CWEA Maintenance Technologist Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

The function of a resistor in an electrical circuit is primarily to reduce current flow. Resistors are components that limit or regulate the flow of electrical current by providing resistance. When a voltage is applied across a resistor, it impedes the current according to Ohm's Law, which states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance. This fundamental characteristic makes resistors essential in protecting components from excessive current, ensuring that other parts of the circuit operate within their safe limits.

In doing so, resistors help to control the amount of current that flows through certain paths in the circuit, enabling proper functionality of devices like LEDs, transistors, and integrated circuits. A resistor can also be used to create voltage dividers, set biasing conditions, and perform various other roles that involve controlling and managing current and voltage levels in electronic systems. The design and functionality of many electronic devices rely heavily on the precise use of resistors to ensure reliable operation.