zeroohm

Zero-ohm resistors are fixed resistors with a nominal resistance of zero ohms. They are manufactured as standard resistors and designated with a value of 0, often used as jumpers or configuration links on printed circuit boards. In surface-mount form they appear in common package sizes such as 0603, 0805, or 1206, while through-hole versions exist as axial components. Tolerances for zero-ohm parts follow those of the surrounding resistor family, typically ±1% or ±5%.

The primary purpose of a zero-ohm resistor is to provide a selectable link without introducing copper jumpers or solder bridges. This enables easy circuit configuration, variant selection, testing, and debugging in automated assembly environments. Zero-ohm resistors also serve as convenient placeholders that can be swapped for other resistor values or removed entirely to alter a circuit without redesigning the PCB. They can simplify manufacturing flow and rework, and they help maintain standard component footprints in BOMs.

Electrical and mechanical considerations: while the resistance is specified as zero ohms, the component exhibits a small resistance within tolerance, and has parasitic inductance and capacitance associated with its package. It is rated by the same power and temperature characteristics as other resistors of the same size. Despite their name, they are not intended for overcurrent protection like fuses, and their current rating should be respected.

Variants and related concepts: similar devices include 0-ohm ferrite beads used for EMI suppression, which share the 0-ohm designation but serve a different function.