IEC 60393-1:2008

IEC 60393-1
Edition 3.0 2008-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Potentiometers for use in electronic equipment –
Part 1: Generic specification
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IEC 60393-1
Edition 3.0 2008-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Potentiometers for use in electronic equipment –
Part 1: Generic specification
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
XD
ICS 31.040.20 ISBN 2-8318-9748-3

– 2 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.6

1 General .8
1.1 Scope.8
1.2 Normative references .8
2 Technical data.10
2.1 Units and symbols .10
2.2 Terms and definitions .10
2.3 Preferred values.28
2.4 Marking .28
3 Assessment procedures .28
4 Test and measurement procedures.28
4.1 General .28
4.2 Standard atmospheric conditions.29
4.3 Drying .30
4.4 Visual examination and check of dimensions.30
4.5 Continuity (except for continuously rotating potentiometers) .32
4.6 Element resistance.32
4.7 Terminal resistance .33
4.8 Maximum attenuation .33
4.9 Resistance law (conformity) .33
4.10 Matching of the resistance law (for ganged potentiometers only) .34
4.11 Switch contact resistance (when appropriate).34
4.12 Voltage proof (insulated styles only).38
4.13 Insulation resistance (insulated styles only).39
4.14 Variation of resistance with temperature.40
4.15 Rotational noise .42
4.16 Contact resistance at low-voltage levels .44
4.17 Setting ability (adjustability) and setting stability.45
4.18 Starting torque .49
4.19 Switch torque .49
4.20 End stop torque.50
4.21 Locking torque.50
4.22 Thrust and pull on shaft.51
4.23 Shaft run-out .52
4.24 Lateral run-out.53
4.25 Pilot (or spigot) diameter run-out .53
4.26 Shaft end play .54
4.27 Backlash .55
4.28 Dither .57
4.29 Output smoothness .58
4.30 Robustness of terminals .59
4.31 Sealing.60
4.32 Solderability .61
4.33 Resistance to soldering heat .61
4.34 Change of temperature.62

60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 3 –
4.35 Vibration.63
4.36 Bump .64
4.37 Shock.64
4.38 Climatic sequence .65
4.39 Damp heat, steady state.67
4.40 Mechanical endurance (potentiometers) .68
4.41 AC endurance testing of mains switches on capacitive loads.71
4.42 DC endurance testing of switches .73
4.43 Electrical endurance.74
4.44 Component solvent resistance.78
4.45 Solvent resistance of the marking.78
4.46 Microlinearity.79
4.47 Mounting (for surface mount potentiometers).81
4.48 Shear (adhesion) test .83
4.49 Substrate bending test (formerly bond strength of the end face plating).83
4.50 Solderability (for surface mount potentiometers).83
4.51 Resistance to soldering heat (for surface mount potentiometers).83

Annex A (normative) Rules for the preparation of detail specifications for capacitors
and resistors for electronic equipment .84
Annex B (normative) Interpretation of sampling plans and procedures as described in
IEC 60410 for use within the IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic
Components .85
Annex C (normative) Measuring methods for rotational noise.86
Annex D (normative) Apparatus for measuring mechanical accuracy .89
Annex E (normative) Measuring method for microlinearity.90
Annex F (normative) Preferred dimensions of shaft ends, bushes and for the mounting
hole, bush-mounted, shaft-operated electronic components .92
Annex G (informative) Example of common potentiometer’s law .93
Annex H (normative) Quality assessment procedures .95

Figure 1 – Shaft-sealed potentiometer .14
Figure 2 – Shaft- and panel-sealed potentiometer.14
Figure 3 – Fully sealed potentiometer .14
Figure 4 – Linear law .16
Figure 5 – Logarithmic law.16
Figure 6 – Inverse logarithmic law.16
Figure 7 – Output ratio.17
Figure 8 – Loading error .18
Figure 9 – Total mechanical travel (or angle of rotation) .18
Figure 10 – Conformity .20
Figure 11 – Absolute conformity.20
Figure 12 – Linearity.21
Figure 13 – Independent linearity.22
Figure 14 – Zero-based linearity .23
Figure 15 – Absolute linearity .24

