thumb|upright|A , 1%-precision resistor with 5 color bands ([[E96 series), from top, 2-2-6-1-1; the last two brown bands indicate the multiplier (×10) and the tolerance (1%).]]
An electronic color code is used to indicate the values or ratings of electronic components, usually for resistors, but also for capacitors, inductors, diodes and others. A separate code, the 25-pair color code, is used to identify wires in some telecommunications cables. Different codes are used for wire leads on devices such as transformers or in building wiring.
History
thumb|[[Radio Manufacturers Association|RMA resistor color code guide, ca. 1945–1950]]
Before industry standards were established, each manufacturer used its own unique system for color coding or marking their components.
In the 1920s, the RMA resistor color code was developed by the Radio Manufacturers Association (RMA) as a fixed resistor coloring code marking. In 1930, the first radios with RMA color-coded resistors were built.
References
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External links
; Online resistor calculators
:* Multi-purpose resistor code converter (4 and 5 band, mobile-friendly, shows nearest standard value)
:* 6 band resistor color code calculator (easy lookup, 4 and 5 band calculators also available)
; Historical charts
:* Wheel charts
:* Reference charts
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