RA20LASB501A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RA20LASB501A is a 500 Ohm, 2W wirewound linear potentiometer manufactured by Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions. This panel mount component features a 1-gang configuration with solder lug termination and 300° rotation. The product is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing applications and new designs requiring similar electrical and mechanical characteristics.

Substiute Parts

RA20LASB501A

Honeywell Sensing and Productivity SolutionsIn Stock: 1193RA20LASB501A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3852A-282-501AL

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 11233852A-282-501AL Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RA20LASB501A is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters:

• Resistance value: 500 Ohms
• Power rating: 2W minimum
• Tolerance: ±10%
• Taper characteristic: Linear
• Single-gang, single-turn configuration

Mechanical Parameters:

• Panel mount configuration with 3/8-32 bushing thread
• Solder lug termination style
• Slotted actuator with 0.250" (6.35mm) diameter
• Round body form factor

The Bourns 3852A-282-501AL meets all critical electrical parameters and mechanical mounting requirements. Variations in resistive material (cermet vs. wirewound), rotation angle (280° vs. 300°), body diameter, and actuator length do not preclude functional substitution when the core electrical and mounting specifications are satisfied.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Bourns 3852A-282-501AL serves as a direct functional substitute for the obsolete RA20LASB501A based on matched electrical specifications (500 Ohm, 2W, ±10% tolerance, linear taper, single-gang, single-turn) and compatible mechanical mounting (panel mount, 3/8-32 bushing, solder lug termination, slotted actuator).

Product Status Consideration: The RA20LASB501A is obsolete with no ongoing manufacturing. The 3852A-282-501AL is active production, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance Consideration: The 3852A-282-501AL is ROHS3 compliant and REACH affected, meeting current regulatory requirements. The RA20LASB501A is RoHS non-compliant, making the Bourns alternative preferable for new designs and applications subject to environmental regulations.

Physical Integration: The 3852A-282-501AL has a smaller body diameter (0.750" vs. 1.125") and longer actuator (0.875" vs. 0.625"). Panel cutout and mounting hole dimensions remain compatible (3/8-32 bushing thread). Verify available panel space and actuator clearance in the target application.

Rotation Angle Variance: The 3852A-282-501AL provides 280° rotation versus 300° for the RA20LASB501A. This 20° difference is acceptable for linear potentiometer applications where full-range adjustment is not dependent on absolute rotation specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Bourns 3852A-282-501AL directly replace the Honeywell RA20LASB501A without circuit modification?

A: Yes. Both components share identical electrical specifications (500 Ohm, 2W, ±10% tolerance, linear taper) and compatible termination (solder lug). The 3/8-32 bushing thread and slotted actuator diameter (0.250") ensure mechanical compatibility with existing panel mounts. No circuit redesign is required.

Q: What is the significance of the resistive material difference (wirewound vs. cermet)?

A: Wirewound and cermet are both established resistive materials for potentiometers. The cermet construction in the 3852A-282-501AL provides comparable performance for 2W applications. Material selection does not affect electrical substitution when resistance, power rating, and tolerance are matched.

Q: Does the 20° rotation difference (280° vs. 300°) affect functionality?

A: For linear potentiometer applications, the rotation angle specifies the mechanical range available for adjustment. A 280° rotation provides sufficient range for most control applications. Verify that your application does not require the full 300° mechanical travel before substitution.

Q: Are there physical installation considerations?

A: The 3852A-282-501AL has a smaller body diameter (0.750" vs. 1.125") and longer actuator (0.875" vs. 0.625"). Confirm that panel cutout dimensions and available actuator clearance accommodate these differences. The 3/8-32 bushing thread remains standard for both components.

Q: Why is RoHS compliance important for this substitution?

A: The RA20LASB501A is RoHS non-compliant. The 3852A-282-501AL is ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for new designs and applications in regulated markets. This makes the Bourns component the preferred choice for current manufacturing.

Q: Is the Bourns part available in equivalent inventory quantities?

A: The 3852A-282-501AL is in active production with 1095 pieces in stock. The RA20LASB501A is obsolete. For ongoing supply assurance, the Bourns alternative is the recommended selection.