High Voltage Resistor (55kV, 15W, 10MΩ-1GΩ)

Developed for high-voltage circuits that require precise resistance, dependable voltage handling, and minimal loading of the connected system, this 55kV, 15W High Voltage Resistor is available in values from 10MΩ to 1GΩ. Its exceptionally high resistance range makes it particularly suitable for precision voltage dividers, HV measurement probes, bleeder networks, electrostatic equipment, capacitor discharge paths, and other high-impedance applications.

A durable glass glaze resistive element provides stable electrical performance in demanding high-voltage environments. The resistor also features a non-inductive, low-parasitic construction that helps minimise ringing, transient overshoot, and waveform distortion compared with conventional wirewound resistors. These characteristics are valuable in measurement systems and pulsed circuits where parasitic inductance can affect signal accuracy or transient response.

Each resistor is manufactured with a tight resistance tolerance of ±1%, providing greater accuracy and consistency than standard high-voltage resistors with wider tolerances. This is especially beneficial when designing calibrated voltage dividers, high-voltage probes, feedback networks, monitoring circuits, and matched resistor strings, where small resistance variations can directly affect the divider ratio, measured voltage, or voltage distribution across multiple components.

The combination of high resistance and 1% tolerance allows the resistor to reduce very high voltages to predictable measurement levels while drawing only a small current from the source. This helps limit loading of sensitive high-voltage power supplies, electrostatic generators, detector circuits, and low-current experimental systems. For applications requiring even greater ratio accuracy, the tolerance and temperature coefficient of every resistor in the complete divider network should be considered.

In capacitor-based equipment, the resistor can provide a controlled discharge path that gradually removes stored charge after the power has been disconnected. It may also be used as a bleeder resistor across high-voltage outputs, helping prevent terminals and capacitors from remaining indefinitely at a floating or hazardous potential. The selected resistance value determines the discharge time, leakage current, and continuous power loss.

With a maximum voltage rating of 55kV and continuous power rating of 15W, the resistor is intended for compact high-voltage assemblies where high resistance and low current are more important than high-current ballast operation. Typical applications include high-voltage DC power supplies, X-ray equipment, electrostatic precipitators, ionisers, insulation testers, scientific instruments, particle detectors, laboratory measurement systems, and voltage-monitoring circuits.

The resistor can also be used in series-connected grading networks to distribute voltage across capacitors, rectifiers, semiconductor switches, or other components. Its 1% tolerance supports more predictable voltage sharing between stages, although dynamic voltage distribution in fast-switching systems may also require suitable capacitors or dedicated RC grading networks.

Values toward the lower end of the range, such as 10MΩ to 68MΩ, are useful where a higher divider current, faster capacitor discharge, or stronger defined bias is required. Higher values from 100MΩ to 1GΩ are better suited to ultra-low-current measurement, minimal circuit loading, slow discharge networks, electrostatic sensing, and high-impedance voltage monitoring.

For continuous operation, both the 55kV maximum voltage rating and the 15W power limit must be observed. The permitted operating voltage may be lower than 55kV for some resistance values because power dissipation increases according to P = V²/R. Pulse energy, environmental conditions, insulation distances, and any required derating should also be considered when designing the complete high-voltage assembly.

Whether used as a precision voltage-divider element, high-voltage bleeder resistor, electrostatic load, capacitor discharge component, grading resistor, or part of an HV measurement probe, this non-inductive resistor provides accurate and stable resistance for demanding high-voltage applications.

Detailed product data, including available resistance values, maximum voltage, rated power, tolerance, temperature coefficient, dimensions, lead specifications, and operating temperature range, can be found under the Specification tab on this product page.

Available resistance values include 10 MΩ, 15 MΩ, 22 MΩ, 33 MΩ, 47 MΩ, 68 MΩ, 100 MΩ, 150 MΩ, 220 MΩ, 330 MΩ, 470 MΩ, 680 MΩ, and 1 GΩ. This broad selection makes it possible to choose an appropriate value for precision voltage dividers, HV probes, bleeder circuits, capacitor discharge networks, voltage grading, electrostatic systems, low-current limiting, and high-impedance measurement applications.