
A potentiometer, commonly referred to as a pot or potmeter, is a variable resistor that allows you to adjust and change the current flowing through a circuit. Potentiometers consist of two fixed terminals connected to a resistive element (the track), commonly made of wirewound, carbon, cermet, or conductive plastic. The third terminal attaches to the wiper, which slides across the track altering the resistance and, consequently, the current in the circuit.

## **Types of Potentiometer**

### **Rotary Potentiometer**

Rotary potentiometers, adjusted by turning a spindle or knob, come in single-turn or multiturn variations. They are essential in applications requiring precise control adjustments.

### **Slide Potentiometer**

Also known as slider or fader potentiometers, these devices adjust resistance through a slider moving along a track. Ideal for applications where linear movement of resistance is crucial.

### **Trimmer Potentiometer**

Trimmer potentiometers, or trimpots, are mounted directly onto PCBs and are instrumental in circuit calibration and fine-tuning, easily adjusted with a [screwdriver](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/screwdrivers-guide).

### **String Potentiometer**

String potentiometers convert physical movement into electrical signals, suitable for measuring displacement in various industrial applications.

### **Membrane Potentiometer**

These flat potentiometers alter their resistance when pressure is applied to the surface, making them perfect for sensitive applications where direct pressure integration is needed.

## **Choosing the Right Taper for Your Potentiometer**

The taper you need for your potentiometer depends on the intended application.

For potentiometers with a linear taper, the resistance between one end of the track and the wiper varies at a constant rate. If you turn the potentiometer halfway or slide the fader halfway along the track, the resistance will be half of the total resistance. Linear taper potentiometers are typically used in applications such as light dimmer switches.

For logarithmic taper potentiometers, the resistance does not vary at a constant rate. The level of resistance moves exponentially up or down. A potentiometer that has been turned or moved halfway along its track, will not produce resistance that is half the total resistance. Logarithmic potentiometers are commonly used for audio applications.

## **What is the Difference Between a Potentiometer and a Rheostat?**

The key difference lies in the number of terminals that each device has. Potentiometers have three terminals while [rheostats](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/rheostats-guide) only have two terminals. This distinction affects their wiring and potential applications in circuits.

## **Applications of Potentiometer**

Potentiometers are versatile devices used in various settings:

- **Volume Controls:** Adjust audio levels in consumer electronics.
- **Motion Control:** Facilitate precise settings in industrial automation.
- **Measurement Systems:** Gauge physical quantities converted to resistance.

## **Discover Top-quality Potentiometers for Your Projects Today!**

RS is your go-to distributor for high-quality potentiometers in New Zealand, offering products from leading brands like VISHAY, TE Connectivity, and [RS PRO](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/m/rs-pro). Whether you need a robust industrial potentiometer or a precise surface mount variant, our extensive selection ensures you find the perfect match for your project needs.

## **Ordering & Delivery Information for New Zealand**

RS is committed to offering prompt and reliable delivery across New Zealand. Our vast array of electrical components, including [aluminium capacitors](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/capacitors/aluminium-capacitors/) and [proximity sensors](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/sensors/proximity-sensors/), is designed to meet your requirements. For more details on our delivery services and to check potential costs, please visit our [Delivery Information page](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery).



