What is a 470 Ohm Resistor? 470 Ohm Resistor Color Code

The 470 ohm resistor is pivotal in regulating current flow in electrical circuits. This resistor is specifically crafted to restrict the quantity of electricity traversing through it, thus safeguarding other circuit components against potential damage resulting from excessive current. Whether engaged in constructing a straightforward electronic device or repairing an intricate system, comprehending the function of the 470-ohm resistor proves indispensable. By managing current flow, this resistor ensures the desired performance of your circuit, safeguarding all components and facilitating correct functionality. The 470 ohm resistor plays a vital role in maintaining your equipment's smooth and secure operation. This article will delve into the methods of recognizing and deciphering 4-band, 5-band, and 6-band 470 ohm resistors. Understand the fundamentals of resistor color code, facilitating an easy and quick identification process for any resistor.

What is a 470 Ohm Resistor?

Resistors find common applications in electrical components where they primarily regulate the flow of electric current. These small components typically feature wire leads extending from various sides. Within electronic circuits, resistors hold a distinct role as components crafted to provide a specific level of electrical resistance. A 470 ohm resistor is a passive electronic component that limits the flow of electric current in a circuit. It has a resistance of 470 ohms, which means it will oppose the flow of 1 ampere of current at 470 volts. The 470 ohm resistor is vital in managing current flow in electrical circuits. Specifically designed to control the amount of electricity passing through it, this resistor is essential to safeguard other circuit components from potential damage due to excessive current.

470 Ohm Resistor Color Code

The 470 ohm resistor is a commonly used component in electronics, available in four-band, five-band, and six-band configurations. The four-band 470-ohm resistor is easily identifiable with its distinctive color bands of yellow, violet, and brown. The 5 and 6-band versions exhibit a yellow, violet, black, and black pattern, followed by the tolerance and temperature coefficient bands on the 6-band version.

One challenge is the potential confusion between the 470 ohm resistor and a 4.7k ohm resistor, so it's crucial to remain vigilant and cross-verify using the color code and a multimeter if possible.

470 Ohm Resistor – 4, 5, 6 Band Color Code Chart

	Band One	Band Two	Band Three	Band Four	Band Five	Band Six
Four Band	Yellow (4)	Violet (7)	Brown (x 10)	± %	–	–
Five Band	Yellow (4)	Violet (7)	Black (0)	Black (x 1)	± %	–
Six Band	Yellow (4)	Violet (7)	Black (0)	Black (x 1)	± %	R(T°)

470 Ohm Resistor Color Bands

Each band on the 470 ohm resistor serves a specific purpose.

Regardless of the number of bands, all color-coded resistors share a common structure with at least two digit bands, one multiplier band, and one tolerance band. This fundamental structure is the basis for the four-band color coding system; the five and six-band resistors build upon this foundation.

Starting with four-band resistors makes it easy to grasp the principles of reading any color-coded resistor. In a four-band resistor, the first three bands indicate the resistor's nominal value, representing its rated value. However, this may not be the exact value, as resistors are specified to fall within a certain tolerance percentage of the nominal value.

The fourth band conveys the tolerance of the resistor. Despite being assigned a 470 ohm nominal value, the resistance will vary slightly above or below this value. The tolerance provides information about the expected range, with higher-quality resistors exhibiting improved tolerance compared to lower-quality ones.

Moving to a five-band resistor, the first four bands communicate the nominal value, and the extra band introduces an additional digit to the nominal value. It functions as an extra digit band added to the front, while the other bands maintain the same roles as those in a four-band resistor. The fifth band still identifies tolerance.

Six-band resistors incorporate an extra color band at the end, indicating the temperature coefficient. This band serves as an indicator of how sensitive the resistor is to temperature changes.

Effective Tips for Decoding Resistor Color Codes:

1. Commence by identifying the last band. In four and five-band resistors, the last band, often gold or silver, stands apart from the others with a small gap. This band indicates the tolerance of the 470 ohm resistor. The last two bands in six-band resistors should be closely grouped, while the first four bands should also be tightly grouped. A noticeable gap should be present between the fourth and fifth bands.

