b.ringrose

Hey

I'm new to this website and have a few quick questions. I'm wiring a potentiometer into the circuitry for a heated snowboard boot I'm designing. I'm just curious how you calculate the maximum current and voltage you can run through it without frying it. I'm using 6 3.7V 1500mA lithium-Ion Polymer batteries wired in parallel giving a combined supply of 9A and 3.7V. Any help is good help.

Ben

IMM_Doctor

P (power watts) = E (volts) x I (amps)

3.7 v x 9 a = 33.3 watts

Your source is not the determining factor, you need to know the HEATER load either in watts or amps.

I would NOT use a potentiometer for this application. You might want to look a a solid state switch, and then TPO time-proportion-output in percent to reduce the heating.

Example TPO period is 2 seconds max.
If you want to reduce heater output, set the TPO to 50%. 1 sec on / 1 sec off. Or 25% TPO 0.5 sec on 1.5 sec off

Google "solid state heater power controls"

KayJay

Most of the traditional carbon and wirewound potentiometers that I see listed in electronic component catalogs only have power ratings between .2 to 5W, so I think that is going to be your limitation.

John Valdes

All potentiometers are rated in watts and ohms. Simple calculation.