Potentiometer codes

Abbreviations:

USA and Asia :

This is the by far most commonly used abbreviation method. For example it is used by Taiwan Alpha, Hongh, Alps, Partsland, Bourns, Omeg, CTR, MEC, Fender and PEC.

A = logarithmic (also called 'positive logarithmic', 'audio', 'log' or '+ log')

B = linear ('lin')

C = negative logarithmic (also called 'reverse log', 'rev log', 'reverse audio', or '- log')

Europe:

This is rarely used today, for example by Piher.

A = linear (lin)

B = logarithmic (also called 'positive logarithmic', 'audio', 'log' or '+ log')

Y = negative logarithmic (also called 'reverse log', 'rev log', 'reverse audio' or '- log')

Terms:

Mono = one potentiometer section, one axis

Stereo or Tandem= two potentiometer sections, one axis

Duplo or Concentric = two potentiometer sections, two axes

Stacked = multiple potentiometer sections, one or two axes

Switched = one or multiple potentiometer sections, one or two axes. With switch.

Source-Date codes:

Some pots have a multi-digit code (usually 6 or seven digits) printed on it used to identify the manufacturer and manufacturing date.

The first 3 digits on the pot identify the manufacturer. The other 3 or 4 digits identify the manufacturing date. In 3 digit dates code, the 1st digit is the last digit of the year. In 4 digits date codes, the 1st and 2nd digits are the last two digits of the year. The last two digits are always the week of manufacture (01 to 52).