2. Once the last band is identified, examine the bands on the opposite side of the resistor. The first two bands provide a base value, which must be multiplied by the multiplier to determine the complete resistance value. For the 470-ohm resistor, look for a yellow band next to a violet band.

3. The third band represents the multiplier. Multiply the value the first two bands indicated with the multiplier to ascertain the resistor's full value.

This step-by-step process is elaborated in more detail below.

470 Ohm Resistor Color Chart

Band Number	Function	Color	Value
1	1st Digit	Yellow	4
2	2nd Digit	Violet	7
3	Multiplier	Brown	x 10
4	Tolerance	Gold (or silver)	± 5% (± 10% for silver)
Total Value:                                                                                              470 ± 5% Ω

How To Read the 470 Ohm Resistor Color Code

Resistor color codes comprise digits, a multiplier, and a tolerance value.

Four-band resistors utilize two bands for digits, while five and six-band resistors incorporate three-digit bands. The band succeeding the digit bands denotes the multiplier, followed by the tolerance value band.

Six-band resistors introduce an additional band for the temperature coefficient.

While it may appear intricate initially, learning these codes is straightforward. It is advisable to start by grasping the four-band resistor system, as this knowledge seamlessly extends to comprehending five and six-band resistor color codes.

The Four Band 470 Ohm Resistor

Each band on the resistor serves a distinct purpose:

Band One – 1st Digit: Represents the first digit of the nominal resistance value. For a 470 ohm resistor, the first band is yellow, corresponding to the value 4.

Band Two – 2nd Digit: Denotes the second digit of the nominal resistance value. The violet band represents the value 7, added to the right of the first digit.

Therefore, the digits from bands one and two are 4 & 7 = 47.

Band Three – Multiplier: Multiplies the digits by a value indicated by this band. The multiplier value is 10n, where n is the numerical value corresponding to the color of the band. In this case, the third band is brown, representing the number 1. Thus, the multiplier is 101 = 10.

The total value of the resistance is 47 (from digits) x 101 (from multiplier) Ω = 470 Ω.

Band Four – Tolerance: 5% (gold band) and 10% (silver band) are common values. This example uses a gold band, indicating a tolerance of 5%.

The overall resistance is, therefore, 470 Ω ± 5% Ω.

Resistor Tolerance, In-Depth

Five percent of 470 Ω is 23.5 Ω. This implies that the true resistance value could range from 446.5 Ω (470 Ω – 23.5 Ω) to 493.5 Ω (470 Ω + 23.5 Ω).

If the fourth band is silver, indicating a tolerance of 10%, the total resistance is 470 Ω ± 10% Ω. The actual resistance will fall within the range of 423 Ω (470 Ω – 47 Ω) to 517 Ω (470 Ω + 47 Ω).

Considering that resistors release energy as heat, temperature dependence becomes a factor. In 6-band resistors, the last band determines the temperature dependence (further details below).

4-Band vs. 5-Band vs. 6-Band 470 Ohm Resistor Color Code

In addition to encountering four-band resistors, you may encounter 5-band and 6-band resistors.

Reading 5 or 6-band resistors becomes straightforward if you are familiar with deciphering the four-band resistor color code.

4-Band vs. 5-Band vs. 6-Band 470 Ohm Resistor Color Code Table

5 Band 470 Ohm Resistor Color Code

For 470-ohm resistors with five bands, the initial three bands will be yellow, violet, and black (representing 470), and the fourth band will be black, indicating a multiplier of 100 = 1.

Band Number	Function	Color	Value
1	1st Digit	Yellow	4
2	2nd Digit	Violet	7
3	3rd DigitBlack	Black	0
4	Multiplier	Black	x 1
5	Tolerance	Gold (or silver)	± 5% (± 10%)
Total Value:                                                                                               470 ± 5% Ω

4 Band vs. 5 Band 470 Ohm Resistor

We've observed that four-band resistors consist of two bands for the value, one for the multiplier, and one for the tolerance.

