Carbon film resistors are a staple in modern electronics for a reason — they offer consistent performance, affordability, and wide availability. At Dukatronic, we supply high-quality carbon film resistors ideal for DIYers, repair techs, students, and professionals working on everything from basic breadboards to audio and power supply circuits.
Quick Summary
- Resistance range: 1 Ω to 10 MΩ
- Wattages: 0.25W, 0.5W, 1W, 2W
- Tolerance: ±5% (Gold band)
- Standard E24 series values
- Ideal for general-purpose electronics, repairs, prototyping & kits
What Are Carbon Film Resistors?
Carbon film resistors are made by depositing a thin layer of carbon onto a ceramic insulating core. Their structure allows for reliable resistance values and a stable temperature coefficient, making them perfect for low-to-moderate precision circuits.
At Dukatronic, we stock a wide selection of carbon film resistors with resistance values ranging from 1 ohm to 10 megaohms, all with industry-standard ±5% tolerance, and available in 0.25W, 0.5W, 1W, and 2W wattage ratings.
These resistors are manufactured to meet the needs of hobbyists, technicians, and educators looking for a budget-friendly yet durable resistor for a variety of projects.
Available Specifications
| Feature | Options |
| Resistance Range | 1 Ω to 10 MΩ (standard E24 values) |
| Tolerance | ±5% (Gold band) |
| Wattage Ratings | 0.25W, 0.5W, 1W, 2W |
| Body Type | Axial leads, cylindrical body |
| Temperature Coefficient | ±200 to ±700 ppm/°C |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C to +155°C |
| Max Working Voltage | ~200V–500V (varies by wattage) |
| Packaging | Single units, packs of 10, 50, 100, or assortment kits |
Carbon Film Resistor Color Code Guide
Carbon film resistors use a 4-band color code system:
- 1st Band – First digit
- 2nd Band – Second digit
- 3rd Band – Multiplier
- 4th Band – Tolerance (Gold = ±5%)
Example:
- Yellow (4) – Violet (7) – Orange (×1k) – Gold (±5%) = 47kΩ ±5%
Check out the detailed color code below…
Resistor Color Code Table
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
| Black | 0 | ×1 | – |
| Brown | 1 | ×10 | ±1% |
| Red | 2 | ×100 | ±2% |
| Orange | 3 | ×1,000 | – |
| Yellow | 4 | ×10,000 | – |
| Green | 5 | ×100,000 | ±0.5% |
| Blue | 6 | ×1,000,000 | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | ×10,000,000 | ±0.1% |
| Gray | 8 | ×100,000,000 | ±0.05% |
| White | 9 | ×1,000,000,000 | – |
| Gold | – | ×0.1 | ±5% |
| Silver | – | ×0.01 | ±10% |
| None | – | – | ±20% |
Use Cases & Applications
Carbon film resistors are versatile and widely applicable in:
- LED current limiting
- Audio and tone control circuits
- Repair kits for radios, TVs, amplifiers
- Learning kits & school electronics
- Breadboarding and prototyping
They provide low noise performance and are highly suitable for analog and audio circuits where electrical noise must be kept low — making them a better alternative to older carbon composition resistors.
Why Choose Carbon Film Resistors?
- ✔Budget-friendly without sacrificing reliability
- ✔Lower noise than carbon composition types
- ✔Available in many standard values (E24)
- ✔Good stability under temperature changes
- ✔Ideal for general-purpose circuits
Carbon Film Resistors Buying Options (Select Your Preference)
➤ Choose Resistance Value:
We have an assortment of carbon film resistors in different resistance values eg 1Ω, 4.7Ω, 10Ω, 100Ω, 1kΩ, 10kΩ, 100kΩ, 1MΩ, and 10MΩ.
➤ Choose Wattage:
You can choose the wattage value from the main values below…
- 0.25W
- 0.5W
- 1W
- 2W
➤ Choose Quantity:
We have different types of packaging to suit different types of requirements. Our cart will only allow single entities. However, you can contact us if you need packages…
- Single
- Pack of 10
- Pack of 50
- Pack of 100
- Assorted kit (e.g., 200pcs covering E24 values)
After you choose your preferences, kindly scroll above then add your resistors to your cart and proceed to checkout and receive your resistors.
Technical Datasheet
| Property | Value (Typical) |
| Tolerance | ±5% |
| Temp Coefficient | ~±350 ppm/°C (average) |
| Max Operating Voltage | Up to 500V (based on wattage) |
| Construction | Carbon film over ceramic core |
| Flame Retardant | Yes |
| Lead Type | Axial tinned copper leads |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use carbon film resistors for precision measurement circuits?
No. For tight tolerance applications (e.g., ±1%), use metal film resistors instead.
How do I identify the resistance of a resistor?
Use the color bands on the body or verify with a multimeter.
Are these suitable for AC circuits?
Yes, provided the voltage and wattage ratings are respected.
Can I buy an assortment kit?
Absolutely. We offer pre-sorted resistor kits with the most common E24 values.
Customer Reviews
“I bought a 200pcs assortment for my Arduino projects. Great value and everything labeled clearly!” – George, Nairobi
“I’ve used Dukatronic’s carbon resistors for years in repairs. Never had a problem. Consistent quality.” – Brian, Kisumu
Related Products
As you purchase carbon film resistors, remember we have other related products that you can purchase together.
- Metal Film Resistors (±1%)
- Resistor Assortment Kits
- Resistor Storage Box
- Digital and Analog Multimeters
- Soldering Station with Iron and Solder Wire
Ready to Upgrade Your Bench?
Whether you’re fixing a speaker, building a DIY radio, or teaching electronics, carbon film resistors remain a dependable and affordable solution. Stock up today and keep your components drawer well supplied.
Select your values above and click “Add to Cart” to order now! Additionally, you can also purchase via the WhatsApp Buy Button!!!
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.