Clearance and Creepage Requirements for High Voltage Resistors

This white paper discusses the clearance and creepage requirements for thin film resistors used in circuits with voltage ratings up to 1500 VDC. It aims to provide guidance to design engineers, particularly PCB designers, on selecting appropriate creepage and clearance distances to ensure reliability and stability in high voltage applications. The paper outlines various resistor series capable of handling high voltages, including the RCV-AT e3 and TNPV e3 series, detailing their voltage ratings and applications. It also explains the importance of insulation coordination and compliance with safety standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 60664-1. The document further defines key concepts such as clearance and creepage distances, highlighting their significance in preventing dielectric breakdown and ensuring safe operation of electrical devices. Additionally, it addresses the impact of environmental factors on insulation performance and provides recommendations for layout considerations to enhance design robustness.