– 4 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
Figure 16 – Terminal based linearity .25
Figure 17 – Effective tap width.25
Figure 18 – Backlash .27
Figure 19 – Example of insulation resistance and voltage proof test jig for surface
mount potentiometers .39
Figure 20 – Test circuit contact resistance .45
Figure 21 – Measuring circuit for setting ability (as divider).46
Figure 22 – Measuring circuit for setting ability (as current controller).47
Figure 23 – Shaft run-out .52
Figure 24 – Lateral run-out .53
Figure 25 – Pilot (spigot) diameter run-out .54
Figure 26 – Shaft end play.55
Figure 27 – Test circuit for measurement of backlash .56
Figure 28 – Measurement of backlash.57
Figure 29 – Test circuit for measurement of output smoothness.58
Figure 30 – The circuit for continuous monitoring of the contact resistance.71
Figure 31 – Test circuit a.c. endurance testing.72
Figure 32 – Test circuit d.c. endurance testing.73
Figure 33 – Example of microlinearity measurement .79
Figure 34 – Block diagram of a circuit for evaluation of microlinearity .80
Figure 35 – Example of simultaneous evaluation of linearity and microlinearity.80
Figure 36 – Suitable substrate for mechanical and electrical tests (may not be suitable
for impedance measurements).82
Figure 37 – Suitable substrate for electrical tests.82
Figure C.1 – Measuring circuit for method A, rotational noise .87
Figure C.2 – Measuring circuit for CRV.87
Figure C.3 – Measuring circuit for ENR .88
Figure E.1 – Block diagram of a digital reference unit (synthetic high-precision master).90
Figure G.1 – Definition of rotation (shaft-end view) .93
Figure G.2 – Linear law, without centre tap.94
Figure G.3 – Linear law, with centre tap.94
Figure G.4 – Logarithmic law, without tap .94
Figure G.5 – Logarithmic law, with tap .94
Figure G.6 – Inverse logarithmic law without tap .94
Figure G.7 – Inverse logarithmic law with tap.94
Figure H.1 – General scheme for capability approval .98

Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions.30
Table 2 – Measuring voltages .32
Table 3 – Calculation of resistance value(R) and change in resistance (ΔR) .41
Table 4 – Calculation of temperature differences (∆T).41
Table 5 – Current values (IB ) .43
b
Table 6 – Moving contact current .48
Table 7 – End stop torque.50

60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 5 –
Table 8 – Locking torque .50
Table 9 – Shaft torque .51
Table 10 – Thrust and pull .51
Table 11 – Thrust and pull .52
Table 12 – Backlash .57
Table 13 – Dither for non-wire wound types .57
Table 14 – Dither for wire wound types (under consideration) .58
Table 15 – Tensile force .59
Table 16 – Number of cycles.66
Table 17 – Number of cycles.69
Table 18 – Number of operations .73
Table 19 – Panel size .75
Table G.1 – Resistance law and code letter .93

– 6 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
POTENTIOMETERS FOR USE IN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –

Part 1: Generic specification
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
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Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60393-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 40:
Capacitors and resistors for electronic equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1989 and constitutes a
technical revision, including minor revisions related to tables, figures and references.
This edition contains the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
• implementation of Annex H which replaces Section 3 of the previous edition.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
40/1897/FDIS 40/1914/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 7 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts of the IEC 60393 series, under the general title Potentiometers for use in
electronic equipment, can be found on the IEC web site.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

– 8 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
POTENTIOMETERS FOR USE IN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –

