Hello,

I didn't find anything relating to my question in previous threads, so I'll ask here....

I just converted a computer power supply to a bench-top power supply. I soldered a 10 ohm, 10 watt power resistor between the 5V output and Grnd to stabilize the unit. I just read that this resistor needs to be heat-sinked and am curious as to why. The resistor's operating temperature limits are -50 degs.C to +275 degs.C at a maximum of 350 volts. It has a high thermal conductance potting. At 5 volts there is only 0.5a current which equates to 2.5 watts. Is it really necessary to heat-sink it?

Thanks.

PS-I attempted to submit this thread earlier (several hours ago) and it didn't work; so am trying again. If it shows up twice, you'll know why...

 

If the 10 watt resistor is mounted in free air at room temperature then you should be fine.