Recent developments in resistors for use at high voltages

Typical applications for small low-power high-voltage resistors are outlined, and the properties of the solid carbon-resin, solid carbon-rubber and carbon-resin film resistors used in these applications are briefly considered. Various parameters used to indicate non-linearity are compared, and the problem of maintaining accurate voltage division over a range of applied voltages is discussed. The development of improved high-voltage resistors for use in the potential-dividing chain of a large electrostatic generator, where the components had to withstand the effects of occasional very-high-voltage surges, is described. This improved performance was obtained from resistors by utilizing a film of conducting tin oxide protected with a covering of high electric strength and by including an internal spark-gap. These resistors are useful for high-voltage applications generally, and their behaviour on test is briefly described.