Part 1: Generic specification
1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 60393 is applicable to all types of resistive potentiometers, including lead-
screw actuated types, presets, multi-turn units, etc. to be used in electronic equipment.
It establishes standard terms, inspection procedures and methods of test for use in sectional
and detail specifications of electronic components for quality assessment or any other
purpose.
It has been mainly written, and the test methods described, to conform to the widely used
single-turn rotary potentiometer with an operating shaft.
For other types of potentiometers:
• the angle of rotation may be several turns;
• the reference to an operating shaft shall apply to any other actuating device;
• the angular rotation shall be taken to mean mechanical travel of the actuating device;
• a value for force shall be prescribed instead of a value for torque if the actuating device
moves in a linear instead of a rotary manner.
These alternative prescriptions will be found in the sectional or detail specification.
When a component is constructed as a variable resistor, i.e. as a two-terminal device, the
detail specification shall prescribe the modifications required in the standard tests.
1.2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60027-1, Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology – Part 1: General
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV)
IEC 60062, Marking codes for resistors and capacitors
IEC 60063:1963, Preferred number series for resistors and capacitors
Amendment 1 (1967)
Amendment 2 (1977)
IEC 60068-1:1988, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
Amendment 1 (1992)
IEC 60068-2-1:1990, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Tests A: Cold
Amendment 1 (1993)
Amendment 2 (1994)
60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 9 –
IEC 60068-2-2:1974, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Tests B: Dry heat
Amendment 1 (1993)
Amendment 2 (1994)
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Fc : Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-13, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test M: Low air pressure
IEC 60068-2-14:1994, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
Amendment 1 (1986)
IEC 60068-2-17, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Q: Sealing
IEC 60068-2-20:1979, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test T: Soldering
Amendment 2 (1987)
IEC 60068-2-21, Environmental testing – Part 2-21: Tests – Test U: Robustness of
terminations and integral mounting devices
IEC 60068-2-27, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock
IEC 60068-2-29, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Eb and guidance: Bump
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test dB : Damp heat, cyclic (12 h
+ 12 hour cycle)
IEC 60068-2-45:1980, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test XA and guidance:
Immersion in cleaning solvents
Amendment 1 (1993)
IEC 60068-2-58, Environmental testing – Part 2-58: Tests – Test Td: Test methods for
solderability, resistance to dissolution of metallization and to soldering heat of surface
mounting devices (SMD)
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78 – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60410, Sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC 60915, Capacitors and resistors for use in electronic equipment – Preferred dimensions
of shaft ends, bushes and for the mounting of single-hole, bush-mounted, shaft-operated
electronic components
IEC 61249-2-7, Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures – Part 2-7:
Reinforced base materials clad and unclad – Epoxide woven E-glass laminated sheet of
defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad
IECQ 001002-3, IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ) – Rules
of procedure – Part 3: Approval procedures
IECQ 001005, see www.iecq.org\certificates for relevant information
ISO 1000, SI units and recommendations for the use of their multiples and of certain other
units
– 10 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
ISO 9000, Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary
2 Technical data
2.1 Units and symbols
Units, graphical symbols and letter symbols should, whenever possible, be taken from the
following publications:
– IEC 60027-1;
– IEC 60050;
– IEC 60617;
– ISO 1000.
When further items are required they should be derived in accordance with the principles of
the publications listed above.
2.2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.2.1
type
group of components having similar design features and the similarity of whose manufacturing
techniques enables them to be grouped together for quality conformance inspection. They are
generally covered by a single detail specification
NOTE 1 Components described in several detail specifications may, in some cases, be considered as belonging
to the same type and may therefore be grouped for quality assessment purpose.
NOTE 2 Mounting accessories are ignored provided they have no significant effect upon the test results.
NOTE 3 Ratings are to be given in the detail specification.
2.2.2
style
subdivision of a type, generally based on dimensional factors, which may include several
variants, generally of a mechanical order
2.2.3
grade
term indicating additional general characteristics concerning the intended application, for
example, long-life applications which may only be used in combination with one or more
words (for example, long-life grade) and not by a single letter or number. Figures to be added
after the term “grade” should be Arabic numerals
2.2.4
variant
subdivision within a style having specific dimensions for some part of its construction, for
example, terminals, shaft flats or length (see Annex F)
2.2.5
family (of electronic components)
group of electronic components which predominantly displays a particular physical attribute
and/or fulfils a defined function
2.2.6
subfamily (of electronic components)
group of components within a family manufactured by similar technological methods

60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 11 –
2.2.7
category temperature range
range of ambient temperatures for which the potentiometer has been designed to operate
continuously; this is defined by the temperature limits of its appropriate category
2.2.8
upper category temperature
maximum ambient temperature for which a potentiometer has been designed to operate
continuously at that portion of the rated dissipation which is indicated in the category
dissipation (see 2.2.13)
2.2.9
lower category temperature
minimum ambient temperature for which a potentiometer has been designed to operate
continuously
2.2.10
critical resistance
resistance value at which the rated voltage is equal to the limiting element voltage. Below the
critical resistance the maximum voltage which may be applied across the terminals of a
potentiometer is the rated voltage. Above that value the maximum voltage is the limiting
element voltage (see 2.2.12, 2.2.14 and 2.2.15)
2.2.11
nominal total resistance
resistance value for which the potentiometer has been designed and which is generally
marked upon the potentiometer
2.2.12
rated dissipation
maximum allowable dissipation between terminals a and c (see 2.2.29) of a potentiometer at
an ambient temperature of 70 °C under the conditions of the electrical endurance test at
70 °C which will result in a change in resistance not greater than that specified for that test
NOTE 1 In practice, the dissipation is modified by the following conditions.
NOTE 2 For high values of resistance, the limiting element voltage (see 2.2.15) may prevent the rated dissipation
being attained
NOTE 3 For the dissipation at temperatures other than 70 °C, reference should be made to the rating graphs in
the relevant detail specification
NOTE 4 For situations where only terminals a and b or b and c are being used and the control shaft is set at an
angle less than 100 % of the effective electrical travel, the limiting moving contact current (see 2.2.17) should also
be taken into account.
2.2.13
category dissipation
maximum allowable dissipation under continuous load at an ambient temperature equal to the
upper category temperature, normally expressed as a percentage of the rated dissipation
NOTE The category dissipation may be zero.
2.2.14
rated voltage
d.c. or a.c. r.m.s. voltage calculated from the square root of the product of the nominal total
resistance and the rated dissipation
NOTE At high values of resistance, the rated voltage may not be applicable because of the size and construction
of the potentiometer (see 2.2.10, 2.2.12 and 2.2.15).

