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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.

    Take a look at our voltage divider calculator to work out the output voltage of a resistor divider circuit for a given set of resistor values and source voltage in seconds.

    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.

    Check out our Ohm’s Law calculator to accurately calculate Ohm’s Law and determine the Voltage, resistance, or current value you require for your installation.

    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

    6153 Products showing for Variable Resistors

    1 of 308
    Sifam 10Ω Slide T-Bar Fader, SFK70-1-0-1
    • RS Stock No. 252-7040
    • Mfr. Part No. SFK70-1-0-1
    Each
    £76.67
    RS PRO 5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7021P
    Each (Supplied in a Bag)
    £5.99
    RS PRO 10Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7065
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 10kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7002
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 2.5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7018
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 50Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7071
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 10kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7119
    Each
    £18.57
    RS PRO 500Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7034
    Each
    £6.06
    RS PRO 5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7116
    Each
    £18.57
    Oriental Motor 0 → 20kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Wire Mount, PAVR2-20K
    • RS Stock No. 282-2171
    • Mfr. Part No. PAVR2-20K
    Each
    £34.45
    RS PRO 1kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Servo Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7153
    Each
    £59.99
    RS PRO 500Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7043
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 5kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7024
    Each
    £5.99
    RS PRO 100Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7087
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 25Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7068
    Each
    £6.36
    RS PRO 50kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7096
    Each
    £15.86
    RS PRO 250Ω Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7084
    Each
    £6.36
    Better World
    Schneider Electric XB4 10kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount, XB4BD912R10K
    • RS Stock No. 125-4400
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD912R10K
    Each
    £77.98
    PIHER SENSORS AND CONTROLS S.S.A 10kΩ Linear Potentiometer 1-Gang Through Hole, T-21AHM0607103A
    • RS Stock No. 283-6060
    • Mfr. Part No. T-21AHM0607103A
    Each
    £6.18
    RS PRO 10kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 842-7006
    Each
    £8.68
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    Variable Resistors Guide
    From types to applications, discover all you need to know about variable resistors in our handy guide.
    Read More
    Article image
    Potentiometers Guide
    Our potentiometers guide will help you understand their uses, how they work, the various types and characteristics.
    Read more
    Article image
    Rheostats Guide
    Our rheostats guide explains their uses, how they work, the different types, and how they differ from potentiometers.
    Read more

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