[Amps] Bleeder Resistor Inquiry

[Steve Thompson]

David C. Hallam wrote:
> If I read Mike's original post correctly, he stated that he held the
> voltage to 4KV with his variac.  Therefore, he should have had 40 mA
> draw by the bleeder resistor which is equal to 160W dissipation.
> That should have not cooked a 225W rated resistor.  Maybe the
> resistor had some shorted turns or his voltage reading was incorrect.
>
> All the comments about safety with bleeder resistors are correct, but
> don't answer the question as to what might have cooked his bleeder.
I've not looked for the data, but is the 225W rating with forced air cooling
as opposed to natural convection?

Steve