– 12 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
2.2.15
limiting element voltage
maximum d.c. or a.c. r.m.s. voltage which may be applied across the element of a
potentiometer
NOTE 1 When the term “a.c. r.m.s. voltage” is used in this specification, the peak voltage should not exceed 1,42
times the r.m.s. value.
NOTE 2 This voltage should only be applied to potentiometers when the resistance value is equal to, or higher
than, the critical value.
2.2.16
insulation voltage
maximum peak voltage under continuous operating conditions which may be applied between
the potentiometer terminals and other external conducting parts connected together
NOTE The value of the insulation voltage should be not less than 1,42 times the limiting element voltage at
normal air pressure. Under conditions of low air pressure, the value of the insulation voltage will be less and
should be given in the detail specifications.
2.2.17
limiting moving contact current
maximum current that may be passed between the resistance element and the moving contact
2.2.18
variation of resistance and voltage output ratio with temperature
can be expressed either as a temperature characteristic or as a temperature coefficient as
defined below
2.2.18.1
temperature characteristic of resistance
maximum reversible variation of resistance produced over a given temperature range within
the category temperature range, expressed normally as a percentage of the resistance
related to a reference temperature of 20 °C
2.2.18.2
temperature coefficient of resistance (α )
r
relative variation of resistance between two given temperatures (mean coefficient), divided by
the difference in temperature producing it, preferably expressed in parts per million per °C
-6
P(10 /K)
NOTE It should be noted that use of the term does not imply that any degree of linearity for this function, nor
should any be assumed.
2.2.18.3
temperature coefficient of output ratio (αB)
o
relative variation of voltage output ratio between two given temperatures (mean coefficient) at
fixed values of setting and load of the moving contact, divided by the difference in
temperature producing it, preferably expressed in parts per million per °C
NOTE 1 The value of αB0 may be different for different settings of the output ratio.
NOTE 2 It should be noted that the use of the term does not imply that the function exhibits any degree of
linearity, nor should any be assumed.
2.2.19
visible damage
damage which reduces the usability of the potentiometer for its intended purpose

60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 13 –
2.2.20
potentiometer
component for use as a voltage divider with three terminals of which two are connected to the
ends of a resistive element and the third is connected to a moving contact which can be
moved mechanically along the resistive element
2.2.21
pre-set or trimmer (or trimming) potentiometer
potentiometer designed for relatively infrequent adjustment
2.2.22
lead-screw actuated potentiometer
potentiometer having a lead-screw as multi-turn actuating device
2.2.23
ganged potentiometers
potentiometers consisting of two or more sections operated by a common operating shaft. The
number of sections shall be included in the description, for example, 2-ganged potentiometer
or 4-ganged potentiometer
2.2.24
dual concentric potentiometers
potentiometers consisting of two sections operated independently by concentric operating
shafts
2.2.25
shaft-sealed potentiometer
potentiometer in which a shaft seal is provided to prevent particles and fluid from passing
from the exterior of the potentiometer to the interior by way of the shaft bearing
(see Figure 1)
2.2.26
shaft-sealed and panel-sealed potentiometer
potentiometer in which a shaft seal and a panel seal are provided to prevent particles and
fluid from entering any equipment in which this potentiometer is mounted (see Figure 2)
2.2.27
fully sealed potentiometer
potentiometer in which a shaft seal is provided and the housing of the potentiometer is
designed to prevent particles and fluid from passing from the exterior of the potentiometer to
the interior (see Figure 3)
In some cases a panel seal may additionally be provided.
Such a potentiometer is called a “fully sealed potentiometer” (see Figure 3).

