Editing Resistor (section)

=== Current limiting ===

Resistors are commonly used to limit the amount of current flowing through a circuit.  Many circuit components (such as LEDs) require the current flowing through them to be limited, but do not themselves limit the amount of current.  Therefore, oftentimes resistors will be added to prevent overcurrent situations.  Additionally, oftentimes circuits do not need the amount of current that would be otherwise flowing through them, so resistors can be added to limit the power consumption of such circuits.