5K Ohm Potentiometer

5K Ohm Potentiometer – Full Description

A 5K Ohm Potentiometer is a three-terminal adjustable resistor used to manually control voltage, current, or signal levels in electronic circuits. It provides a variable resistance range from 0Ω to 5,000Ω (5 kilo-ohms) by rotating its shaft.

🔧 Basic Specifications

• Resistance Value: 5KΩ (5,000 Ohms)

• Type: Rotary Potentiometer

• Number of Pins: 3

• Power Rating: Typically 0.25W (¼ Watt)

• Tolerance: ±10% or ±20%

• Rotation Angle: Around 270°

• Shaft Type: Knurled / Split Shaft (for knob fitting)

• Mounting Type: PCB Mount / Panel Mount

• Body Diameter: Usually 16mm (common size)

📌 Pin Configuration

The potentiometer has three terminals:

1. Terminal 1 (Left Pin) – One end of resistive element

2. Terminal 2 (Middle Pin / Wiper) – Variable output

3. Terminal 3 (Right Pin) – Other end of resistive element

Usage Modes:

🔹 Voltage Divider Mode (3 pins used)
Provides adjustable output voltage.

🔹 Rheostat Mode (2 pins used)
Works as a simple variable resistor.

⚙️ Working Principle

Inside the potentiometer:

• A carbon resistive track connects the two outer terminals.

• A metal wiper (connected to the middle pin) moves along the track when the shaft is rotated.

• Rotating the shaft changes resistance between the middle pin and outer pins.

Example:

• Fully counterclockwise → Near 0Ω

• Fully clockwise → Near 5KΩ

📦 Common Applications

✅ Audio volume control
✅ Signal tuning circuits
✅ Motor speed control (low power)
✅ LED brightness control
✅ Sensor calibration
✅ Arduino & microcontroller projects

🔌 Example Connection (Voltage Divider)

If powered with 5V:

• One outer pin → 5V

• Other outer pin → GND

• Middle pin → Output (Variable Voltage 0–5V)

📊 5K vs 10K Potentiometer

⚠️ Important Notes

• Do not exceed rated voltage or power (0.25W typical).

• Not suitable for high current loads.

• Choose correct type:

  • Linear (B5K) → Uniform change

  • Logarithmic (A5K) → Audio applications

📌 Advantages

✔ Low cost
✔ Easy to use
✔ Smooth manual adjustment
✔ Reliable for small electronic circuits