– 14 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
Bush
Bush
Shaft
Shaft sealing
Shaft
Shaft sealing
Panel sealing
Housing not sealed
Housing not sealed
IEC  605/08
IEC  604/08
Figure 1 – Shaft-sealed Figure 2 – Shaft- and panel-sealed
potentiometer potentiometer
Bush
Shaft
Shaft sealing
Panel sealing
Sealed Housing
IEC  606/08
Figure 3 – Fully sealed potentiometer
2.2.28
direction of rotation
defined as clockwise or counter-clockwise when viewing the face of the potentiometer which
includes the means of actuation (see Annex G). When doubt exists, the reference face shall
be marked in accordance with the detail specification
2.2.29
designation of terminals
preferred designation of the three terminals of the potentiometer is:
a is the end terminal electrically nearest to the moving contact with the shaft set
fully counter-clockwise as defined in 2.2.28;
b is the terminal of the moving contact;
c is the other end terminal.
NOTE The numerals 1, 2 and 3, or colours yellow, red and green, may be used as alternatives to a, b and c,
respectively. When terminals are marked, the marking should be in accordance with this clause. Additional lettersT, T
numbers or colours for other terminals should be allocated in the relevant specification.
2.2.30
variable resistor (two terminals)
variable resistor for use as a current controller with two terminals, one of which being
connected to one end of the resistive element and the second to moving contact which can be
moved along the resistive element, causing a change in resistance (see 2.2.31)

60393-1 © IEC:2008(E) – 15 –
2.2.31
moving contact (or wiper)
contact of the potentiometer which moves along the resistive element
2.2.32
tap
fixed electrical connection made to the resistive element
2.2.32.1
current tap
electrical connection fixed to the resistive element which is capable of carrying rated element
current and may distort the output characteristic
NOTE Current taps on non-wire-wound potentiometers commonly have significant width but low resistance.
See 2.2.48.18.
2.2.32.2
voltage tap
electrical connection fixed to the resistive element which introduces no significant distortion in
the output characteristic, usually having significant tap resistance and not being capable of
carrying rated element current
NOTE The distinction between current and voltage taps basically applies to taps on non-wire-wound
potentiometers. Most taps on wire-wound potentiometers are attached to one turn of wire and can carry rated
element current. They do not usually have an effect on resolution or output characteristics.
2.2.33
track
contact path of the moving contact on the resistive element
2.2.34
stop-clutch device
device which allows continuous rotation of the actuating device after the moving contact has
reached either end of the resistive element
2.2.35
number of turns (of an actuating device)
total number of times the actuating device completes (or nearly completes) 360° of movement
in covering the total mechanical travel
2.2.36
resistance law
relationship of measured resistance value between terminals a and b or of the output ratio
U
ab
to the mechanical position of the moving contact
U
ac
2.2.36.1
common potentiometer laws and classification
linear resistance law is one having a constant change of resistance or output ratio with
angular rotation; non-linear resistance law is one having a variation or lack of constancy in the
change of resistance with angular rotation. The resistance law shall conform in general shape
to the nominal curves shown in Figure 4 to Figure 6, as applicable
a) Linear law, see Figure 4;
b) Logarithmic law, see Figure 5;
c) Inverse logarithmic law, see Figure 6.
Resistance measurements shall fall within a specified percent of the nominal values shown by
the curves at the specified angle of 50 % of electrical rotation.

– 16 – 60393-1 © IEC:2008(E)
Examples of common potentiometer law are shown in Annex G of this standard. The sectional
or detail specifications may permit, and prescribe the tolerances for, a rate of change of
resistance near to the end of the effective travel less than that required by the prescribed law.
It may also permit, and prescribe the tolerances for, approximations to the law of the form
shown dotted in Figures 4 and 6.

θ θ θ
Clockwise rotation  Clockwise rotation Clockwise rotation
IEC  607/08 IEC  608/08 IEC  609/08

Key
Ө Angle of rotation (clockwise)
Figure 4 – Linear law Figure 5 – Logarithmic law Figure 6 – Inverse
logarithmic law
2.2.36.2
other potentiometer law
laws other than the widely used laws listed in 2.3.36.1 (for example, sine or cosine) may be
required for special applications. The law will then be prescribed in the sectional or detail
specification
2.2.37
cycle of operation
cycle of operation, for single and multi-turn potentiometers, which is defined as the travel of
the moving contact from one end of the resistive element to the other and back. For
continuously rotating potentiometers, a cycle of operation is defined as two revolutions of
360°, in the same direction, of the moving contact
2.2.38
shorted-segment
portion of the resistive element, over which the output ratio remains constant within specified
limits as the moving contact traverses the segment with a specified load resistance
2.2.39
terminal resistance
minimum resistance which can be obtained between the terminal connected to the moving
contact b and any other terminal a or c; see 2.2.29
2.2.40
residual resistance
resistance ob
...