This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Adjustable Power Resistor category on DigiKey.com
Adjustable Power Resistors are a user configurable device that opposes the flow of current in an electrical circuit. The resistance of these devices can be changed by moving a central terminal between the two solder lug terminals at the ends of the resistor body. Overall device length can range from 2 inches to 12 inches and have power ratings of up to 500 watts.
SelectionCharacteristics
Resistance: Characterizes the nominal resistance of a current path through a device.
Power (Watts): Identifies the amount of heat that can be continuously dissipated by the resistive element without damaging the device. Measured in Watts (W) and typically based on the size of the device.
Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of overall device resistance among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.
Diameter: The overall diameter of the part.
Length: The overall length of the part.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Termination: Describes the style of mechanism used for retaining and making electrical connection.
Package/Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically, it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | RSSD30250A10R0JB06 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | RSSD-10B-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Vishay Sfernice |
| DESCRIPTION | ADJ PWR RES 10 OHM 280W CHAS MT |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | D25K50RE |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | D25K50RE-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Ohmite |
| DESCRIPTION | ADJ PWR RES 50 OHM 25W CHAS MT |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | AVT20020E100R0KE |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | AVT20020E100R0KE-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Vishay Huntington Electric Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | ADJ PWR RES 100 OHM 225W CHAS MT |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
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Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
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Overview of Potentiometers and Their Practical Applications