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Where do I put the resistor?

JakeCarter

Jan 8, 2010
1
Joined
Jan 8, 2010
Messages
1
I know this is going to sound like a stupid question, but I have seen this done differently on different schematics. I'm wondering if it matters which side of a connection you put the resistor on. What I mean is, if I'm trying to light an LED, should I place the resister on the anode side or the cathode side of the circuit? If one is better than the other, is it the same for all circuits?

Thanks for your patience,

Jake
 

thefif

Jan 9, 2010
6
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
6
iv always put it before an LED. it shouldn't matter though because no matter what side its on its is still limiting the flow. im sure that someone will be able to prove me wrong but that's what i have learned from my experience.
 

theflyingsquirrel

Feb 18, 2010
8
Joined
Feb 18, 2010
Messages
8
Usually, it does not matter which side you connect the resistor.
However, think about the following situation.
If you connect the reisitor to the -ve of the LED, when someone short that pin to ground, the current might flow and there's going to be too much voltage in the LED. It will burnt.
So it is better to connect the resistor to the +ve of the LED.

If you want to find out how to read the reisistance off a resistor, here is a Graphical Resistance Online Calculator and Coversion Table.
http://theflyingsquirrel.ca/ohmcal.php
 
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