6W6 — Beam Tetrode, Octal | Tubeofile

6W6

Beam Tetrode — Octal

RCA

Known Equivalents & Substitutes

6W6-GT6DG6GT

Similar Tubes (Not Drop-In Compatible)

Electrically identical but 12.6V/0.6A heater — not a drop-in substitute in 6.3V heater circuits

Electrically identical but 25V/0.3A series heater — not a drop-in substitute in 6.3V heater circuits

Electrical Specifications

Section 1 — Beam Tetrode

Absolute Maximum

Anode Voltage (max)Anode Voltage (max)330V

Screen Voltage (max)Screen Voltage (max)165V

Anode Dissipation (max)Anode Dissipation (max)12W

Screen Dissipation (max)Screen Dissipation (max)1.35W

Cathode Current (max)Cathode Current (max)

Section 2 — Triode Strapped

Absolute Maximum

Anode Voltage (max)Anode Voltage (max)330V

Anode Dissipation (max)Anode Dissipation (max)8.5W

Cathode Current (max)Cathode Current (max)65mA

Max Grid ResistorMax Grid Resistor (cathode bias)2.2MΩ

Typical Operating

Heater

Heater VoltageHeater Voltage6.3V

Heater CurrentHeater Current1.2A

Notes

The 25L6GT and 12W6GT are electrically identical but have different heater voltages (25V/300mA and 12.6V/600mA respectively).
Maximum ratings differ between RCA (300V/150V/10W) and Tung-Sol (330V/165V/12W) datasheets; the higher Tung-Sol values reflect later EIA standard RS-239 revisions.
Grid-No.1 circuit resistance: 0.1 MΩ max for fixed bias, 0.5 MΩ max for cathode bias (Class A1 amplifier); 2.2 MΩ max for cathode bias in triode/vertical deflection service.
Triode-connected plate dissipation is reduced to 8.5 W (Tung-Sol) or 7.5 W (RCA) vs 12/10 W in pentode mode.
Originally designed for TV vertical deflection; when used in audio SE amplifiers, care is needed to stay within the relatively low screen voltage rating (165V max).
Pin 8 connects cathode and suppressor grid (beam-forming plates) internally.

Pin Layout — Octal

1No Connection

2Heater

3Anode (Plate)

Socket-Compatible Tubes ⚠ Not electrically compatible

References