VC5E5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The VC5E5 is a 5 Ohm, 5W axial wirewound resistor manufactured by Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The VC5E5 serves applications requiring precision current limiting, load balancing, and power dissipation in through-hole configurations. Due to its obsolete status, sourcing direct replacements from active product lines is essential for system continuity and long-term supply chain reliability.

Substiute Parts

VC5E5

Honeywell Sensing and Productivity SolutionsIn Stock: 859VC5E5 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

WNE5R0FET

OhmiteIn Stock: 3061WNE5R0FET Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the VC5E5 is based on strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Resistance value: 5 Ohms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 5W (substitute must support equal or greater dissipation)
• Package type: Axial (mechanical and electrical interface compatibility)
• Composition: Wirewound (functional equivalence for current-limiting applications)
• Non-inductive feature: Required for frequency-dependent circuit performance
• Number of terminations: 2 (standard axial configuration)

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Tolerance: Substitute tolerance of ±1% is tighter than the original ±5%, providing improved accuracy without functional incompatibility
• Temperature coefficient: Substitute value of ±50ppm/°C is superior to the original ±150ppm/°C, enhancing thermal stability
• Operating temperature range: Substitute specification of -55°C to 150°C encompasses typical industrial requirements

Compliance Parameters:

• RoHS status: Both parts maintain regulatory compliance (original RoHS Compliant; substitute ROHS3 Compliant)

The WNE5R0FET from Ohmite qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all critical parameters while offering improved electrical characteristics in tolerance and temperature stability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The WNE5R0FET from Ohmite is the qualified substitute for the obsolete VC5E5. Selection is based on the following engineering criteria:

Functional Equivalence: Both components are 5 Ohm, 5W axial wirewound resistors with non-inductive construction. Electrical performance in circuit applications is functionally equivalent.

Improved Specifications: The WNE5R0FET provides tighter tolerance (±1% versus ±5%) and superior temperature coefficient (±50ppm/°C versus ±150ppm/°C), resulting in enhanced circuit accuracy and thermal stability without introducing incompatibility.

Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain RoHS compliance. The substitute carries ROHS3 certification, meeting current regulatory standards for new designs and procurement.

Supply Chain Continuity: The WNE5R0FET is in active production status with substantial inventory availability (3036 pcs), ensuring reliable long-term sourcing compared to the obsolete VC5E5.

Mechanical Compatibility: Axial package configuration and two-terminal design ensure direct PCB layout compatibility. Minor dimensional variations (0.295" diameter versus 0.276", and 0.787" length versus 1.000") are within acceptable tolerances for standard through-hole mounting practices and do not affect electrical performance or circuit board routing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the WNE5R0FET directly replace the VC5E5 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both components share identical resistance value (5 Ohms), power rating (5W), composition (wirewound), non-inductive feature, and axial package configuration. The substitute is electrically and mechanically compatible for direct substitution in through-hole applications.

Q: What is the significance of the tolerance difference (±5% versus ±1%)?

A: The WNE5R0FET tolerance of ±1% is tighter than the original VC5E5 tolerance of ±5%. This means the substitute provides more precise resistance values with less variation across the production batch. In applications where circuit accuracy is critical, this represents an improvement. In applications where the original ±5% tolerance was acceptable, the tighter tolerance introduces no incompatibility.

Q: How do the temperature coefficients compare?

A: The VC5E5 has a temperature coefficient of ±150ppm/°C, while the WNE5R0FET has ±50ppm/°C. The substitute exhibits superior thermal stability, meaning its resistance value changes less with temperature variations. This is advantageous for circuits operating across wide temperature ranges and introduces no functional incompatibility.

Q: Are there dimensional differences between these parts?

A: Yes. The VC5E5 measures 0.276" diameter by 1.000" length, while the WNE5R0FET measures 0.295" diameter by 0.787" length. These differences are minor and typical for components from different manufacturers. Both fit standard through-hole PCB layouts. Verify clearance in confined spaces if the original design had tight mechanical constraints.

Q: What is the packaging difference?

A: The VC5E5 is supplied in standard packaging, while the WNE5R0FET is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) format. Cut Tape packaging is standard for active production components and is compatible with automated assembly equipment. This does not affect component performance or electrical characteristics.

Q: Is the WNE5R0FET RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The WNE5R0FET carries ROHS3 certification, confirming compliance with current Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations. The original VC5E5 was RoHS Compliant. Both parts meet regulatory requirements for new and existing designs.

Q: Why is the VC5E5 listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the VC5E5 is no longer in active production by Honeywell. The WNE5R0FET from Ohmite is the active equivalent, ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability for new designs and ongoing production requirements.