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    Variable Resistors

    Browse our wide range of variable resistors including potentiometers, rheostats and thermistors from market leading electronics brands including Vishay, Bourns, EPCOS and RS Pro.

    What are variable resistors and how do they work?

    Variable resistors are electrical components that give you control over the current flow through an electric circuit. Variable resistors can be used in a variety of different types of devices, including the volume and gain control on electric instruments such as guitars and basses. The Variable resistors have a maximum and minimum value which can alter the current. Variable resistors are extremely important, without them you cannot control your circuit.

    What does a variable resistor do in a circuit?

    A variable resistor's role in a circuit is to allow the amount of resistance to be changed. When resistance decreases the flow of the current increases. There are different types of variable resistors that can be used for different functions and environments.

    Types of resistors

    The three most common types of variable resistors are:

    • Potentiometers The most common type of variable resistor is the potentiometers. The potentiometer can be used as a voltage regulator by introducing a variable amount of resistance into a circuit or as a means of adjusting the power in a circuit. Potentiometers can also be known as "pot" or, more specifically, slider pot, trimmer pot or thumbwheel pot.
    • Rheostat A rheostat is a variable resistor which is used to control current within an electrical circuit. They can control the resistance without interrupting it. Unlike the Potentiometer the Rheostat only uses 2 leads. A connection is made to one end of the resistive element and the other connection is made to the wiper end of the variable resistor. Rheostats are commonly used in motor control.
    • Trimmer Resistors Unlike other resistors, a trimmer resistor is a smaller component that is used to be placed within your circuit and not adjusted again. They are also known as trimpots.

    Other types of variable resistors

    include:

    • Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
    • Metal Oxide Varistors
    • Potentiometer Accessories
    • Potentiometer Knob
    • Potentiometer Mounting Nuts
    • Rheostat Dials
    • Thermistors
    • Trimmer Resistor Adjustment Tools
    • Trimmer Resistor Mount Adapters
    Potentiometer Accessories
    Potentiometer Accessories
    Potentiometer Knobs
    Potentiometer Knobs
    Potentiometers
    Potentiometers
    Rheostat Accessories
    Rheostat Accessories
    Rheostats
    Rheostats
    Trimmer Potentiometer Accessories
    Trimmer Potentiometer Accessories
    Trimmer Potentiometers
    Trimmer Potentiometers

    383 Products showing for Variable Resistors

    1 of 20
    RS PRO 10kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Bushing Mount
    • RS Stock No. 278-0314
    Each
    PHP956.56
    RS PRO 20mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 777-7300
    Each
    PHP241.91
    RS PRO 5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7024
    Each
    PHP379.93
    RS PRO 28mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6.35mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 259-7001
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP149.188
    RS PRO 5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7116P
    Each (Supplied in a Bag)
    PHP1,429.05
    RS PRO 21mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6.35mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 259-6979
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP141.848
    RS PRO 16mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6.4mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 259-6941
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP135.952
    RS PRO 2kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7028
    Each
    PHP676.22
    RS PRO 16mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6.4mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 498-845
    Each
    PHP304.27
    RS PRO 7.2mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6.35mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 502-174
    Each
    PHP4,716.36
    RS PRO 25kΩ Wirewound Potentiometer Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 173-0744
    Each (In a Box of 50)
    PHP137.736
    RS PRO 20mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 777-7319
    Each
    PHP228.53
    RS PRO 16.2mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 259-6913
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP141.984
    RS PRO 18mm Black Potentiometer Knob for 6.4mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 100-105
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP261.998
    RS PRO 1kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Servo Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7150
    Each
    PHP3,936.40
    RS PRO 500Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7046
    Each
    PHP704.17
    RS PRO 20mm Silver Potentiometer Knob for 6.4mm Shaft Splined
    • RS Stock No. 498-873
    Each
    PHP339.72
    RS PRO 5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7021
    Each
    PHP496.05
    RS PRO 10kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Bushing Mount
    • RS Stock No. 278-0299
    Each
    PHP1,566.71
    RS PRO 1kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7030
    Each
    PHP508.94
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