Temp Coeff of Resistance Calc for PC

The electrical resistance of a conductor, semiconductor, and insulator varies with the fluctuation in temperature.

With conductors, an increase in temperature generally leads to an increase in electrical resistance whereas with insulators and semiconductors, an increase in temperature usually leads to a decrease in resistance.

The rate of increase/decrease of electrical resistance (for specific materials) per degree Celsius is known as the temperature coefficient of resistance, denoted by Alpha. The Alpha coefficient is most commonly stipulated at 20 degrees Celsius, however, in some circumstances, is also stipulated at 0 degrees Celsius.

The principle proves quite useful in determining the temperature of running components (motors/generators etc) and should always be considered during electrical designs where temperature variations may affect circuit losses.

This app can calculate any one of the 5 parameters of the temperature coefficient of resistance equation provided the other 4 parameters are known.