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.

    2938 Products showing for Trimmer Potentiometers

    Bourns
    1MΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    PV36
    Solder Pin
    9.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    5kΩ
    Through Hole
    12
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    PV37
    Solder Pin
    6.4mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±150ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    1.8 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    220Ω
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    T7
    Pin
    -
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    4 mm
    7mm
    -55°C
    Vishay
    50Ω
    Through Hole
    20
    Side Adjust
    1/2W
    43P
    Pin
    20.57mm
    ±10%
    4.83mm
    -100 → +200ppm/°C
    6.35mm
    20.57 x 4.83 x 6.35mm
    -
    2.5 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    100Ω
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3299
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.29 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    250kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3296
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.19 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    200kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    PV36
    Solder Pin
    9.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    25kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3296
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.19 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    20Ω
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3386
    Solder Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    0.76 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    100kΩ
    Through Hole
    25
    Side Adjust
    0.5W
    3296
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.19 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    100Ω
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    3386
    Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    5.59 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    2kΩ
    Surface Mount
    5
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    3214
    J-Hook
    4.8mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    1.5 mm
    -
    -65°C
    Bourns
    10kΩ
    Surface Mount
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    3314
    J-Hook
    4.5mm
    ±20%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    10kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Side Adjust
    0.5W
    3362
    Pin
    6.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.77 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    20kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Side Adjust
    0.5W
    3362
    Pin
    6.6mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.77 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    20kΩ
    Through Hole
    20
    Side Adjust
    1W
    70Y
    Pin
    33.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    2.79 mm
    -
    -55°C
    Bourns
    10kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    -
    0.5W
    3386
    PC Pin
    9.53mm
    ±10%
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Bourns
    2kΩ
    Surface Mount
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.25W
    3314
    J-Hook
    4.5mm
    ±20%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    10kΩ
    Through Hole
    1
    Top Adjust
    0.5W
    63M
    Pin
    9.52mm
    ±10%
    -
    ±100ppm/°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -55°C
    Vishay
    100kΩ
    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
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