Inductors

Inductors play a crucial role in electronics applications. As one of the vital building blocks for electrical circuits, inductors are used in a wide variety of places. From starting engines and powering motors to delivering power to your home.

If you are searching for suitable electrical inductors, you will find what you need here at RS. We stock a wide variety of different inductors, including iron core inductors and choke inductors, to help you build the electrical circuit you need.

Read on to find out more about electrical inductors and their uses.

What are inductors?

Inductors are passive components that store energy in a magnetic field when an electrical current is passed through it. Often referred to as a coil, reactor, or choke, an inductor usually consists of an insulated wire that has been wound into a coil.

Some types of inductors simply support their own structure. Most commonly though, an inductor's coil is wound around a core. Typically, these cores are manufactured in iron due to their magnetic abilities, helping the core support the magnetic field.

How do inductors work?

Inductors work by storing and releasing electrical currents via a magnetic field. When a current is passed through an inductor, the energy creates a magnetic field via the tightly wound coil of wire. This energy can then be quickly released when needed to keep the electrical current flowing.

Alongside capacitors and resistors, electrical inductors are one of the three main passive linear elements that make up electronic circuits. They are most frequently used in Alternating Current (AC) electronics.

When used in electronic equipment that uses both AC and DC (Direct Current), inductors block AC so that DC can pass more freely through the circuit. These types of inductors are called choke inductors.

Electronic inductors are also used in filters to separate different radio frequency signals. When used in tuned circuits, electrical inductors can be used to tune radio and TV receivers.

Where are inductors used?

As one of the central passive components in a circuit, the use of inductors can be effective in a wide variety of electronics. Most extensively, inductors are used in analog electrical circuits and for signal processing devices.

Applications of inductors vary in range, but some common applications are listed below:

• Filters: When used with resistors and capacitors, inductors become useful filters for signal processing electronics.
• Sensors: Inductors can sense magnetic fields of energy from a distance. This has made them perfect for contactless sensor technology.
• Motors: Using the magnetic force applied to inductors, inductive motors turn electrical energy into mechanical energy.

What are the different types of inductors?

There are several different types of inductors you can choose from, each with a unique function. Including air or ceramic core, ferrite, and iron power inductors, here a few examples of electrical inductors:

Ceramic core inductors: Often referred to as air-core inductors, ceramic is one of the most common cores used for an inductor. Its ability to withstand a range of induction temperatures makes it a stable core option.

Iron core inductors: Ideal for low-space circuits, iron core inductors have a high-power and high-inductance value. They are mostly used in audio equipment. However, iron core inductors have very few application types when compared with other inductors.

Ferrite core inductors: Often referred to as ferromagnetic material, ferrite exhibits magnetic properties through a crystalline structure composed of a mixed metal oxide of iron and other elements. Ferrite core inductors have a very high inductance rate compared with ceramic core inductors.

Why choose RS to buy your inductors

At RS, we stock a range of inductors for sale that are designed to help you build your electronic circuits. Whether you need different types of inductors for a large-scale project or a simple choke inductor, you will find that we are an industry leader in supplying inductors throughout North America.

Should you have any questions, our team can help. Contact us and we can guide you through our product range and help you make the right choice. You can also find advice in our expert content hub.