17280215 - ESAB 100W 1.5 Ohm Wire Wound Resistor Replacement

Technical Overview of the ESAB 17280215 Wire Wound Resistor

The ESAB 17280215 is a high-specification wire wound resistor designed for integration into industrial welding power sources. As a critical component in electrical circuitry, this fixed resistor is engineered to handle significant power dissipation, rated at 100 Watts. The wire wound construction involves a metal wire, typically a nickel-chromium alloy, wound around a non-conductive ceramic core. This design is chosen for its superior pulse handling capability and high thermal stability compared to film resistors, making it ideal for the rigorous duty cycles found in welding equipment.

Electrically, the component provides a resistance of 1.50 Ohms with a tight tolerance of 5%. In power supply circuits, resistors of this caliber are often utilized for current limiting, voltage dropping, or as part of snubber circuits to protect semiconductor components from voltage spikes. The 1.5 Ohm value suggests it may be used in high-current paths where low resistance is necessary to minimize voltage loss while still providing control. The 5% tolerance ensures that the actual resistance remains within a predictable range (1.425 to 1.575 Ohms), which is crucial for maintaining the calibrated performance of the welding machine's control logic or power output stages.

The physical construction features a robust coating that protects the winding from moisture, dust, and physical damage, which are common hazards in industrial MRO environments. The fixed mounting style allows for secure attachment to chassis or heatsinks, facilitating efficient heat transfer away from the resistive element. When replacing components in ESAB equipment, utilizing the specific 17280215 SKU ensures that the replacement part matches the thermal and electrical derating curves of the original design, maintaining the safety and reliability certifications of the overall machine.

Technicians should verify the circuit schematic before installation to confirm the role of this resistor, as failure of a high-power resistor can sometimes be symptomatic of a downstream short circuit or failure in active components like IGBTs or MOSFETs. Proper heat sinking and airflow must be maintained around the component to ensure it operates within its rated temperature coefficient.