Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Linear Motion Potentiometers
Pair these potentiometers with a controller to monitor the position of moving parts or send instructions to an electrical system. They have a rod that slides back and forth against an internal resistor, which increases or decreases the voltage flowing out to your controller. To monitor the position of a moving part, such as a robotic component, connect it to the rod. As the part moves, it pushes the rod back and forth, which allows the controller to observe and report the part’s exact position. To use these potentiometers as part of a controls system, connect them to a volume slider or other manual control. When you move the slider, the controller converts its position into instructions for electrical equipment, such as adjusting volume levels. These potentiometers are also called variable output switches.
Lg. | Rod | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroke | Retracted | Extended | Wattage | Wd. | Ht. | Dia. | Thread Size  | Material | Housing Material | Wire Connection Type | Environmental Rating | Each | |
5 kilohms Max. Resistance | |||||||||||||
| 5/32" | 1.59" | 1.74" | 0.125 W @ 200 V DC | 1/4" | 9/32" | 1/16" | 0-80 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plastic | Wire Leads | IP45 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1/4" | 1.59" | 1.84" | 0.125 W @ 200 V DC | 1/4" | 9/32" | 1/16" | 0-80 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plastic | Wire Leads | IP45 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" | 2.22" | 2.72" | 0.25 W @ 300 V DC | 9/32" | 11/32" | 3/32" | 2-56 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plastic | Wire Leads | IP45 | 0000000 | 00000 |
10 kilohms Max. Resistance | |||||||||||||
| 5/32" | 1.59" | 1.74" | 0.125 W @ 200 V DC | 1/4" | 9/32" | 1/16" | 0-80 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plastic | Wire Leads | IP45 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1/4" | 1.59" | 1.84" | 0.125 W @ 200 V DC | 1/4" | 9/32" | 1/16" | 0-80 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plastic | Wire Leads | IP45 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" | 2.22" | 2.72" | 0.25 W @ 300 V DC | 9/32" | 11/32" | 3/32" | 2-56 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plastic | Wire Leads | IP45 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Heavy Duty Light Dimmers
Often used with high-wattage lights, an external heat sink prevents these dimmers from overheating. They stick out from the wall 1/2 in. to help them disperse heat.
| For Bulb Type | No. of Circuits Controlled | No. of Terminals | Input Voltage | Wattage | Wire Connection Type | Features | Specifications Met | Color | Each | |
Slide with Wall Plate | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent and Halogen | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 600W | Wire Leads | Heat Sink | UL Listed | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Incandescent and Halogen | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 1,500W | Wire Leads | Heat Sink | UL Listed | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Incandescent and Halogen | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 2,000W | Wire Leads | Heat Sink | UL Listed | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
Light Dimmers
Adjust the brightness of lights.
Slide dimmers include both a switch and a dimmer. Use them to turn lights on and off while maintaining your desired brightness level.
Dimmers for LEDs only use the 0-10V dimming standard—pair them with 0-10V DC dimmable bulbs.
Three-way dimmers let you control the same circuit of lights from two locations, so they’re often used in large, open workspaces. Pair them with a 3-way on/off switch.
| For Bulb Type | Multi-Way Switch Type | No. of Circuits Controlled | No. of Terminals | Input Voltage | Wattage | Wire Connection Type | Includes | Choose a Color | Each | |
Toggle with Mini Slide Dimmer | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 3 Way | 1 | 4 | 120V AC | 600W/150W | Screw Terminals | __ | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
Rocker with Slide Dimmer | ||||||||||
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 3 Way | 1 | 4 | 120V AC | 600W/150W | Wire Leads | __ | White | 0000000 | 00000 |
| LED | 3 Way | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | __ | Wire Leads | __ | 00000000 | 00000 | |
Rocker with Mini Slide Dimmer | ||||||||||
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | __ | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 600W/150W | Screw Terminals | __ | White | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 3 Way | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 600W/300W | Screw Terminals | Almond Wall Plate, Ivory Wall Plate | White | 00000000 | 00000 |
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 3 Way | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 1,000W/450W | Wire Leads | Almond Wall Plate, Ivory Wall Plate | White | 00000000 | 00000 |
| LED | 3 Way | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | __ | Wire Leads | __ | 00000000 | 00000 | |
Plug-In Light Dimmers
Control the brightness of desk lamps and other plug-in lights without altering your switch or outlet. Just plug these dimmers into the wall, then plug your light into the dimmer. They work with most types of light bulbs—just make sure your bulb is dimmable.
