FAQs

What does the dielectric insulation rating mean?

this means that electricity inside the resistor cant leak out
Why do your competitors have so many different types of power resistor model?

This is because since everyone uses the same old technology their margins are thin. Therefore they have to minimize whatever they can for different applications to carve out excess capacity and maintain a profit. Our technology is far more forgiving and flexible, not quite one type fits all but almost...so overtime our technology will ebcome cheaper as we gain economies of scale.
Why do some power resistors have a protective cage?

All of our competitors use this old technology where the resistive wire is coiled like a spring and wrapped round a ceramic rod. This wire is live with a high current and seriously dangerous, it is also very hot, up to 500°C, so the cage is there to protect from electric shock and burning heat. SMART technology is enclosed and insulated so no chance of an electric shock. We still use cases on many of our products because the market expects to see a case as our tecnology is not well known yet.
Why do old technology power resistors GLOW?

These old wire wound ceramic resistors, light up when they are loaded with electricity! They can laso vibrate making strange noises. Aston technology does not glow because it is fully enclosed and insulated with no fragile ceramic.
Can you apply thermal switches to your products?

Yes
Why do some power resistors make a strange noise?

Yes some whistle or rattle!! This is a problem of the old wire wound ceramic resistors, as they light up and glow they get very hot
Is there a connection between Nominal Power and resistance?

Not really.
Are your products customizable to any ohmic value or resistance value?

Yes, within reason each product has a hugh ohmic range. In most cases this does not impact price. If you have any particularly unusal ohmic value you need then give us a ring. We are able to customise not just ohmic value but also the form (external dimesions) of our resistors with relative ease.
What is the connection between Nominal Power and the power I need to dissipate?

Well......in most situations the MAX power OUT (from the electric motor) should match the MAX power IN to the resistor. But, in that case you would have a resistor that is oversized for 99,9% of its actiity. To avoid the cost of over specifying, most applications from our collective 150 year experience dictate a factor of 3 so that if the motor has an output of 3kW then the resistor should be say 1kW. Of course this wont cover all eventualities but will cover 99,9% of them. We are happy to help you specify the right resistor for any specific work parameters, just give us a call!!
How can I link the lift or crane characteristics to the size and type of power resistor?

Well.....
Do you have any UL rated products?

We are still based in Italy and not exporting to the USA, so for now we dont. If you need a resistor that operates at a low heat then talk to us and we will help you select the right resistor type and we may include a a thermal switch to ensure the resistor operates as you want it.
What is Nominal Power

This is the power rating for the resistor at....
Why is my power resistor so heavy?

because ceramic or cement is heavy