Transitioning from a four-band resistor to a five-band resistor is straightforward; five-band resistors introduce an additional digit band for the value.

Consequently, five-band resistors comprise three bands for the value, one for the multiplier, and one for the tolerance. Analyzing the resistor remains the same as with a four-band resistor. Start by identifying a small gap between the fourth and fifth bands. Similar to four-band resistors, the last band indicates the tolerance. Then, revert to the first four bands to calculate the resistance value.

For a 470 ohm resistor with five bands, the order should be yellow (4), violet (7), black (0), brown (x10), gold, or silver (± 5% or 10%).

6 Band 470 Ohm Resistor

Band Number	Function	Color	Value
1	1st Digit	Yellow	4
2	2nd Digit	Violet	7
3	3rd DigitBlack	Black	0
4	Multiplier	Black	x 100 = 10
5	Tolerance	Gold (or silver)	± 5%
6	Temp. Coefficient	Any	See Chart Below
Total Value:                                                                                                      470 ± 5% Ω

Six-band resistors share similarities with five-band resistors, with the key distinction being the presence of an additional band indicating the temperature coefficient—essentially, the extent to which resistance changes with temperature.

In a six-band resistor, the last two bands (the fifth and sixth bands) should be in close proximity, featuring a gap between the fourth and fifth bands.

The reading process aligns precisely with five-band resistors, with the additional last band providing information about the temperature coefficient.

To determine the temperature coefficient, refer to the band color in the table below:

If you want to measure the color code of other resistors besides 470 ohm resistor color code, you can use Resistor Color Code Calculator, which will help you to identify the color code of resistors accurately and quickly. Besides that, you can read this article for details about the color codes of the 1k resistors: What is a 1k Resistor？1k ohm Resistor Color Code.

Applications of 470 Ohm Resistor

Signal Processing:

In signal processing circuits, the 470 ohm resistor plays a crucial role in shaping and conditioning electrical signals. It may be used in voltage dividers, filter networks, and biasing circuits to control signal amplitudes, set reference voltages, or establish specific signal levels within the circuit.

Power Management:

Power management circuits often utilize resistors to control current flow, set voltage levels, or act as feedback elements. The 470-ohm resistor can contribute to power management functions, such as in voltage regulators, where it helps stabilize output voltages and ensures proper power supply operation.

Circuit Protection:

Resistors are frequently employed in circuit protection mechanisms. The 470 ohm resistor may be part of current-limiting circuits or transient protection networks, safeguarding components against excessive currents or voltage spikes. It aids in preventing damage to sensitive components within the circuit.

How to Test the Resistance Value of a 470 Ohm Resistor with a Multimeter

Testing the resistance value of a 470 ohm resistor may appear challenging, but with the appropriate tools, it becomes a straightforward task. Utilizing a multimeter, start by adjusting the dial to the resistance setting, typically indicated by the Omega symbol. Subsequently, establish a secure connection by connecting the multimeter's red and black leads to opposite resistor ends. The multimeter will then display the resistance value on its screen, ideally reading around 470 ohms for a correctly operating resistor. This uncomplicated process serves as an effective means to troubleshoot circuit issues and verify the proper functionality of the resistor.

Final Words

In conclusion, gaining insight into Ohm's Law and the functionality of resistors proves highly advantageous for those delving into electrical circuits or seeking a deeper comprehension of everyday devices. The 470 ohm resistor, a versatile component, assumes various roles in electrical circuits, ranging from supplying power to regulating current flow. We've explored common applications such as their use in LED lighting or powering electric motors. Additionally, you've acquired the skill to accurately measure the resistance value of these components using a multimeter. Armed with this knowledge, it's time to apply it in practical scenarios!

Read More

• What is a 100 Ohm Resistor? 100 Ohm Resistor Color Code

• 220 Ohm Resistor Color Code, Feature and Uses

• 500 Ohm Resistor Color Code, Feature and Uses

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