Honeywell 381L500K Potentiometer - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Honeywell 381L500K is a 500k Ohm 1-Watt linear panel mount potentiometer featuring conductive plastic resistive material and solder lug termination. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active substitute parts for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The 381 series potentiometer is designed for user-defined adjustment applications requiring 1-Watt power dissipation and 300-degree rotation in a compact round housing.

Substiute Parts

381L500K

Honeywell Sensing and Productivity SolutionsIn Stock: 1193381L500K Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CLU5041E

OhmiteIn Stock: 1110CLU5041E Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the Honeywell 381L500K is determined by the following critical parameters that must remain constant or compatible:

Core Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

• Resistance value: 500k Ohm
• Tolerance: ±10%
• Taper: Linear
• Number of gangs: 1
• Number of turns: 1
• Termination style: Solder Lug

Core Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

• Mounting type: Panel Mount
• Bushing thread: 1/4-32
• Actuator type: Slotted
• Actuator diameter: 0.125" (3.18mm)

Parameters Allowing Variation:

• Power rating: May increase from 1W to higher ratings (2W acceptable)
• Resistive material: Conductive plastic or carbon acceptable
• Rotation angle: Minor variations acceptable (300° to 312°)
• Housing diameter: Variation acceptable if mechanical fit permits
• Product status: Active substitute preferred over obsolete

The Ohmite CLU5041E meets all core electrical and mechanical requirements while offering increased power rating and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Ohmite CLU5041E serves as a direct functional substitute for the obsolete Honeywell 381L500K based on the following engineering criteria:

Electrical Compatibility: Both components share identical resistance value (500k Ohm), tolerance (±10%), linear taper, and single-gang configuration. The CLU5041E's increased power rating (2W versus 1W) provides enhanced thermal margin and is backward-compatible with applications designed for the 381L500K.

Mechanical Compatibility: Identical bushing thread (1/4-32), actuator diameter (0.125"), and panel mount configuration ensure direct mechanical substitution without redesign of mounting interfaces or control panels.

Regulatory Compliance: Both components meet RoHS requirements. The CLU5041E carries ROHS3 compliance, meeting current regulatory standards. Both components are classified under HTSUS 8533.40.8070 and ECCN EAR99.

Product Status Advantage: The CLU5041E is active in production, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the obsolete 381L500K.

Material Consideration: The CLU5041E uses carbon resistive material versus the conductive plastic of the 381L500K. Both materials are suitable for linear potentiometer applications with 1-gang configuration and provide equivalent functional performance in user-defined adjustment circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Ohmite CLU5041E directly replace the Honeywell 381L500K in existing designs?

A: Yes. The CLU5041E matches all critical electrical parameters (500k Ohm, ±10% tolerance, linear taper, 1 gang) and mechanical parameters (1/4-32 bushing thread, 0.125" actuator diameter, panel mount configuration, solder lug termination). The higher power rating (2W) is backward-compatible with 1W applications.

Q: What is the difference between conductive plastic and carbon resistive materials in these potentiometers?

A: Both materials are suitable for linear potentiometer applications. Conductive plastic (381L500K) and carbon (CLU5041E) provide equivalent functional performance in user-defined adjustment circuits. Material selection does not affect electrical compatibility for this application category.

Q: Are there any mechanical fit concerns when substituting the CLU5041E for the 381L500K?

A: No mechanical fit concerns exist. Both components feature identical bushing thread (1/4-32), actuator diameter (0.125"), and panel mount configuration. The CLU5041E housing diameter (1.157") is larger than the 381L500K (0.625"), but this does not affect panel mounting compatibility.

Q: Does the rotation angle difference (300° versus 312°) affect substitution?

A: The 12-degree rotation variation is minor and does not affect functional substitution. Both components provide single-turn linear adjustment suitable for user-defined control applications.

Q: What is the inventory status for these components?

A: The Honeywell 381L500K is obsolete with 1133 pieces in stock. The Ohmite CLU5041E is active with 1099 pieces in stock, providing ongoing availability for new production and design requirements.

Q: Are both components RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The Honeywell 381L500K is RoHS Compliant. The Ohmite CLU5041E is ROHS3 Compliant, meeting current regulatory standards for electronic components.