Advanced Qualification · A-004 Power supplies · A-004-002-006
The main function of the bleeder resistor in a power supply is to provide a discharge path for the capacitor in the power supply. But it may also be used for a secondary function, which is to:
- A improve voltage regulation
- B provide a ground return for the transformer
- C inhibit the flow of current through the supply
- D act as a secondary smoothing device in conjunction with the filter
Correct answer: A — improve voltage regulation. From the official ISED question bank, verified word for word.
Why
A bleeder resistor keeps a small, steady current flowing through the power supply even when no device is drawing power. The full explanation — and one for every question — is in Pro.
Practise this section
Power supplies: rectifiers, filtering, regulation, switching supplies and their failure modes.