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attributes.Maximum_Resistance

attributes.Tolerance

attributes.Power_Rating

attributes.Number_of_Turns

attributes.Mounting_Type

attributes.Shaft_Diameter

attributes.Mounting_Hole_Diameter

attributes.Termination_Style

attributes.Dimensions

attributes.Maximum_Voltage_Rating

attributes.Depth

attributes.Height

attributes.Length

attributes.Current_Rating

attributes.Maximum_Operating_Temperature

Vishay 12W 100Ω Wirewound Rheostat, RT012AS1000KB

Vishay 25W 4.7kΩ Wirewound Rheostat, RT025AS4701KB

Vishay 25W 1kΩ Wirewound Rheostat, RT025AS1001KB

Vishay 25W 2.2kΩ Wirewound Rheostat, RT025AS2201KB

Vishay 25W 1.5kΩ Wirewound Rheostat, RT025AS1501KB

Vishay 25W 100Ω Wirewound Rheostat, RT025AS1000KB


A rheostat is a variable resistor which is used to control current or vary resistance within an electrical circuit. They are able to vary the resistance in a circuit without interruption. Rheostats are very similar in construction to potentiometers, but they are designed to work with higher currents. Rheostats are used in motor speed controls, dimmer switches any any applications which require control of the flow of an electric current. You can find more information in our [rheostats guide](/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/rheostats-guide).

### How do rheostats work?

Rheostats use two connections, even when 3 terminals are present, the first connection is made to one end of the resistive element and the other connection to the wiper (sliding contact). Resistive wire is wound around an insulating ceramic core, as the wiper slides over the windings the resistance, and therefore current, produced is altered.

### 

Types of Rheostat

- Rotary type – Mostly used in power control applications. Rotary rheostats feature a turnable shaft that adjusts the resistance. They are used to control multiple applications in parallel or to increase the power rating or adjusting range.
- Slide type – Slide rheostats, or linear rheostats, are often used for education and in laboratory environments. Linear or slide types are constructed of resistive wire wound on an insulating cylinder, a sliding contact moves along the winding to increase or decrease the resistance.

### What is the difference between a potentiometer and a rheostat?

Both a rheostat and a potentiometer are a type of variable resistor. They feature a similar construction, however, a rheostat features 2 terminals and a potentometer features 3 terminals. A primary difference in functionality is that a rheostat is often implemented to change current, while pots can be used to change the voltage within a circuit.



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Vishay 25W 15Ω Wirewound Rheostat, RT025AS15R0KB

Vishay 55W 22Ω Wirewound Rheostat, RT055AS22R0KB

Vishay 55W 100Ω Wirewound Rheostat, RT055AS1000KB

Vishay 12W 2.2kΩ Wirewound Rheostat, RT012AS2201KB

Vishay 55W 330Ω Wirewound Rheostat, RT055AS3300KB

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