Potentiometers: Three terminal resistors to regulate current flow
A potentiometer is a manually adjustable variable resistor that allows you to change and regulate the current flowing through a resistor. Our portfolio of electric potentiometers includes our line of Citec potentiometers, available with eyelet or PCB termination type. Our potentiometers offer a resistance as low as 10Ω or as high as 560KΩ and come either sealed or unsealed.
What is a Potentiometer?
Also called a pot, a potentiometer has three terminals. Two of the terminals are fixed to the track, which is a resistive element. The track is typically wirewound or made of cement, carbon, 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, causing the current flowing through the circuit to change. Potentiometers are used to adjust the level of analog signals, such as volume controls on audio equipment, and are used as control inputs for electronic circuits, such as light dimmers. Electric potentiometers are also found in a variety of applications where precise resistance in a current is required.
