CFR200J 1K2 Resistor: Specifications & Practical Applications in Electronics

Review detailed specs and typical uses for the CFR200J 1K2 (1.2kOhm) carbon film resistor: ratings, tolerances, sizes, and best practices for South African electronics work.

Published:January 23, 2026

4 min read

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CFR200J 1K2 Key Specs

Understand resistance, power rating, tolerance, and use in local builds.

Typical Applications

Commonly used for current limiting, voltage dividers, and education kits.

Selection Tips

Learn how to choose, substitute, and source resistors locally with Communica.

Overview: What is the CFR200J 1K2 Resistor?

The CFR200J 1K2 is a standard carbon film through-hole resistor with a resistance value of 1.2kOhm (1,200 ohms). Renowned for its affordability, stable performance, and wide availability, this resistor is a staple in repair benches, school labs, and South African engineering workspaces. The "CFR" prefix stands for "Carbon Film Resistor," while "200J" typically indicates power rating and tolerance code. These multi-purpose resistors suit power, signal, and digital applications where reliability and cost are key.

Core Specifications (Typical Values)

Specification	Value
Resistance Value	1.2kOhm (1,200 Ohm 5%)
Power Rating	2W @ 70 degreesC ambient (derating applies above this)
Tolerance	5% (J code, gold band)
Maximum Working Voltage	350V (typical, always verify with datasheet)
Operating Temperature	-55 degreesC to +155 degreesC
Construction	Axial, carbon film on ceramic substrate

For most South African educational and prototyping builds, the CFR200J 1K2 provides a good balance of dissipation, voltage handling, and accuracy. It is available at short lead times through local stockists like Communica, reducing project downtime due to out-of-stock delays.

Quick Note on Availability:
The CFR200J range can be found in-store at Samrand and Pretoria branches, as well as via the online catalogue. Pricing is listed per unit, and VAT invoices are readily supplied for education or procurement orders. Supplied in bulk or tape packaging for production and tertiary settings.

Typical Standards & Colour Codes

Resistor Code: 1.2kOhm = Brown-Red-Red-Gold bands
Compliant with popular JEDEC and European legacy standards for fixed composition resistors
Non-inductive for most low-frequency analogue and digital applications
RoHS-compliant bins are widely available in local stocks (where specified)

Colour coding offers quick verification for learners and technicians. For the 1K2 value, look for: brown (1), red (2), red (x100), gold (5%). Always confirm with a digital multimeter, especially when using legacy or unsorted prototype stock.

Selection Guidelines: Power, Tolerance & Sizing

Choosing between different resistor series, wattages, or brands hinges on application needs:

Power Rating: Choose at least double your circuit's maximum expected dissipation for safety.
Tolerance: For general builds, 5% is sufficient; 1% metal film options exist for precision work.
Physical Size: 2W carbon films are larger (approx. 9-12mm body) - check board spacing and enclosures.
Environmental Fit: Carbon film handles most lab/field use, but avoid in high-humidity or high-pulse circuits - use metal oxide if needed.

Communica offers the CFR200J alongside other power and metal film lines under leading OEM brands as well as house-labels, supporting both bulk and small-quantity projects.

Calculating Resistor Power & Voltage Rating (with Examples)

To ensure safe operation, always check both power and voltage ratings for your specific use case. Here's how to calculate for the CFR200J 1K2:

Power Calculation (Ohm's Law):
P = V^2 / R or P = I^2 x R

For example, if you drop 12V across your CFR200J 1K2:

P = 12V x 12V / 1,200Ohm = 0.12W (well within a 2W rating)
Maximum current = 12V / 1,200Ohm ~ 0.01A (10mA)

If circuit power exceeds 2W, select a higher wattage resistor or use multiple resistors in parallel/series to split the load.

Application Examples in South African Context

LED Current Limiting: Safely run 5mm red/green indicator LEDs from 12V using a series 1.2kOhm resistor (current ~ 8-10mA).
Voltage Dividers: Create basic A/D level converters for educational PCB kits (1.2kOhm often used in ratio pairs).
Pull-up/Pull-down: Use in microcontroller interfacing where medium resistance and 2W headroom are beneficial.
Load Dumping: Absorbing moderate surges in relay/solenoid snubber circuits, provided pulse duration is in spec.
General Repairs: Common in power supply primary/secondary bias chains in appliances and test benches.

Substitution & Troubleshooting Tips

If 1.2kOhm 2W is out-of-stock, series two 2.4kOhm 1W resistors or parallel two 2.4kOhm 2W for equivalent results (mind power sharing).
Measure with a DMM after soldering- carbon film values can drift with heat or aging, especially in old labs or donation kits.
If evidence of charring or cracking: replace with exact rating or next higher wattage for improved durability.

South African Stock Notes:
CFR200J 1K2 is stocked under Resistors at Communica. Compare with metal film and higher wattage lines for critical builds. Lead times are typically same-week via Samrand warehouse, making this a reliable line for urgent projects.

Summary Table: CFR200J 1K2 vs Metal Film Alternatives

Property	CFR200J 1K2 (Carbon Film)	MFR 1K2 (Metal Film)
Tolerance	5%	1%
Power Rating	2W	0.25-0.5W
Noise	Moderate	Low
Applications	General, power biasing, LED driving	Precision, signal, calibration

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CFR200J 1K2 Resistor: Specifications & Practical Applications in Electronics

CFR200J 1K2 Key Specs

Typical Applications

Selection Tips

Communica South Africa

Overview: What is the CFR200J 1K2 Resistor?

Core Specifications (Typical Values)

Typical Standards & Colour Codes

Selection Guidelines: Power, Tolerance & Sizing

Calculating Resistor Power & Voltage Rating (with Examples)

Application Examples in South African Context

Substitution & Troubleshooting Tips

Summary Table: CFR200J 1K2 vs Metal Film Alternatives

Sources

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