Linear Motion Position-Measuring Transmitters
 Style 1 |  Style 2 |  Style 3 |  Style 4 |
 Styles 1-4 |  4-Pole Micro M12 Plug |  5-Pole Micro M12 Plug |
Track the position of hydraulic cylinders and other components that move in a straight line. Like a tape measure, these transmitters have a wire that extends to measure how far components have traveled from a set point. Because of the wire, they're also known as string pots—short for string potentiometers. They convert measurements to an electrical signal, which can then be used to trigger automated actions in your process.
All are IP rated for some protection from dust. Transmitters rated IP67 seal out water when briefly submersed.
Transmitters with a plug are quicker to connect and disconnect than those with wire leads. Plug them into a cable with a socket (sold separately).
Transmitters | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall | Mount. Holes | Cables with Socket | |||||||||||||||||
| Stroke Lg. | Accuracy Range | Repeatability Range | Max. Input Voltage | Input Resistance, kOhm | Signal Output | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Wire Lead Lg. | Eyelet ID | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Ctr.-to-Ctr. | Dia. | No. of | Each | Each | ||
Style 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4 3/4" | -1% to +1% | -0.05% to +0.05% | 30V AC 30V DC | 10 | 0-28.2V AC 0-28.2V DC | Plastic | IP50 | 40" | 0.191" | 3.1" | 1.9" | 2.6" | (A) 1.4" | 1/8" | 2 | 000000 | 0000000 | 000000 | 00 |
| 12 1/2" | -0.25% to +0.25% | -0.05% to +0.05% | 30V AC 30V DC | 10 | 0-28.2V AC 0-28.2V DC | Plastic | IP50 | 40" | 0.191" | 3.1" | 1.9" | 2.6" | (A) 1.4" | 1/8" | 2 | 000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
| 25" | -0.25% to +0.25% | -0.05% to +0.05% | 30V AC 30V DC | 10 | 0-28.2V AC 0-28.2V DC | Plastic | IP50 | 40" | 0.191" | 3.1" | 1.9" | 2.6" | (A) 1.4" | 1/8" | 2 | 000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
| 50" | -0.25% to +0.25% | -0.05% to +0.05% | 30V AC 30V DC | 10 | 0-28.2V AC 0-28.2V DC | Plastic | IP50 | 40" | 0.191" | 3.1" | 1.9" | 2.6" | (A) 1.4" | 1/8" | 2 | 000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
Style 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||||||
| 120" | -0.35% to +0.35% | -0.05% to +0.05% | 30V AC 30V DC | 10 | 0-28.2V AC 0-28.2V DC | Plastic | IP67 | 40" | 0.191" | 2.48" | 5.17" | 5.09" | (A) 4 3/4" (B) 4.62" (C) 2.2" | 7/32" 3/16" 3/16" | 6 | 000000 | 000000 | 000000 | 00 |
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||||||
| 120" | -0.35% to +0.35% | -0.05% to +0.05% | 30V AC 30V DC | 10 | 0-28.2V AC 0-28.2V DC | Plastic | IP67 | __ | 0.191" | 2.48" | 5.17" | 5.09" | (A) 4 3/4" (B) 4.62" (C) 2.2" | 7/32" 3/16" 3/16" | 6 | 00000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Style 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
With 5-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||||||
| 75" | -0.02% to +0.02% | -0.006% to +0.006% | 32V DC | 4.8 | 4-20mA | Steel | IP64 | __ | 0.197" | 4.11" | 3.11" | 3.27" | (A) 0.98" | 7/32" | 2 | 00000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Style 4 | |||||||||||||||||||
With 5-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||||||
| 118" | -0.012% to +0.012% | -0.005% to +0.005% | 32V DC | 4.8 | 4-20mA | Steel | IP64 | __ | 0.083" | 3.61" | 3.07" | 3.58" | (A) 2.32" (B) 2.44" | 3/16" 3/16" | 8 | 00000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |