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

6382 Products showing for Variable Resistors

1 of 128
In Stock
10 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Solder Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust TT Electronics/BI, 67
  • RS Stock No. 144-2243
  • Mfr. Part No. 67WR10KLF
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
$14.40(exc. GST)
In Stock
1 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Solder Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust TT Electronics/BI, 67
  • RS Stock No. 144-2233
  • Mfr. Part No. 67WR1KLF
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
$16.07(exc. GST)
Last RS stock
Ohmite CU 10 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, CU1031E
  • RS Stock No. 892-2466
  • Mfr. Part No. CU1031E
Subtotal (1 unit)
$78.01(exc. GST)
In Stock
100 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Bourns, 3296
  • RS Stock No. 522-0085
  • Mfr. Part No. 3296Y-1-104LF
Subtotal (1 unit)
$3.86(exc. GST)
Last RS stock
Ohmite CU 5 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, CU5021E
  • RS Stock No. 892-6676
  • Mfr. Part No. CU5021E
Subtotal (1 unit)
$64.10(exc. GST)
In Stock
Nidec Components CRV16 5 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel
  • RS Stock No. 202-4416
  • Mfr. Part No. CRV16-00-502
Subtotal (1 unit)
$22.71(exc. GST)
In Stock
2.2 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Solder Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Bourns, 3296
  • RS Stock No. 785-9736
  • Mfr. Part No. 3296W-1-222LF
Subtotal (1 unit)
$3.78(exc. GST)
In Stock
100 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Bourns, 3296
  • RS Stock No. 521-9653
  • Mfr. Part No. 3296W-1-104LF
Subtotal (1 unit)
$4.69(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay 535 5 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 5-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, 535B1502JC
  • RS Stock No. 460-1944
  • Mfr. Part No. 535B1502JC
Subtotal (1 unit)
$70.48(exc. GST)
In Stock
10 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Bourns, 3296
  • RS Stock No. 521-9647
  • Mfr. Part No. 3296W-1-103LF
Subtotal (1 unit)
$5.18(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay PE30 1 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, PE30L0FL102KAB
  • RS Stock No. 790-4457
  • Mfr. Part No. PE30L0FL102KAB
Subtotal (1 unit)
$83.83(exc. GST)
In Stock
RS PRO P25 1 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount
  • RS Stock No. 842-7037
Subtotal (1 unit)
$19.62(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay 534 5 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, 534B1502JL
  • RS Stock No. 460-7582
  • Mfr. Part No. 534B1502JL
Subtotal (1 unit)
$88.01(exc. GST)
In Stock
5 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Solder Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Bourns, PV36
  • RS Stock No. 769-2186
  • Mfr. Part No. PV36W502C01B00
Subtotal (1 unit)
$2.84(exc. GST)
In Stock
5 mΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Side Adjust Nidec Components, CT-20
  • RS Stock No. 244-3635
  • Mfr. Part No. CT-20EP203
Subtotal (1 pack of 2 units)
$7.70(exc. GST)
In Stock
Bourns 3590S 10 kΩ Linear Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount
  • RS Stock No. 181-4447
  • Mfr. Part No. 3590S-1-103L
Subtotal (1 unit)
$39.24(exc. GST)
In Stock
TE Connectivity TW 5 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, TW1502KA
  • RS Stock No. 502-8621
  • Mfr. Part No. TW1502KA
Subtotal (1 unit)
$34.01(exc. GST)
In Stock
Nidec Components M 2 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Panel, M-22E10 2K
  • RS Stock No. 182-5652
  • Mfr. Part No. M-22E10 2K
Subtotal (1 unit)
$38.91(exc. GST)
In Stock
TE Connectivity TW 1 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, TW1102KA
  • RS Stock No. 502-8609
  • Mfr. Part No. TW1102KA
Subtotal (1 unit)
$30.56(exc. GST)
In Stock
Radiohm POTM 470 Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount, 05.061.3470
  • RS Stock No. 468-8682
  • Mfr. Part No. 05.061.3470
Subtotal (1 unit)
$10.48(exc. GST)
In Stock
1 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Vishay, T93
  • RS Stock No. 788-5108
  • Mfr. Part No. T93YB102KT20
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
$17.92(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay 149 1 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 2-Gang Panel Mount, Through Hole, 14920F0GJSX13102KA
  • RS Stock No. 484-9231
  • Mfr. Part No. 14920F0GJSX13102KA
Subtotal (1 unit)
$52.50(exc. GST)
In Stock
10 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Top Adjust Vishay, T93
  • RS Stock No. 788-5114
  • Mfr. Part No. T93YB103KT20
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
$17.45(exc. GST)
In Stock
Alps Alpine RK27 50 kΩ Rotary Carbon Film Potentiometer 1-Turns 2-Gang Panel Mount, Through Hole
  • RS Stock No. 236-9604
  • Mfr. Part No. RK27112A00CF
Subtotal (1 unit)
$91.10(exc. GST)
Temporarily out of stock
5 mΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Side Adjust Nidec Components, CT-20
