Power resistors integrate their own sinks

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 5, 2005

New power resistors from Cressall use an innovative technique to keep cool.

New power resistors from Cressall use an innovative technique to keep cool.

The distinctive Spider range employs a resistor element embedded within a radial fin heatsink, similar to those used to cool top-of-the-range computer microprocessors and CPUs.

When compared with discrete resistors that rely on separate heatsinks, the new integrated design gives significant advantages in terms of overall cost and operational efficiency.

Designed for mounting on horizontal surfaces, such as the top of a cabinet or cubicle, the SP Series can handle a maximum continuous power of either 250 or 400W, depending on the model chosen.

These ratings can be exceeded when power is applied for less than 100% of the time, or in the presence of moving air.

Applications include the braking of drives and motors, electrical loading, crowbar and snubber circuits, capacitor charging and discharging, and current sharing.

They may also be used for anti-condensation heating.

Robustly constructed, all SL Series resistors offer low noise, making them suitable for use in entertainment, commercial, retail and office environments.

The resistor itself is ingress protected to IP65.

Dimensions (excluding high temperature cables and mounting brackets) are 120mm square by 25mm for the 250W resistor and 120mm square by 60mm for the 400W model.

The SP Series is available with optional extras: a thermal sensor kit, a cable screen termination kit and presized mounting brackets.