1/4W Resistor in 1/8W size?

[falco_femoralis]

I just ordered some of these in 820R, 1K, and 10K, and selected 1/4W thru the filters, and they are as small as an 1/8W resistor. Is this weird?

The description for these lists 1/4W and it matches up with my invoice. Just trying to find out if I have to look out for this in the future with other brands etc etc

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-Holsworthy/LR0204F820R?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsPqMdJzcrNwmqCbm4q8Q%252BC6LgGxLLtOWk%3D

 

[owlexifry]

yeah gotta check those datasheets.

a while ago i ordered some 1W resistors for an amp build and they ended up being 1/4W size. wasn't stoked about it but eh, it happens.

 

[Caedarn]

I did the same thing a few months ago. I didn’t realize that 1/4 W resistors came in that smaller size. I don’t recall which brand they were, but I will be checking the size for sure going forward.

 

[darwin999]

Yes, I've bought some as well. They're fine, and even very useful when you have to parallel two resistors to make a resistance value you don't have. I will note that very few of our circuits in normal operation generate enough current to get these resistors even close to 1/4 watt. So while they may look odd next to larger 1/4W resistors, they work just fine.

Note added: P = V^2/R. Hence, even if you put the full 9 volts across the resistor (which we rarely do), it has to be ≤324 ohms for the power to be ≥¼ watt.

 

[MattG]

Using the parametric search function on DigiKey or Mouser, I always look for highest wattage in 1/8W size. All the common E6/E12 values, and even some wacky values, I can generally find in 1/3, 0.4, or even 1/2 watt rating. I think I’ve even snagged a few 0.6W resistors in the smaller size. Not needed, but I love me some overkill.

 

[Alan W]

And I did it a few years ago with a major (for me) restocking order; I got the wrong series of 1/4 watt from Mouser (my mistake) and they were half watt sized. I got very good at standing them up in alternating directions to make them work on boards.

 

[jessenator]

as small as an 1/8W resistor. Is this weird?

Happened to me once. Wasn't paying attention to the matrix of data. Nice for if you're overly concerned about ratings but want to build with 1/8W footprints. I think I used most of them up in verification builds, but it's not the worst. I know from an a e s t h e t i c perspective it's not desirable, but they get the job done.