308NPC5K Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The 308NPC5K is a 5k Ohm, 1/2W linear panel mount potentiometer manufactured by Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions. This component features conductive plastic resistive material, PC pin termination, and a 1-gang configuration with side adjustment capability. The product is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing maintenance and repair applications. Substitute parts must maintain electrical performance and mechanical compatibility while meeting current availability and compliance requirements.

Substiute Parts

308NPC5K

Honeywell Sensing and Productivity SolutionsIn Stock: 728308NPC5K Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

51CAD-E28-A13L

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 124451CAD-E28-A13L Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 308NPC5K is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• Resistance value: 5k Ohm (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Taper: Linear (exact match required)
• Number of turns: 1.0 (exact match required)
• Number of gangs: 1 (exact match required)

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

• Termination style: PC Pins (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Panel Mount (exact match required)
• Bushing thread: 1/4-32 (exact match required)
• Actuator type: Slotted (exact match required)
• Actuator diameter: 0.125" (3.18mm) (exact match required)
• Adjustment type: Side Adjustment (exact match required)

Power Rating Consideration: The 308NPC5K operates at 0.5W/1/2W. Substitute parts with equal or higher power ratings satisfy this requirement. The 51CAD-E28-A13L provides 1W rating, which exceeds the original specification and is acceptable for direct substitution.

Resistive Material: While the 308NPC uses conductive plastic and the 51CAD-E28-A13L uses cermet, both materials are suitable for linear potentiometer applications with identical electrical characteristics at the specified resistance and tolerance values.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 51CAD-E28-A13L from Bourns Inc. is a direct functional equivalent to the obsolete 308NPC5K. Selection criteria are based on the following factors:

Product Status and Availability: The 308NPC5K is obsolete with no ongoing production. The 51CAD-E28-A13L is active with 1155 units in stock, ensuring supply chain continuity for replacement and repair applications.

Electrical Performance: Both components share identical resistance (5k Ohm), tolerance (±10%), taper (Linear), and termination characteristics. The 51CAD-E28-A13L power rating of 1W exceeds the 0.5W requirement of the original part, providing additional operational margin without affecting circuit performance.

Mechanical Compatibility: All critical mechanical parameters align: panel mount configuration, 1/4-32 bushing thread, slotted actuator with 0.125" diameter, and side adjustment mechanism. Body dimensions are comparable (308NPC5K: 0.500" x 0.500" square; 51CAD-E28-A13L: 0.521" x 0.492" rectangular), with negligible differences suitable for standard panel cutout applications.

Compliance and Certifications: The 51CAD-E28-A13L maintains RoHS3 compliance and REACH compliance status, meeting current regulatory requirements. Both components carry EAR99 ECCN classification.

Resistive Material Difference: The 308NPC5K uses conductive plastic while the 51CAD-E28-A13L uses cermet. This material difference does not affect substitution suitability, as both materials deliver equivalent electrical performance at the specified resistance and tolerance values for linear potentiometer applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 51CAD-E28-A13L directly replace the 308NPC5K in existing circuits?

A: Yes. The 51CAD-E28-A13L meets all electrical and mechanical requirements for direct substitution. Identical resistance, tolerance, taper, and termination characteristics ensure functional equivalence. The higher power rating (1W vs. 0.5W) provides additional operational margin without affecting circuit behavior.

Q: What is the significance of the rotation angle difference (295° vs. 290°)?

A: The 5-degree difference in rotation angle is within acceptable tolerance for linear potentiometer applications. Both components provide equivalent functional range for standard adjustment applications. This minor variation does not impact substitution suitability.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these components?

A: The 308NPC5K is listed with "-" packaging notation (indicating standard potentiometer packaging), while the 51CAD-E28-A13L is supplied in Bulk packaging. Both are suitable for panel mount installation. Packaging differences do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility.

Q: Why does the 51CAD-E28-A13L use cermet instead of conductive plastic?

A: Cermet (ceramic-metal composite) and conductive plastic are both established resistive materials for linear potentiometer applications. At the specified 5k Ohm resistance and ±10% tolerance, both materials deliver equivalent electrical performance. Cermet offers enhanced durability and sealed construction, making it suitable for professional audio applications (51CAD series designation).

Q: Are both components RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The 308NPC5K is RoHS Compliant, and the 51CAD-E28-A13L is ROHS3 Compliant. Both meet current environmental and regulatory standards. The 51CAD-E28-A13L additionally carries REACH Affected status, indicating compliance with current chemical substance regulations.

Q: What is the temperature coefficient specification for the 51CAD-E28-A13L?

A: The 51CAD-E28-A13L has a temperature coefficient of ±150ppm/°C. This specification was not provided for the 308NPC5K. The temperature coefficient indicates the resistive element's stability across operating temperature ranges and is typical for cermet potentiometer construction.

Q: Can the 51CAD-E28-A13L be used in applications requiring the exact original part specifications?

A: The 51CAD-E28-A13L satisfies all critical specifications for the 308NPC5K. Minor differences (body dimensions, resistive material, temperature coefficient) do not affect functional equivalence in standard potentiometer applications. Applications with specific environmental or performance requirements should reference the detailed datasheets for both components.