brands

attributes.Decade_Box_Type

attributes.Calibrated_service_type

attributes.Resistance_Resolution

attributes.Best_Maximum_Resistance_Accuracy

attributes.Best_Minimum_Resistance_Accuracy

attributes.Residual_Resistance

attributes.Capacitance_Resolution

attributes.Best_Capacitance_Accuracy

attributes.Residual_Capacitance

attributes.Inductance_Resolution

attributes.Best_Inductance_Accuracy

attributes.Residual_Inductance

attributes.Power_Rating

attributes.Temperature_Coefficient

attributes.Dimensions

Chauvin Arnoux Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 0.1mΩ

Cropico Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 10Ω, Absolute Maximum Resistance Measurement 1MΩ

Chauvin Arnoux Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 1 MΩ

Chauvin Arnoux Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 0.1Ω

Chauvin Arnoux Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 1Ω

Chauvin Arnoux Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 100Ω

Chauvin Arnoux Resistance Decade Box, Resistance Resolution 10Ω


Decade boxes are versatile precision test instruments designed to replicate exact electrical values. Whether you need a resistance decade box, capacitance decade box, or inductance decade box, these devices allow for quick and easy substitution of precise component values into circuits. Their configurability to nearly any desired resistance, capacitance, or inductance makes them invaluable for optimising circuit operation. As a laboratory decade box or for field use, they are ideal for verifying test equipment accuracy, troubleshooting, and serving as a resistance substitution box in various electrical and electronic applications. Ideal for both laboratory and field use, decade boxes serve as essential tools for engineers, technicians, and educators working with electrical and electronic systems.

## **How Do Decade Boxes Work?**

Decade boxes are passive devices that consist of switches and either a series of resistors, capacitors, or inductors of different values arranged to form "decades." Decades are groups of components scaled in factors of ten. 

For example, a resistance decade box may include:

- First decade: 5-ohm, 2-ohm, and two 1-ohm resistors
- Second decade: 50-ohm, 20-ohm, and two 10-ohm resistors
- Third decade: 500-ohm, 200-ohm, and two 100-ohm resistors

By selecting combinations of these switches, this decade box can be set to any resistance value between 1-ohm to 999-ohms in 1-ohm increments. Some advanced decade boxes may have six or more decades to allow for very wide ranges and highly precise values.

Decade boxes are characterised by their range, maximum resolution, and accuracy. Using a decade box for testing consists of setting the box to the desired value and connecting the input device, such as a transmitter, controller, or multimeter. The display value of the input device should match the set value of the decade box.

## **Types of Decade Boxes**

Decade boxes are specialised test instruments that provide [precise electrical values for testing](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/electronics-testing-guide) and calibration, categorised by the component they simulate.

### **Resistance Decade Boxes**

A resistance box, or resistance decade box, is a precision instrument offering adjustable resistance values via rotary or toggle switches. It allows users to quickly set desired resistances for circuit testing, calibration, or troubleshooting. Some models provide high-precision resistance decade boxes or high-accuracy decade box capabilities for demanding applications.

### **Capacitance Decade Boxes**

Capacitance decade boxes offer adjustable capacitance values by utilising switchable capacitors. These are invaluable for testing circuits sensitive to capacitance changes, such as filters, oscillators, and timing circuits, commonly found in a laboratory decade box setting.

### **Inductance Decade Boxes**

Inductance decade boxes offer adjustable inductance values through precisely selected inductors. They are useful for testing and prototyping circuits relying on specific inductance, like resonant circuits, filters, and transformers, and are essential for certain specialised electronic and RF applications.

## **Industrial Applications of Decade Boxes**

Decade boxes are indispensable tools across various industrial and educational sectors, offering precision and flexibility for electrical testing and development.

### **Calibration of Measurement Instruments**

Decade boxes are frequently used to calibrate and verify the accuracy of various measurement instruments, such as [oscilloscopes](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/oscilloscopes-guide), and process calibrators. By providing highly precise and known resistance, capacitance, or inductance values, they ensure other instruments are functioning correctly in both field and laboratory settings.resistance, capacitance, or inductance values, they ensure other instruments are functioning correctly in both field and laboratory settings.

### **Circuit Design and Prototyping**

For engineers and designers, decade boxes are invaluable during circuit design and prototyping. They allow for rapid substitution of component values, enabling quick experimentation to find optimal resistance, capacitance, or inductance without constantly soldering and desoldering physical components. This significantly streamlines the development process.

### **Educational and Training Laboratories**

In educational establishments and training laboratories, decade boxes serve as fundamental teaching aids. They help students understand the principles of electricity and electronics by allowing them to easily manipulate and observe the effects of varying resistance, capacitance, or inductance in a circuit.

### **Maintenance and Troubleshooting**

Decade boxes are crucial for maintenance and troubleshooting tasks in electrical systems. Technicians can use them to simulate specific fault conditions or replace a suspect component, quickly diagnosing issues and verifying repairs in the field or workshop.

### **Simulation of Sensor Outputs**

Beyond standard component substitution, decade boxes can effectively simulate sensor outputs for testing control systems. By providing precise, variable resistance, capacitance, or inductance, they allow engineers to test how a system responds to different sensor readings without needing the actual sensor or its real-world conditions.

## **Delivery Information**

As a trusted supplier and distributor of decade boxes in Singapore, RS supports engineers and technicians with quality instruments from leading brands like [Chauvin Arnoux](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/b/chauvin-arnoux/), [Cropico](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/b/cropico/), and [Time Electronics](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/b/time-electronics/). We also offer essential testing equipment, including [bench power supplies](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/bench-power-supplies-sources/bench-power-supplies/), to provide complete measurement solutions. Enjoy a seamless ordering experience and fast delivery within Singapore, with most online orders shipping the next working day (Terms & Conditions apply). For more details on our delivery services and charges, please visit our [Delivery Information](https://sg.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery) page



Decade Boxes

Electronic Component Testing

Test & Measurement

1228569899

1370019343

1492797549

1805640584

1872595187

1950438482

2099506070

2911534392

2972144945

3089561311

3379516231

3702440375

3893962904

3999174723

4084450865

4292484756

482906937

595160564

607105215

630592386

1337321341

1713511683

1953764780

2212326362

245755136

2694081498

2854130884

3031041232

3479376779

3537785963

3606191116

3676807775

3694170890

3696367266

3871454867

3980878867

4239710393

730636658

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

Pneumatic Counters, Logic Controllers & Timers

Electronics Cleaners & Protective Coatings

Resistor Boxes

28 Products showing for Resistor Boxes

Popular Searches