Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats4,126 Products
| Image | Part Number | Manufacturer | Description | Availability | Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 PDF | P16NP472MAB15CV1D | Vishay Sfernice | P16 NP 4K7 20% A BO E3 CV1D | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16NM102MAB15CV1D | Vishay Sfernice | P16 NM 1K 20% A BO E3 CV1D | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16FNP102MACV1F | Vishay Sfernice | P16F NP 1K 20% A BO E3 CV1F | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16FNM104MARSD | Vishay Sfernice | P16F NM 100K 20% A BO E3 RSD | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16FNP472MACV1F | Vishay Sfernice | P16F NP 4K7 20% A BO E3 CV1F | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16FNM102MARSD | Vishay Sfernice | P16F NM 1K 20% A BO E3 RSD | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16FNM103MA | Vishay Sfernice | P16F NM 10K 20% A BO E3 | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16FNM474MA | Vishay Sfernice | P16F NM 470K 20% A BO E3 | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | P10XXAI504KB30 | Vishay Sfernice | POT 500K OHM 0.13W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | 534B1103JC8872 | Vishay Sfernice | POT 10K OHM 2W WIREWOUND LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P11S1V0FLSY00223KA | Vishay Sfernice | POT 22K OHM 1W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 | P16FNP222KA | Vishay Sfernice | POT 2.2K OHM 1W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | P11S2V0FLSY00D0046 | Vishay Sfernice | POT CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | PRV6SAABJYB25102KA | Vishay Sfernice | POT 1K OHM 1.5W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | P16NP471MAB15 | Vishay Sfernice | POT 470 OHM 1W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | PRV6SAABJYB25503KA | Vishay Sfernice | POT 50K OHM 1.5W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
PDF | P16NP472MAB15F3 | Vishay Sfernice | POT 4.7K OHM 1W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | P13LFL102MAB10 | Vishay Sfernice | POT 1K OHM 1.5W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | P16SNP104MAB15 | Vishay Sfernice | POT 100K OHM 1W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote | |
 PDF | P11H1F0GHFY00103MA | Vishay Sfernice | POT 10K OHM 1W CERMET LINEAR | In Stock | MOQ: 1 Hover to quote |
A rheostat is a type of adjustable resistor used to control current flow in an electrical circuit by varying resistance. Often referred to as a variable resistor, a rheostat is typically constructed using a wire-wound resistive element—usually made of materials like nichrome or another high-resistivity alloy—wrapped around a ceramic or insulating core. A sliding contact called a wiper moves along the resistive wire to change the effective resistance between two terminals, allowing more or less current to flow. Rheostats are commonly rotary or linear in design and are manually adjusted using a shaft or slider. Though similar in appearance to a potentiometer, a rheostat is typically used with just two terminals to control current (not voltage division), making it better suited for high-power applications like motor speed control or dimming incandescent lamps. When selecting a rheostat, key factors include resistance range (measured in ohms), power rating (in watts), adjustment type (rotary or linear), and mechanical durability. For high-current applications, look for wire-wound models that can dissipate significant heat. Rheostats are generally used in AC and DC circuits, but they must be rated appropriately for the type and magnitude of the voltage and current involved. It’s important to note that rheostats are not as precise or compact as digital alternatives, and their mechanical nature makes them less suited to automated or embedded systems. However, they remain useful for hands-on control, adjustment during prototyping, and high-power load variation where fine-tuned analog control is necessary. When comparing to potentiometers, remember: all rheostats are variable resistors, but not all variable resistors are rheostats—potentiometers usually act as voltage dividers, while rheostats typically control current directly.