I just bought a new potentiometer for my DIY stirplate. *disclaimer* I don't understand very much electrical lingo.*
The potentiometer is rated at 25 ohms and 3 watts - it is the part recommended in the often used stirplate thread. I'm powering a 12 volt computer fan and am using an AC converter that is rated at 9V output.
My issue: I soldered the connections to the potentiometer and when I turn on the power the potentiometer heats up rather quickly and becomes too hot to hold in your hand. There is no smoke or sparks and the fan is turning fine. I have full range of speed adjustment.
My question: Is this heating problem an issue? I'm wondering if I've to powerful an input and it's overloading the potentiometer?
And advice would be much appreciated!
Cheers
The potentiometer is rated at 25 ohms and 3 watts - it is the part recommended in the often used stirplate thread. I'm powering a 12 volt computer fan and am using an AC converter that is rated at 9V output.
My issue: I soldered the connections to the potentiometer and when I turn on the power the potentiometer heats up rather quickly and becomes too hot to hold in your hand. There is no smoke or sparks and the fan is turning fine. I have full range of speed adjustment.
My question: Is this heating problem an issue? I'm wondering if I've to powerful an input and it's overloading the potentiometer?
And advice would be much appreciated!
Cheers