Pickup pot wattage?

Greg_M · #1 11-05-2011, 11:01 AM

I want to add a pickup and it's volume and tone controls. The routed out area will be a little snug so I am considering mini pots. But they seem to be of lower wattage rating than the regular size pots. The minis are 0.1 w.

In a passive system will the lower wattage rating be a problem?

Thanks

**line6man** · #2 11-05-2011, 01:02 PM

It doesn't matter. You're talking a few Volts at millionths of an Ampere. Just about any pot can handle the thermal dissipation.

khutch · #3 11-05-2011, 07:27 PM

To put it another way P=V*V/R or V=sqrt(P*R). Using the second form of the equation, your power rating of 0.1 W and 250000 Ohms pot resistance your pickup voltage would have to be about 158 Vrms to push the pot to its power limit. I think you will be quite safe with 0.1W pots....

Ken

Greg_M · #4 11-05-2011, 07:48 PM

Thanks guys

SGD Lutherie · #5 11-05-2011, 08:07 PM

The mini pots are fine.