How to Solder Pots

Knowing how to solder pots is a useful skill.

Potentiometers, otherwise known as pots, are a common element in many electronic instruments. Everything from the most sophisticated measuring device to the everyday stereo system uses pots to control various aspects of electrical current. The most often used pots simply consist of a resistor component with a shaft in the middle that is turned to create different levels of voltage resistance. Usually, there are three terminals on the resistor where wiring is attached, and these are the points where you will solder the pot.

Things You'll Need

• Potentiometer
• Soldering iron
• Resin-core solder
• Needle nose pliers

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Instructions

How to Solder Pots

1. Remove the knob and the cover or mounting plate to gain access to the potentiometer. Carefully move any surrounding wiring from around the pot.

2. Identify each terminal on the pot. One will be the ground, one will be the input, and one will be the resistor element, sometimes referred to as the wiper.

3. Heat the soldering iron until it is hot enough to melt the end of your resin-core solder. Place the tip of the soldering iron on the edge of one terminal to soften the existing solder enough to disconnect the attached wire with the needle nose pliers.

4. Remove the attached wires from the remaining terminals in the same manner. Remove the existing pot and put your replacement pot in its place.

5. Re-position one detached wire to the corresponding terminal on the replacement pot. Hold the end of the solder to the terminal and place the tip of the soldering iron on the edge of the terminal long enough to melt the solder.

6. Pull the soldering iron and the solder away from the terminal as soon as the solder begins to melt. You should now have melted a very small amount of solder on the terminal with the wire attached to it.

7. Wait just a few seconds for the solder to cool, and then carefully move the soldered wire to make sure it is solidly attached to the terminal.

8. Repeat the soldering process to re-attach the remaining wires to the corresponding terminals on the replacement pot.

9. Replace the cover or mounting plate and the control knob. Test the potentiometer to make sure it works properly.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always a good idea to label or mark the wires attached to a pot before you disconnect them to avoid soldering a wire to the wrong terminal.

• Pots are usually contained within a series of other pots and electrical components. Always be very careful when removing covers and mounting plates, and when working inside the wiring chassis or harness underneath. There will be a lot of other wires and components nearby, and you don't want to accidentally damage or disconnect them when you solder the pot.

• In many cases, the pot will be attached to the cover or mounting plate with lock washers. Be sure not to lose these when separating them from the cover or plate.

• Never attempt to solder the pot while the component or instrument you are working on is plugged in. Make sure that the component or instrument is completely disconnected from electrical current before you begin by removing the power cord from the electrical outlet.

• Never overheat a terminal or a wire when soldering to avoid damaging them. Only heat the connection enough to melt the solder, then remove the soldering iron quickly.

References

• Arduino.com: Reading a Potentiometer (analog input)
• Westhost.com: Figure 5: Single Gang Pot Detail
• The Electronics Club: Soldering Guide