Introduction • On Precision Pots • General Product Definitions • Construction Details • Multiturn Precision Pots • Resistive Elements • Terminals • Shaft-Rotor Assembly • Mechanical Rotation • Mounting Methods • 3540 Family • 3590 Family • Knobpot 3600 Family • Single-Turn Precision Pots • 6537/6637 Family • 6539/6639 Family • 3680 Pushbutton Family • Special Precision Pots • Shafts • Mounting Styles • Bearings • Torque • Linearity • Wiper Load • Low Current Applications • High Rotational Speed • Angles • Additional Taps • Sealed Units • Multicup Assemblies • Envelopes • Environmental • Competition • Useful Terms

Wiper Load

The wiper load must always be specified carefully, as it has a great effect on the wiper output. Unless otherwise specified, Bourns assumes the resistance wiper load to be at least 100 times the value of the potentiometer resistance per the industry standard.

In specifying wiper load, keep in mind that if the current load is too high, it will degrade linearity and, in conductive plastic elements, increase the negative effects of contact resistance (CR) and contact resistance variation (CRV). The rule of thumb is to use the ratio of total resistance to wiper load of 1:1000, or higher.