forms, we need to know some basic information while selecting quality resistors. You may have some common questions in mind when it comes to resistor online purchases.

Q1: Which Factors to Consider Before Resistor Online Purchasing

When buying resistors online, take into account the resistance value, power rating, tolerance, and package type.

• Resistance Value: It's critical to choose the right value for your circuit, which can be calculated using Ohm's Law (V = I * R) and the appropriate current and voltage levels.
• Power Rating: A resistor's power rating specifies the greatest amount of power it can dissipate before overheating.
• Tolerance refers to the permitted variation from the nominal resistance value. Common tolerances are ±1%, ±5%, and ±10%, with tighter tolerances possible for particular applications.
• Physical Size and Packaging: Resistors are available in a variety of sizes and packaging types, including through-hole and surface mount.

The resistance value identifies the amount of resistance provided by the resistor, the power rating indicates its capacity to withstand heat, the tolerance specifies the permitted fluctuation in resistance, and the package type specifies the physical size and mounting technique.

Q2: What Can I Use Instead of A Resistor

In some cases, you may be able to use alternative components instead of resistors, depending on the specific application.

You can use potentiometers or rheostats to vary resistance, thermistors for temperature-dependent resistance, and light-dependent resistors (LDRs) for light-dependent resistance.

However, the suitability of alternatives depends on the specific requirements of your circuit.

Q3: What Are The Main Types of Resistors

The main types of resistors include carbon composition resistors, metal film resistors, wire-wound resistors, and thick film resistors. Each type has its own characteristics and is suitable for different applications.

Q4: Can I Replace the Resistor with a Resistor

Yes, you can replace a resistor with another resistor.

It's important to ensure compatibility and consider the impact of any changes in resistance on the circuit's functionality. Substitutions may be made as long as the replacement resistor has the same or higher power rating, the same resistance value (or is within acceptable tolerances), and is suitable for the specific application.

Q5: Can Resistors Be Affected by Temperature

Yes, resistors can be affected by temperature variations.

The temperature coefficient of a resistor indicates the change in resistance with temperature. It is important to consider the temperature coefficient when selecting resistors for specific applications.

Q6: Why Are Resistors Expensive

Resistors can be expensive due to their manufacturing complexity, especially when they require high precision or specialized materials. Laser-trimmed resistors, for instance, undergo multiple tests and adjustments to achieve the desired resistance, which increases production time and cost. Additionally, resistors with tight tolerances, temperature stability, and specialized applications for military or aerospace are more costly.

The End

These are five online stores where you can easily buy resistors online. We have also addressed common questions, and we hope you can purchase the resistor you need! Remember to consult datasheets, seek professional advice if needed, and ensure proper handling and installation of resistors in your electronic circuits.