Bourns 51CAD-E28-D15 Potentiometer: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns 51CAD-E28-D15 is a 10k Ohm 1/4W logarithmic panel mount potentiometer designed for audio applications within the Pro Audio 51 series. This component features conductive plastic resistive material, sealed construction, and PC pin termination for reliable performance in professional audio equipment.

The 51CAD-E28-D15 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure component availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for systems utilizing this potentiometer.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Resistance	10k Ohm
Power Rating	0.25W (1/4W)
Taper	Logarithmic
Number of Gangs	1
Number of Turns	1.0
Resistive Material	Conductive Plastic
Termination Style	PC Pins
Mounting Type	Panel Mount
Rotation	290°
Temperature Coefficient	±1000ppm/°C
Tolerance	±20%
Features	Sealed
Adjustment Type	Side Adjustment
Actuator Type	Slotted
Actuator Length	0.875" (22.23mm)
Actuator Diameter	0.125" (3.18mm)
Bushing Thread	1/4-32
Body Size	Rectangular - 0.521" x 0.492" Face (13.25mm x 12.50mm)
Series	Pro Audio 51

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 51CAD-E28-D15 is determined by strict equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The substitute part must match the following critical criteria:

Resistance value: 10k Ohm
Power rating: 0.25W (1/4W)
Taper characteristic: Logarithmic
Resistive material: Conductive plastic
Termination: PC Pins
Mounting configuration: Panel Mount, 1/4-32 bushing thread
Physical dimensions: Rectangular body 0.521" x 0.492" face
Rotation angle: 290°
Number of gangs and turns: 1 gang, 1.0 turn
Temperature coefficient: ±1000ppm/°C
Tolerance: ±20%
Sealed construction

The 51CAD-E28-D15L meets all these parameters and is classified as a direct manufacturer equivalent within the Bourns Pro Audio 51 series.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	51CAD-E28-D15 (Main Part)	51CAD-E28-D15L (Substitute)
Manufacturer	Bourns Inc.	Bourns Inc.
Resistance	10k Ohm	10k Ohm
Tolerance	±20%	±20%
Power Rating	0.25W (1/4W)	0.25W (1/4W)
Taper	Logarithmic	Logarithmic
Number of Gangs	1	1
Number of Turns	1.0	1.0
Resistive Material	Conductive Plastic	Conductive Plastic
Termination Style	PC Pins	PC Pins
Mounting Type	Panel Mount	Panel Mount
Rotation	290°	290°
Temperature Coefficient	±1000ppm/°C	±1000ppm/°C
Features	Sealed	Sealed
Adjustment Type	Side Adjustment	Side Adjustment
Actuator Type	Slotted	Slotted
Actuator Length	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.875" (22.23mm)
Actuator Diameter	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)
Bushing Thread	1/4-32	1/4-32
Body Size	Rectangular - 0.521" x 0.492" Face (13.25mm x 12.50mm)	Rectangular - 0.521" x 0.492" Face (13.25mm x 12.50mm)
Series	Pro Audio 51	Pro Audio 51
Product Status	Obsolete	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Affected
Packaging	Standard	Bulk

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 51CAD-E28-D15L is the direct equivalent substitute for the obsolete 51CAD-E28-D15. Both components are manufactured by Bourns Inc. and share identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters.

The primary distinction between these parts is product status and regulatory compliance. The 51CAD-E28-D15 is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant, while the 51CAD-E28-D15L is active production and ROHS3 compliant. For new designs or systems requiring regulatory compliance with current environmental standards, the 51CAD-E28-D15L is the appropriate selection. For legacy system maintenance where the original part specification must be preserved, the 51CAD-E28-D15L provides full functional and mechanical compatibility.

The 51CAD-E28-D15L is available in bulk packaging, which may differ from the original part's packaging configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 51CAD-E28-D15L be used as a direct replacement for the 51CAD-E28-D15?

A: Yes. The 51CAD-E28-D15L is electrically and mechanically identical to the 51CAD-E28-D15. All resistance, power, taper, termination, mounting, and dimensional specifications are equivalent. The substitute part is fully compatible for direct board-level replacement.

Q: What is the difference between these two part numbers?

A: The primary differences are product lifecycle status and regulatory compliance. The 51CAD-E28-D15 is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant. The 51CAD-E28-D15L is in active production and ROHS3 compliant. Functionally and mechanically, the parts are identical.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 51CAD-E28-D15L is supplied in bulk packaging. If the original part's packaging configuration is a requirement for your application, confirm packaging specifications with your supplier.

Q: Does the 51CAD-E28-D15L meet current environmental regulations?

A: Yes. The 51CAD-E28-D15L is ROHS3 compliant and REACH affected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The original 51CAD-E28-D15 is RoHS non-compliant and REACH unaffected.

Q: What are the key parameters that define substitution for this potentiometer?

A: Substitution is determined by equivalence in resistance (10k Ohm), power rating (0.25W), taper (logarithmic), resistive material (conductive plastic), termination style (PC pins), mounting type (panel mount), physical dimensions, rotation angle (290°), and temperature coefficient (±1000ppm/°C). All these parameters must match for functional and mechanical compatibility.

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