DOW Series Precision Wirewound Potentiometers
Precision single-turn wirewound potentiometer, type DOW 101
Single-turn mechanical rotation of 315°
Power rating 4W — the highest power rating in the precision wirewound potentiometer range
Rated resistance values: 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 470Ω, 1kΩ, 2.2kΩ, 4.7kΩ, 10kΩ, 22kΩ, and 47kΩ
Resistance tolerance options of ±2% and ±5%
Resistance linearity options of ±0.5% and ±1% of rated resistance
Voltage limit 100V AC
Climatic category 25/085/04 or 55/085/21
Supplied in bulk plastic bag and carton box packaging
What are the DOW Series Precision Wirewound Potentiometers?
The DOW series is a single-turn precision wirewound potentiometer in type DOW 101, designed for applications that require the accuracy and stability of wirewound construction combined with a substantially higher power dissipation capability than is available from multi-turn precision types such as the DM series. Rated at 4W, the DOW 101 is the highest-power precision wirewound potentiometer in the range, bridging the gap between signal-level precision adjustment components and the power-handling requirements of industrial drive, load, and reference circuits where the potentiometer must carry meaningful current continuously without thermal degradation of the resistance element.
The resistive element is formed by winding a precision resistance wire onto a suitable former across a single-turn 315° mechanical travel arc. Wirewound construction inherently delivers lower inherent noise, better long-term resistance stability, and more predictable temperature behaviour than carbon film or cermet alternatives, qualities that justify its selection in precision measurement, calibration, and feedback applications despite the step-resolution characteristic of wire-wound tracks. The rated resistance range spans from 22Ω at the low-impedance end up to 47kΩ, covering a broader low-resistance selection than the DM multi-turn series, with values at 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, and 470Ω specifically accommodating current sensing, load, and low-impedance reference divider applications that require both precision and power handling.
Resistance tolerance is available in two grades: ±2% for applications demanding tighter initial accuracy, and ±5% where a wider production spread is acceptable. Resistance linearity — defining the maximum deviation of the actual wiper output from the ideal linear law across the full 315° travel — is offered at ±0.5% or ±1% of rated resistance. These linearity grades are less stringent than the finest grades available on the DM multi-turn series, reflecting the DOW’s primary positioning as a power-capable precision component rather than an ultra-high-linearity instrumentation element, while still substantially outperforming carbon and cermet single-turn alternatives in transfer accuracy.
Two climatic category options are offered: 25/085/04 for standard indoor industrial and laboratory environments, and 55/085/21 for applications requiring qualification across a wider −55°C to +85°C temperature range with extended humidity endurance testing, supporting deployment in more demanding ambient conditions. The voltage limit of 100V AC applies across all resistance values. Units are supplied in bulk plastic bag and carton box packaging.
DOW Series Precision Wirewound Potentiometers Specifications
A practical overview for engineers and procurement teams evaluating resistive solutions.
Model: DOW
Resistor type: Variable
Description: Wire wound potentiometer
Power Rating: 4W
Resistance (Ω): 22~47k
Tolerance (%): ±2, ±5
Applications of the DOW Series Precision Wirewound Potentiometers
Where RARA variable resistors are deployed in the field.
Industrial power supply and voltage regulation circuits — output voltage and current limit adjustment requiring both wirewound precision and 4W power handling
Motor drive and variable-speed drive systems — speed reference and current limit setting where the potentiometer must carry appreciable control circuit current
Precision load and attenuator circuits — low-resistance wirewound elements in the 22Ω to 470Ω range for power-level signal conditioning
Industrial process control equipment — setpoint and reference adjustment combining wirewound stability with higher power dissipation capacity
Bridge measurement and balance circuits — precision null and balance adjustment where wirewound linearity and low noise are required at higher power levels
Servo and motion control systems — position reference and feedback setting in drives where potentiometer power dissipation is a design constraint
Automatic test equipment — precision stimulus level and load adjustment in production test systems requiring stable, repeatable resistance under power
Laboratory instruments and power references — calibration adjustment and reference divider networks demanding wirewound accuracy at elevated dissipation
Telecommunications and broadcast power equipment — level and impedance adjustment in line-powered systems requiring precision and robustness
General-purpose precision industrial applications — wherever a single-turn wirewound potentiometer rated at 4W with resistance linearity to ±0.5% Rn and tolerance to ±2% is required
Related Products of the DOW Series Precision Wirewound Potentiometers
Model: CN-15
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 15mm, trimming cermet potentiometer
Power Rating: 1W
Resistance (Ω): E6, 100~4.7M
Tolerance (%): ±20, ±30
TCR (ppm/C): 300
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
Model: PR-18
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 18.5mm, carbon single turn potentiometer
Power Rating: 0.2W
Resistance (Ω): E3, 120~2.2M
Tolerance (%): ±5, ±10, ±20, ±30
Model: PR-24
Resistor type: Variable
Description: 24mm, carbon single turn potentiometer
Power Rating: 0.5W
Resistance (Ω): E3, 100~1M
Tolerance (%): ±5, ±10, ±20, ±30
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.
