ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the 3 ratings used to describe resistors?

1. Ohmic value

2. Power rating

3. dB ability

4. Temperature coefficient

The correct answer is: dB ability

The correct answer is based on the fundamental characteristics used to describe the performance of resistors in electrical circuits. Typically, the three essential ratings for resistors are the Ohmic value, which specifies the resistance in ohms; the power rating, which indicates the maximum power the resistor can handle without damage; and the temperature coefficient, which describes how the resistance changes with temperature. The Ohmic value tells you the resistance level, measured in ohms, that dictates how much current will flow through the resistor for a given voltage according to Ohm's Law. The power rating is crucial for ensuring that the resistor can operate safely within its limits without overheating or failing. The temperature coefficient indicates the stability of the resistance under varying temperature conditions, which is important for maintaining consistent performance. In contrast, the term "dB ability" refers to a decibel measurement often related to signals, gains, or losses in circuits rather than a rating specific to resistors. This term does not come into play when assessing resistor characteristics, thus making it the correct choice for the question.