PTC stands for Positive Temperature Coefficient, which refers to a type of resistor that exhibits an increase in resistance with an increase in temperature. This is in contrast to the more common negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistors which have a decrease in resistance with increasing temperature.PTC resistors are commonly used in applications where the temperature needs to be monitored or controlled. When the temperature rises above a certain threshold, the resistance of the PTC resistor increases significantly, which can be used to trigger a circuit or control system to take action, such as shutting down a device or activating a cooling mechanism.One example of PTC use is in automotive applications, where PTC resistors are used in the car's engine control unit (ECU) to monitor the temperature of the engine. If the engine temperature exceeds a safe limit, the PTC resistor will increase its resistance, triggering the ECU to activate the engine cooling system.PTC resistors are also used in household appliances and electronic devices, such as hair dryers, heaters, and surge protectors. In these applications, PTC resistors can provide overcurrent protection by increasing their resistance in the event of a short circuit or excessive current flow, reducing the risk of damage or fire.Overall, PTC resistors are valuable components in various industries that require temperature monitoring, control, and overcurrent protection. Their positive temperature coefficient property ensures their effectiveness in maintaining safe operating conditions for devices and systems.
