PR-16 Series Single-Turn Rotary Carbon Potentiometers
Single-turn rotary carbon potentiometer with 16mm metal case diameter
Carbon resistive track on resin-modified paper base substrate
Resistance range 100Ω to 2.2MΩ (E3 series values) for linear law; 1kΩ to 1MΩ for logarithmic and reverse logarithmic laws; 1kΩ to 10kΩ for M+N law
Four resistance law options: linear (A), logarithmic (B), reverse logarithmic (C), and combined M+N
Maximum power dissipation 0.1W at 40°C for linear law; 0.05W for all other laws
Maximum working voltage 160V across all resistance laws
Insulation voltage 240V DC
Total mechanical rotation angle 300° ±5°
Climatic category 25/070/10
Available as single or tandem (dual-gang) units, with or without tap, in plastic or metallic spindle variants
Terminals designed for PCB or soldering-pin connection
Detent variants available with 1, 11, or 41 locking positions
What are the PR-16 Series Single-Turn Rotary Carbon Potentiometers?
The PR-16 is a 16mm single-turn rotary carbon potentiometer in a metal case, constructed with a carbon resistive track laid onto a resin-modified paper base. This combination of materials provides the smooth, consistent wiper travel and broad resistance coverage characteristic of carbon track technology, in a compact 16mm footprint suited to panel-mounted and PCB-integrated applications. The metal case provides mechanical robustness and consistent dimensional tolerancing for panel hole mounting.
Four resistance laws are offered to match the linearity requirements of different applications. The linear (A) law delivers a proportional relationship between rotation angle and output resistance, covering the range 100Ω to 2.2MΩ. The logarithmic (B) and reverse logarithmic (C) laws, spanning 1kΩ to 1MΩ, are tailored to audio and perceptual control applications where a logarithmic output better matches the human ear’s response to volume changes. The M+N law, covering 1kΩ to 10kΩ, combines two resistance segments within a single turn, enabling more complex transfer characteristics in specialised circuits.
The maximum power dissipation for the linear law version is 0.1W at an ambient temperature of 40°C, reducing to 25% of rated power at 70°C in accordance with the derating curve. All logarithmic and M+N variants are rated at 0.05W. The maximum working voltage across all laws is 160V, with a DC insulation voltage of 240V. Resistance tolerance is ±20% as standard for values at or below 220kΩ, widening to ±30% above 220kΩ, with tighter tolerances of ±5% and ±10% available on request for values up to 470kΩ.
The PR-16 is produced in single and tandem (dual-gang) configurations. Tandem versions designated with suffix G carry synchronisation specifications: for the linear law, channel tracking is within ±2dB across the 10–90% effective travel range; for the logarithmic law, tracking is within ±4dB across the 0–40dB range. Spindle options include plain cylindrical (P-1, P-3), flatted (P-5), and knurled or shaped ends (P-6) in 4mm and 6mm diameters across standard lengths from 8mm to 32mm. Detent mechanisms allow the spindle to be locked into 1, 11, or 41 discrete positions, useful where repeatable preset settings are required. All terminals support PCB insertion or direct soldering, and potentiometers are supplied in bulk plastic bag and carton box packaging, marked with rated resistance and date of manufacture.
PR-16 Series Single-Turn Rotary Carbon Potentiometers Specifications
A practical overview for engineers and procurement teams evaluating resistive solutions.
Model: PR-16
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 16mm, carbon single turn potentiometer
Power Rating: 0.1W
Resistance (Ω): E3, 100~10k
Tolerance (%): ±5, ±10, ±20, ±30
Applications of the PR-16 Series Single-Turn Rotary Carbon Potentiometers
Where RARA variable resistors are deployed in the field.
Consumer and professional audio equipment — volume, balance, tone, and equaliser controls
Video and broadcast equipment — brightness, contrast, and signal level adjustment
Domestic appliances and white goods — user-facing rotary control interfaces
Industrial control panels — setpoint adjustment and operator interface potentiometers
Power supply and voltage regulator circuits — output voltage and current limit trimming
Signal conditioning and instrumentation — gain and offset adjustment
Motor speed control circuits — reference voltage and speed setpoint setting
Lighting control equipment — dimmer and intensity adjustment
General-purpose electronic equipment — panel-mounted rotary controls requiring E3 resistance values
Educational and prototyping platforms — adjustable resistance elements in demonstration and development boards
Related Products of the PR-16 Series Single-Turn Rotary Carbon Potentiometers
Model: PC-199
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 19mm, hermetic cermet potentiometer
Power Rating: 1W
Resistance (Ω): 100~2.2M
Tolerance (%): ±10, ±20, ±30
Model: SP
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 29mm, carbon single turn potentiometer
Power Rating: 1W
Resistance (Ω): 10kR (E6)
Tolerance (%): ±10
Model: CW-18
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 18.5mm, hermetic cermet potentiometer
Power Rating: 1W
Resistance (Ω): 100~2.2M
Tolerance (%): 20, ±30
TCR (ppm/C): 300
Model: DM
Resistor type: Variable
Description: Wire wound potentiometer
Power Rating: 0.75W
Resistance (Ω): 22~47k
Tolerance (%): ±2.5, ±5, ±10
Why Choose RARA Variable Resistors
What sets RARA apart for engineers and procurement managers in industrial and automotive markets.
01
Full Spectrum Coverage
From 0.1W carbon signal potentiometers to 3000W industrial wire wound rheostats — RARA covers the complete variable resistor spectrum from a single ISO 9001 certified supplier.
02
Hermetic Sealed Options
PC-199 and CW-18 hermetically sealed cermet models resist moisture, dust, and contamination — extending service life in outdoor, marine, and industrial environments where standard potentiometers degrade rapidly.
03
Precision Wire Wound
DM, DOW, and DG precision wire wound potentiometers deliver the accuracy and repeatability needed for calibration, instrumentation, and closed-loop feedback applications.
04
Global Track Record
Trusted by Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider Electric, and Hanwha — deployed in industrial control and power regulation systems across six continents.