  • RS Stock No. 244-3637
  • Mfr. Part No. CT-20EP502
Subtotal (1 pack of 2 units)
$7.70(exc. GST)
In Stock
500 Ω, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.25 W Top Adjust Nidec Components, RJ-5
  • RS Stock No. 474-7236
  • Mfr. Part No. RJ-5EW 500 Ohm
Subtotal (1 unit)
$10.94(exc. GST)
In Stock
Alps Alpine RK09K 10 kΩ Rotary Carbon Film Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, Through Hole
  • RS Stock No. 263-3012
  • Mfr. Part No. RK09K1110A2Y
Subtotal (1 unit)
$3.83(exc. GST)
In Stock
Bourns PTA 10 kΩ Slide Slide Potentiometer 1-Gang Through Hole, PTA4543-2015DPB103
  • RS Stock No. 737-7789
  • Mfr. Part No. PTA4543-2015DPB103
Subtotal (1 unit)
$4.60(exc. GST)
In Stock
RS PRO P25 1 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount
  • RS Stock No. 842-7030
Subtotal (1 unit)
$20.66(exc. GST)
Temporarily out of stock
Vishay 132 2 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Bush, 132-0-0-202
  • RS Stock No. 850-9524
  • Mfr. Part No. 132-0-0-202
Subtotal (1 unit)
$147.80(exc. GST)
In Stock
2 mΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Side Adjust Nidec Components, FT-63
  • RS Stock No. 244-3984
  • Mfr. Part No. FT-63ETS501
Subtotal (1 pack of 10 units)
$6.70(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay PE30 4.7 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, PE30L0FL472MAB
  • RS Stock No. 850-9514
  • Mfr. Part No. PE30L0FL472MAB
Subtotal (1 unit)
$65.30(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay PE30 1 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, PE30L0FL102MAB
  • RS Stock No. 850-9502
  • Mfr. Part No. PE30L0FL102MAB
Subtotal (1 unit)
$72.12(exc. GST)
In Stock
Bourns 93 2.5 kΩ Potentiometer 1-Turns Panel Mount, Through Hole, 93R1A-R22-A12L
  • RS Stock No. 522-5282
  • Mfr. Part No. 93R1A-R22-A12L
Subtotal (1 unit)
$14.58(exc. GST)
Currently unavailable
TE Connectivity M 470 Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, 404802692034
  • RS Stock No. 162-798
  • Mfr. Part No. 404802692034
Subtotal (1 unit)
$29.21(exc. GST)
In Stock
RS PRO 32 mm Knob Diameter Blue Potentiometer Knob for 6.35 mm Shaft Screw Fix
  • RS Stock No. 467-2413
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
$15.81(exc. GST)
Temporarily out of stock
500 Ω, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.75 W Nidec Components, RJ-13
  • RS Stock No. 474-9254
  • Mfr. Part No. RJ-13PR 500 Ohm (501)
Subtotal (1 unit)
$13.71(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay 534 2 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, 534B1202JC8872
  • RS Stock No. 486-7116
  • Mfr. Part No. 534B1202JC8872
Subtotal (1 unit)
$60.66(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay P11P 100 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, P11P1F0GGSY00104KA
  • RS Stock No. 743-5728
  • Mfr. Part No. P11P1F0GGSY00104KA
Subtotal (1 unit)
$31.01(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay 534 10 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, 534B1103JC8872
  • RS Stock No. 486-7093
  • Mfr. Part No. 534B1103JC8872
Subtotal (1 unit)
$71.96(exc. GST)
In Stock
TT Electronics/BI 22.2 mm Knob Diameter Multiturn Dial for 6.35 mm Shaft Circular, 2696
  • RS Stock No. 144-2052
  • Mfr. Part No. 2696
Subtotal (1 box of 20 units)
$376.78(exc. GST)
In Stock
TE Connectivity TW 10 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, TW1103KA
  • RS Stock No. 502-8637
  • Mfr. Part No. TW1103KA
Subtotal (1 unit)
$32.80(exc. GST)
In Stock
Bourns 6639 5 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount, 6639S-1-502
  • RS Stock No. 164-2661
  • Mfr. Part No. 6639S-1-502
Subtotal (1 unit)
$45.33(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay PE30 4.7 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount
  • RS Stock No. 790-4322P
  • Mfr. Part No. PE30L0AP472KABG030
Subtotal 1 unit (supplied in a bag)
$65.58(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay P11S 100 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, P11S1V0FLSY00104KA
  • RS Stock No. 790-4350
  • Mfr. Part No. P11S1V0FLSY00104KA
Subtotal (1 unit)
$29.10(exc. GST)
Temporarily out of stock
20 kΩ, Through Hole Trimmer Potentiometer, Pin 0.5 W Side Adjust Nidec Components, CT-20
  • RS Stock No. 474-8015
  • Mfr. Part No. CT-20EP 20k Ohm
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
$28.87(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay PE30 4.7 kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, PE30L0FL472KAB
  • RS Stock No. 790-4482
  • Mfr. Part No. PE30L0FL472KAB
Subtotal (1 unit)
$92.23(exc. GST)
In Stock
Vishay 534 500 Ω Rotary Potentiometer 10-Turns 1-Gang Panel Mount, 534B1501JL
  • RS Stock No. 460-7576
  • Mfr. Part No. 534B1501JL
Subtotal (1 unit)
$78.06(exc. GST)
Last RS stock
Arcol Ohmite 5000 Ω Linear Potentiometer
  • RS Stock No. 263-4233
  • Mfr. Part No. CMU5021E
Subtotal (1 unit)
$95.72(exc. GST)
In Stock
Arcol Ohmite 50 W 12 Ω Linear Rheostat 2.04 A, RJS12RE
  • RS Stock No. 144-5531
  • Mfr. Part No. RJS12RE
Subtotal (1 unit)
$267.58(exc. GST)
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