Overview

The BTA16 and BTB16 are both 16A triacs,but have important differences in construction and usage. This article compares their features, advantages, and ideal applications.

Detailed Comparison

1.Mounting and Heatsink Requirements

  • BTA16:Has an isolated tab, meaning the metal mounting surface is electrically separated from the internal circuit.No need for an insulation pad when attaching to a heatsink
  • BTB16:Non-insulated tab, meaning the tab is connected to MT1.Requires a mica or silicone insulation pad to prevent short circuits.More efficient heat transfer (lower thermal resistance) but needs careful installation.

2.Applications

BTA16 is preferred for:

  • Home appliances (dimmers, light controllers).
  • Situations where ease of mounting is important.

BTB16 is better for:

  • Industrial motor controls.
  • High-power circuits where thermal performance is critical (with proper insulation).

How to choose BTA16 or BTB16

  • Use BTA16 when electrical isolation of the tab is important (e.g., mounting on grounded heatsinks).
  • Use BTB16 when you can isolate the heatsink separately and need slightly better thermal performance.

Conclusion

Both the BTA16 and BTB16 are reliable 16A triacs,and their electrical performance is identical, so the choice is based primarily on mechanical and safety considerations.

Triacs Product Line

Visit our website to learn about the triacs product line：

https://en.semiware.com/products/3q-triac

About Semiware
Semiware has a comprehensive product lineup of circuit protection device products. The company leverages its technology in the semiconductor field and application background in end products to serve customers in the electronics, automotive and industrial markets. For more information, please visit semiware official website: https://en.semiware.com/