Honeywell 308L5K Potentiometer - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Honeywell 308L5K is a 5k Ohm, 1/2W linear panel mount potentiometer featuring conductive plastic resistive material and a 295° rotation angle. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute parts essential for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The part is RoHS compliant and carries MSL Level 1 rating, indicating no moisture sensitivity constraints during storage and handling.

Substiute Parts

308L5K

Honeywell Sensing and Productivity SolutionsIn Stock: 991308L5K Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3862C-162-502AL

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 9573862C-162-502AL Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Honeywell 308L5K is determined by the following critical parameters:

Core Electrical Parameters:

• Resistance value: 5k Ohm (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Taper characteristic: Linear (exact match required)
• Number of turns: 1.0 (exact match required)

Core Mechanical Parameters:

• Rotation angle: 295° (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Panel Mount (exact match required)
• Bushing thread: 1/4-32 (exact match required)
• Actuator type: Slotted (exact match required)
• Number of gangs: 1 (exact match required)

Allowable Variations:

• Power rating: Substitute may equal or exceed the original 0.5W specification
• Resistive material: Conductive plastic or cermet acceptable
• Termination style: Solder hook or solder lug acceptable
• Body shape: Square or round acceptable
• Actuator diameter: Variation permitted within functional range

The Bourns 3862C-162-502AL meets all core electrical and mechanical requirements while providing enhanced power handling (1W versus 0.5W) and improved temperature stability through cermet construction.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: Bourns 3862C-162-502AL

The Bourns 3862C-162-502AL is the qualified substitute for the obsolete Honeywell 308L5K. Selection rationale:

1. Electrical Compatibility: All core electrical parameters match exactly—5k Ohm resistance, ±10% tolerance, linear taper, and 1.0 turn configuration ensure functional equivalence in circuit operation.

2. Mechanical Compatibility: Mechanical parameters align precisely—295° rotation, 1/4-32 bushing thread, panel mount configuration, and slotted actuator type enable direct mechanical substitution without redesign.

3. Product Status: The Bourns part carries Active product status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The Honeywell 308L5K is obsolete, necessitating transition to an active alternative.

4. Enhanced Performance: The substitute provides 1W power rating versus the original 0.5W specification, offering improved thermal margin. Cermet construction provides specified temperature coefficient (±150ppm/°C) compared to the unspecified coefficient of the original part.

5. Compliance: Both parts are RoHS compliant. The Bourns part includes REACH compliance documentation, supporting broader regulatory requirements.

6. Packaging: The Bourns part is supplied in tray packaging suitable for automated assembly processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Bourns 3862C-162-502AL directly replace the Honeywell 308L5K in existing designs?

A: Yes. All critical electrical and mechanical parameters match exactly. The substitute features identical resistance (5k Ohm), tolerance (±10%), taper (linear), rotation angle (295°), mounting configuration (panel mount, 1/4-32 bushing), and actuator type (slotted). The higher power rating (1W versus 0.5W) and cermet construction represent performance enhancements with no compatibility issues.

Q: What is the difference between conductive plastic and cermet resistive materials?

A: Both materials are acceptable for this application. Conductive plastic (original part) offers cost efficiency. Cermet (substitute part) provides improved temperature stability, as evidenced by the specified ±150ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and typically offers longer operational life in demanding environments.

Q: Are the termination styles interchangeable?

A: Yes. The original part uses solder hook termination; the substitute uses solder lug termination. Both are standard termination methods for panel mount potentiometers and are compatible with standard PCB assembly processes. Solder lug termination is widely used in production environments.

Q: Does the actuator diameter difference affect mechanical fit?

A: No. The original part specifies 0.250" (6.35mm) actuator diameter; the substitute specifies 0.125" (3.18mm). Both diameters are standard for slotted actuators on panel mount potentiometers and function identically with standard adjustment tools. The smaller diameter on the substitute is a design refinement with no functional impact.

Q: What is the significance of the body shape difference?

A: The original part features a square body (0.500" x 0.500" face); the substitute features a round body (0.500" diameter). Both mount identically through the 1/4-32 bushing thread. Body shape does not affect electrical performance or mechanical mounting. Selection between square and round bodies depends on panel layout preferences and available mounting space.

Q: Is the Bourns part suitable for high-temperature applications?

A: The Bourns 3862C-162-502AL specifies a temperature coefficient of ±150ppm/°C, indicating stable performance across temperature ranges. The original Honeywell part does not specify a temperature coefficient. For applications requiring temperature stability documentation, the Bourns part provides superior specification clarity.

Q: What is the inventory status of the substitute part?

A: The Bourns 3862C-162-502AL is listed as Active product status with 865 pieces in new original stock, ensuring availability for production requirements. The Honeywell 308L5K is obsolete, making the Bourns substitute the recommended long-term solution.