Trimmer Potentiometers | Trimmer Resistors | RS
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    Trimmer Potentiometers

    Trimmer potentiometers, sometimes referred to as trim pots or trimmer resistors are a type of adjustable potentiometer (variable resistor). They are used to calibrate and fine-tune circuits. Trimmer potentiometers are typically constructed from cermet or have a carbon composition. They can be mounted directly onto PCBs (printed circuit boards).

    Trimmer potentiometers are not adjusted very frequently. You can think of them as a 'set and forget' component. Trim pots let you set (or trim) the resistance to obtain a very precise current, output voltage or gain. Once the value has been set, it is unlikely that you'll need to adjust the trimmer again unless you need to recalibrate the circuit.

    Can I replace a normal potentiometer with a trimmer potentiometer?

    Yes, you can. However, trimmer potentiometers are typically more expensive than standard potentiometers with a fixed resistance rating. It is also worth bearing in mind the difference in lifespan too. Many potentiometers have a lifespan that allows for hundreds of thousands of cycles. Trimmer potentiometers typically have a lifespan of a few hundred cycles (at best). Trim pots also tend to take up more space on a PCB than a standard potentiometer.

    Do I need a single turn or multiturn trim pot?

    This completely depends on the intended application of the trim pot. Multiturn trimmer pots tend to have a higher resolution than single turn models. A single turn trimmer potentiometer is ideal for applications where a resolution of one turn is enough.

    Adjustment types

    Trimmer potentiometers are normally adjusted by hand (you can turn the adjustment knob with your fingers), with a screwdriver or with a specialised adjustment tool designed for use with a particular model or series.

    2949 Products showing for Trimmer Potentiometers

    Bourns
    100kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    PV36
    Solder Pin
    9.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    5kΩ
    Through Hole
    15
    Side Adjust
    0.75W
    3006
    Pin
    20.57mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    1kΩ
    Through Hole
    19 (Electrical), 22 (Mechanical)
    Top Adjust
    1/2W
    64W
    Pin
    9.7mm
    ±10%
    5mm
    ±100ppm/°C
    11.1mm
    9.7 x 5 x 11.1mm
    -
    2.2 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    2kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3329
    Pin
    -
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    6.35mm
    -55°C
    Vishay
    1MΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    63M
    Pin
    9.52mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    8.38 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    2kΩ
    Through Hole
    20
    Side Adjust
    1/2W
    43P
    Pin
    20.57mm
    ±10%
    4.83mm
    ±100ppm/°C
    6.35mm
    20.57 x 4.83 x 6.35mm
    -
    2.5 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Nidec Components
    20kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    CT6
    Solder Pin
    7mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    100 V
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    10kΩ
    Surface Mount
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    3314
    J-Hook
    4.5mm
    ±20%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    100Ω
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3362
    Pin
    6.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.77 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    50kΩ
    Through Hole
    19 (Electrical), 22 (Mechanical)
    Top Adjust
    1/2W
    64W
    Pin
    9.7mm
    ±10%
    5mm
    -
    11.1mm
    9.7 x 5 x 11.1mm
    -
    2.2 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    1MΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Side Adjust
    0.5W
    3296
    Pin
    11.05mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.19 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    1MΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    63M
    Pin
    9.52mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    8.38 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    1MΩ
    Through Hole
    15
    Side Adjust
    0.75W
    3006
    Pin
    20.57mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    250kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3296
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.19 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    500Ω
    Through Hole
    12
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    3266
    Pin
    6.71mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    1.78 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    5MΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3296
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.19 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    2kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    63M
    Pin
    9.52mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    8.38 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    200Ω
    Through Hole
    19 (Electrical), 22 (Mechanical)
    Top Adjust
    1/2W
    64W
    Pin
    9.7mm
    ±10%
    5mm
    -
    11.1mm
    9.7 x 5 x 11.1mm
    -
    2.2 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    20kΩ
    Surface Mount
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    3314
    J-Hook
    4.5mm
    ±20%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    50kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    PV36
    Solder Pin
    9.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2 mm
    -
    -55°C
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