Where are wire-wound resistors commonly used?

Wire-wound resistors are designed to handle higher power levels than many other types of resistors, typically exceeding 5 watts. This is due to their construction method, where a thin wire is wound around a non-conductive core, allowing for greater heat dissipation compared to standard carbon or metal film resistors. Their ability to manage heat effectively makes them suitable for circuits that need to handle significant power without overheating.

In addition to their power-handling capacity, wire-wound resistors also provide low resistance values with excellent stability and tolerance, making them ideal for specific applications that require precise power management. While they can be utilized in applications beyond just high-power circuits, their most common use falls within this higher power range, distinguishing them from other resistor types that are typically used in low-power or sensitive applications.