Potentiometers

Variable Resistors

Passive Components

Electrical, Automation & Cables

Automation & Control Gear

Automation Signalling

Contactors & Auxiliary Contacts

Electric Motors

Industrial Robots

PLCs, HMIs & Industrial Computing

Process Control

Sensors

Solenoids

Cables & Wires

AV Cables

Cable Glands & Fittings

Cable Joints & Cable Sleeving

Cable Management

Cable Ties & Fixings

Computer Cables

Electrical Power & Industrial Cables

Networking & Coaxial Cables

Single Core Cable

Wire to Board Cables & Ribbon Cable

Enclosures & Server Racks

19-Inch Racking

Enclosures

Enclosures & Racking Components

Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breakers

Earth & Lightning Protection

Fuse Holders & Accessories

Fuses

HVAC, Fans & Thermal Management

Air Conditioning & Fans

Air Conditioning & Heating Accessories

Building Automation

Electronics Heating & Cooling Components

Fan Accessories

Lighting

Light Bulbs, Lamps & Tubes

Light Fittings, Fixtures & Luminaires

Lighting Components

Torches & Inspection Lamps

Relays & Signal Conditioning

Relay Accessories

Relays

Signal Conditioners & Isolators

Switches

Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches

Domestic Installation Switches

Foot Switches & Components

Joysticks & Components

Key Switches & Selector Switches

Keyboard & Keypad Switches

Limit & Position Switches

Micro Switches & Detector Switches

Push Button Switches & Components

Rocker Switches & Components

Rope Pull Switches & Components

Rotary Switches & Components

Safety Enabling & Control Switches

Safety Interlock Switches & Components

Switch Disconnectors & Components

Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Batteries & Chargers

Battery & Charger Accessories

Battery Chargers & Power Banks

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable Batteries

Connectors

AV Connectors

Automotive Electrical Connectors

Backplane & Rack Connectors

Circular Connectors

IC Sockets & Adapters

Mains & DC Power Connectors

Network & Telecom Connectors

PCB Connectors & Wire Housings

Power Connectors

RF Coaxial Connectors & Adapters

Terminal Blocks

USB, D Sub & Computing Connectors

Wire Terminals & Splices

Displays & Optoelectronics

Display Modules

Fibre Optic Components

Indicators & Indicator Components

LED Lighting Components

LEDs - Light Emitting Diodes

Laser Modules & Components

Optocouplers & Photodetectors

ESD Control, Cleanroom & PCB Prototyping

ESD Control & Clean Room

PCB Etching, Preparation & Developing

PCB Handling

PCB Spacers, Pillars & Supports

PCB Tools

Prototyping Boards

Antennas

Capacitors

Crystals, Oscillators & Resonators

EMI Filters & Protection

Fixed Resistors

Inductors

Passive Components Kits

Rotary Encoders

Sounder, Buzzer & Microphone Components

Surge Protection Components

Power Supplies & Transformers

Power Supplies

Renewable Energy

Transformers

Voltage Converters

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Arduino Shop

BBC micro:bit Shop

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

ROCK SBC Shop

Raspberry Pi Shop

STEM Education

Semiconductors

Amplifiers & Comparators

Audio & Video ICs

Chip Programmers & Debuggers

Clock, Timing & Frequency ICs

Communication & Wireless Module ICs

Data Converters

Discrete Semiconductors

Interface ICs

Logic ICs

Memory Chips

Power Management ICs

Processors & Microcontrollers

Programmable Logic ICs

Sensor ICs

Mechanical, Fluid Power & Tools

Access, Storage & Material Handling

Ladders & Steps

Material Lifting & Loading Equipment

Storage & Shelving

Transit & Equipment Cases

Trucks, Trolleys & Lifting Tables

Adhesives, Sealants & Tapes

Adhesive, Sealant & Tape Dispensers

Adhesives & Glues

Sealants & Resins

Tapes

Bearings & Seals

Gaskets, Seals & Packings

Linear Motion

Rotary Bearings & Housing Units

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

Anti Vibration & Levelling Components

Carbon Fibre & Felt Sheets

Castors & Wheels

Ceramic Materials

Channel Support Systems

Conveyor Components

Insulation Materials

Knobs, Levers & Handles

Metal Materials

Plastic & Rubber Materials

Polishing & Finishing

Shim Stock

Structural Systems

Fasteners & Fixings

Clips & Springs

Girder Fixings

Magnets & Magnetic Strips

Nails & Rivets

Nuts & Washers

Pins, Keys & Retaining Clips

Screws & Bolts

Sheet Metal & Panel Fasteners

Spacers & Standoffs

Wall Plugs, Fixings & Anchors

Hand Tools

Cable, Connector & Crimping Tools

Clamps & Vices

Hammers & Demolition

Knives, Scissors & Saws

Manual Grease Guns & Accessories

Measuring & Marking

Pliers & Cutters

Sanding, Filing & Polishing

Screwdrivers, Hex & Torx Keys

Spanners, Sockets & Wrenches

Specialist Tools

Staplers & Riveters

Threading Tools

Tool Kits & Tool Storage

Mechanical Power Transmission

Belts & Pulleys

Brakes & Clutches

Bushes & Collars

Electric Actuators

Gears & Racks

Ohmite Potentiometers

0 Products showing for Ohmite Potentiometers

Popular Searches

Related links