
A potentiometer, also known as a "pot," is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. This component is commonly used to control electrical devices such as volume controls on audio equipment.

Potentiometers have two terminals that are fixed to a resistive element (the track). The resistive element is typically wirewound or made from carbon, cermet or conductive plastic. The third terminal is connected to the wiper, which is a sliding contact. As the wiper moves along the track, the resistance changes and the current flowing through the circuit changes.

A potentiometer is a variable resistor. Potentiometers enable you to regulate and change the current flowing through a circuit. Potentiometers can also be called potmeters. You can learn more in our complete [guide to potentiometers](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/potentiometers-guide).

## **Types of potentiometer**

Potentiometers come in various types to cater to the diverse needs and applications. The choice of potentiometer depends on the specific requirements of the task at hand, such as the range of motion, precision, durability, and form factor. Different types of potentiometers, such as adjustable, digital, rotary, and motorised potentiometers) are designed to provide optimal performance in specific use cases, ranging from simple volume controls to precise position sensing in industrial equipment.

### **Rotary potentiometers**

[Rotary potentiometers](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometers/?applied-dimensions=4291857010) are easily controlled by turning a spindle or a knob. Rotary potentiometers can be single turn or multiturn.

### **Slide potentiometers**

Slide potentiometers are also known as slider potentiometers or fader potentiometers. To use a slide potentiometer, it's simply a case of sliding a fader along a straight track to change the resistance.

### **Trimmer potentiometers**

Trimmer potentiometers, sometimes called trimpots, are used to calibrate and fine-tune circuits and can be mounted straight onto a PCB (printed circuit board). Trimmer potentiometers are easy to adjust with a screwdriver.

### **String potentiometers**

String potentiometers (or string pots) take movement and transform it into an electrical signal.

### **Membrane potentiometers**

Membrane potentiometers are completely flat. Membrane potentiometers change their resistance when pressure is applied to the membrane.

## **Do I need a potentiometer with a linear or logarithmic taper?**

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 is the number of terminals that each device has. Potentiometers have three terminals while rheostats only have two terminals.

## **Potentiometer peripherals and accessories**

Potentiometers are versatile components used in electronics for controlling variables like volume, brightness, and speed. To enhance their functionality and usability, various accessories are available, including potentiometer knobs, potentiometer accessories, and potentiometer mounting nuts.

- **Potentiometer Knobs**

[Potentiometer knobs](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometer-knobs) enhance adjustment ease and come in various shapes and materials. They offer ergonomic designs for comfortable handling and can feature indicators for precise adjustments, making them ideal for audio equipment, instrumentation, and control panels.

- [**Potentiometer Accessories**](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometer-accessories/?sra=p)

Accessories like shaft adapters, pointer knobs, and dust caps customise potentiometers for specific needs. They ensure protection against environmental factors, prolonging potentiometer life in various conditions, whether for DIY projects or industrial installations.

- **Potentiometer Mounting Nuts**

Mounting nuts secure potentiometers to panels or circuit boards. They come in various sizes and materials, ensuring a stable installation. Some feature locking mechanisms or flanges for added reliability in demanding applications.

## **Industrial Applications of Potentiometers**

Potentiometers find extensive use across various industrial applications for offering precise control and measurement capabilities. In industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and robotics, potentiometers serve critical functions. For instance, in automotive assembly lines, 3-turn potentiometers play a pivotal role in controlling robotic arm movements with enhanced accuracy and repeatability. In aerospace applications, 2-gang potentiometers are utilised for controlling flight instrumentation, providing redundancy and reliability in critical systems.

Moreover, wire wound potentiometers are used for their durability and high-precision features, making them suitable for industrial machinery and process control systems. Our potentiometers not only enhance efficiency across diverse applications but also prioritise [machine safety,](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/machine-safety-guide) which in turn ensures your employees’ protection.

## **Buying Potentiometers: Ordering & Delivery Information for Australia**

[RS](https://au.rs-online.com/web/) is a trusted supplier and distributor of potentiometers in Australia, offering a wide range of products from renowned brands such as [RS PRO](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometers/?applied-dimensions=4291780588), [Alps Alpine](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometers/?applied-dimensions=4291695601), [Bourns](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometers/?applied-dimensions=4294967027), [TE Connectivity](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometers/?applied-dimensions=4294725095), [Vishay](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometers/?applied-dimensions=4294965264), and more. With a commitment to quality and reliability, RS provides customers with access to a comprehensive selection of potentiometers suitable for various industrial applications.

**To order potentiometer:**

Ready to order potentiometers and other construction must-haves such as [coaxial cables](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/coaxial-cable-guide), [clamp metres](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/electrical-test-measurement/clamp-meters/), and [junction boxes](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/enclosures-server-racks/enclosures/junction-boxes/)? You can easily order through the RS website or by contacting us directly via telephone, email, or fax.

**Delivery Details:**

For items stocked locally in Australia, place your order before 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday for next working day delivery. Some regional areas may require additional time for delivery.

Orders placed after 5 pm on Friday will be processed for delivery on Tuesday.

Global Stock and Extended Range Products typically arrive within 5-10 working days.

Know what we can do for you by visiting our [services page](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/services). For more inquiries or concerns, please contact Customer Service or visit our [Delivery page](https://au.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

Fluorescent Lamps & Tubes

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

Schneider Electric Potentiometers

0 Products showing for Schneider Electric Potentiometers

Popular Searches

Related links