Carbon potentiometers boast new outputs

Piher's PT10 and PT15 potentiometers aim to provide special stepped outputs or constant voltage zones, for more consistent control.

By Piher Sensors & Controls January 15, 2014

Piher‘s PT10 and PT15 products aim to provide special stepped outputs or ‘constant voltage zones.’ These constant voltage zones can be combined with Piher’s mechanical detents to provide alignment between the electrical output (flat areas) and the mechanical detent’s positions. The result is a higher level of precision in controlling lighting, temperature, motor, and other electronic control systems.

By combining the constant value zones with the detents, engineers can align the same voltage values with each of the detent stops when rotating the control both forward and backward. This technology provides clear mechanical positions that are not only repeatable but aligned electrical outputs at each of the (detent) angles. The detents also prevent output values from changing due to vibration or accidental rotor movements.

The PT10 (10 mm) and PT15 (15 mm) potentiometers both feature carbon resistive elements, dust proof enclosures and can be supplied in magazines for automatic insertion. Performance characteristics are available with mechanical rotational angles from 10 degrees up to 265 degrees—depending on the model.

With its exacting control capabilities, the PT10 and PT15 potentiometers are well-suited for consumer applications such as ovens, ranges, dishwashers, lighting (dimmers), power hand tools, washing machines, and HVAC systems.

– Edited by Jessica DuBois-Maahs, Associate Content Manager, CFE Media, Plant Engineering, Control Engineering