:: Scoffs :: I've heard of postcount whoring, but thoes last replies take the cake. I already know resistive heating, and Ohm's law for that matter. What I'm referring to is the dielectric strength of my resistors--which means the condition where my load resistance may or may not drop dramatically and (probably) do damage to my ballast. I came here for advice, not insults, so please read me very carefully.
Now that we're on the same page, I'll add that most likely (because of my meter) I'll be using a 1/3 or 1/4 voltage divider which means my largest resistor will be dropping 433 or 488V respectively--assuming the output is 650V. Are these high voltages pushing the limits of the carbon film or am I in the safe zone here? Also since we're on the subject, what's the composition of a typical carbon-film resistor. I know it's not just carbon, so what can I expect?
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Also, I plan on using resistors in the MΩ range--to keep my current under control.