Choosing an Electrical Switch
More
Potentiometers
Vary electrical flow to control speed, volume, and light intensity. The number of turns affects the resolution—the higher the number, the better the control. Also known as variable output switches. A knob is required (not included).
Style A potentiometers are also known as gangable potentiometers. They can be linked to each other, so you can control multiple potentiometers from a single source.
IP65 rated switches are protected against washdowns.
Switches with ball bearings have a smoother rotation and a longer service life than other potentiometers.
Shaft | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Turns | Wattage | For Panel Cutout Dia. | Dp. Behind Panel | Dia. | Dia. | Lg. | Housing Material | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Environmental Rating | Choose a Max. Resistance, kilohms | Each | ||
| A | 3 | 1 W @ 224 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 000000 | |
| B | 10 | 2 W @ 325 V AC | 7/16" | 1" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP65 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| B | 10 | 2 W @ 447 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| B | 10 | 2 W @ 450 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| B | 5 | 1.5 W @ 273 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| C | 1 | 1 W @ 300 V AC | 7/16" | 7/16" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| D | 10 | 5 W @ 1,000 V AC | 7/16" | 1 3/4" | 1 13/16" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 000000 | |
Digital Potentiometers
More precise than analog potentiometers, these have a three-digit display that is easy to read. Also known as variable output switches, they vary electrical flow to control speed, volume, and light intensity.
Harsh Environment Potentiometers
Rated NEMA 13, these potentiometers protect against debris and splashing oil and coolant. Also known as variable output switches, they vary electrical flow to control speed, volume, and light intensity.
NEMA 4X rated potentiometers withstand weather, washdowns, and corrosion.
NEMA 6 potentiometers seal out water from temporary submersion as well as weather and washdowns.
Actuator | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | For Panel Cutout Dia. | Dp. Behind Panel | No. of Turns | Dia. | Material | Wire Connection Type | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Choose a Max. Resistance | Each | |
Plastic | ||||||||||||
| 2 W @ 120 V AC/ 2 W @ 24 V DC | 500V AC/500V DC | 7/8" (22 mm) | 2 1/4" | 1 | 1 1/8" | Plastic | Screw Terminals | NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP65 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 000000 | 000000 | |
| 2 W @ 120 V AC/ 2 W @ 24 V DC | 500V AC/500V DC | 1 3/16" (30 mm) | 2 1/8" | 1 | 1 1/8" | Plastic | Screw Terminals | NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP65 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 0000000 | 00000 | |
Metal | ||||||||||||
| 2 W @ 300 V DC 2 W @ 300 V AC | 300V AC/300V DC | 1 3/16" (30 mm) | 1 15/16" | 1 | 1 1/8" | Plastic | Screw Terminals | NEMA 6, NEMA 13, IP65 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CSA Certified, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | |
Panel Seals for Potentiometers
Create a seal around a potentiometer shaft to keep out moisture and dust.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Mounting Thread | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Shaft Dia. | Size | Pitch | Material | Includes | Specifications Met | Choose a Color | Each | |
UNEF | ||||||||
| 1/8" | 1/4"-32 | __ | Silicone Rubber | Mounting Nut | A-A-59588 | 000000000 | 00000 | |
| 1/4" | 3/8"-32 | __ | Silicone Rubber | Mounting Nut | A-A-59588 Class 3A Grade 50, C-UL Recognized Component, UL Recognized Component | 00000000 | 0000 | |
Metric | ||||||||
| 1/4" | M9 | 0.75 mm | Silicone Rubber | Mounting Nut | A-A-59588 | 000000000 | 0000 | |
| 1/4" | M10 | 0.75 mm | Silicone Rubber | Mounting Nut | A-A-59588 | 000000000 | 0000 | |
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.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
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 |
Light Dimmers
Adjust the brightness of lights.
Toggle switches stay put in any position; move the toggle up and down to increase and decrease lighting level.
Rocker switches with slide dimmers and mini slide dimmers turn lights on and off with a separate rocker actuator to maintain a desired lighting level.
| For Bulb Type | No. of Circuits Controlled | No. of Terminals | Input Voltage | Wattage | Wire Connection Type | Choose a Color | Each | |
Rotary | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 600W | Wire Leads | White | 0000000 | 00000 |
Rotary with Wall Plate | ||||||||
| Incandescent | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 1,500W | Wire Leads | 0000000 | 000000 | |
| Incandescent | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 2,000W | Wire Leads | 0000000 | 000000 | |
Slide with Wall Plate | ||||||||
| Incandescent | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 600W | Wire Leads | White | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Incandescent | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 1,500W | Wire Leads | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Incandescent | 1 | 3 | 120V AC | 2,000W | Wire Leads | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
Toggle | ||||||||
| Incandescent | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 600W | Screw Terminals | 0000000 | 00000 | |
Rocker with Slide Dimmer | ||||||||
| Incandescent and Halogen | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 600W | Wire Leads | White | 00000000 | 00000 |
| Incandescent and Halogen | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 1,000W | Wire Leads | 0000000 | 00000 | |
Rocker with Mini Slide Dimmer | ||||||||
| Incandescent and Halogen | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 1,000W | Screw Terminals | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 1 | 2 | 120V AC | 600W/150W | Screw Terminals | White | 0000000 | 00000 |
Multi-Way Light Dimmers
Often used in large, open workspaces, these switches can be wired on opposite ends of the room to control the brightness of lights on the same circuit. They're also known as three-way switches and work in pairs to control lights from two different locations. The actuator to turn lights on and off is separate from the dimmer to maintain a desired lighting level. They fit standard wall plates (not included).
| For Bulb Type | Multi-Way Switch Type | No. of Circuits Controlled | No. of Terminals | Input Voltage | Wattage | Wire Connection Type | Color | Each | |
Rocker with Slide Dimmer | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 3 Way | 1 | 4 | 120V AC | 600W/150W | Wire Leads | White | 0000000 | 000000 |
Toggle with Mini Slide Dimmer | |||||||||
| Incandescent and Halogen or CFL and LED | 3 Way | 1 | 4 | 120V AC | 600W/150W | Screw Terminals | White | 0000000 | 00000 |
Variable-Speed Foot Switches
When the pedal is pressed, the built-in potentiometer adjusts the resistance to vary the speed for motor drives. These switches can be wired to either increase or decrease the current when actuated. All are rated NEMA 4 and 13 for protection from washdowns and oil/coolant spraying.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Mounting | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | No. of Terminals | Quick-Disconnect Tab Wd. | Conduit Trade Size | Environmental Rating | Fasteners Included | No. of Holes | Hole Dia. | Choose a Max. Resistance | Each | |
With Quick-Disconnect Terminals | ||||||||||||||
Iron Housing | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 125 V AC/250 V AC | 3 | 0.187" | 3/4 | IP56 NEMA 4 NEMA 13 | No | 3 | 0.31" | 0000000 | 0000000 | |
Iron Housing with Aluminum Guard | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 125 V AC/250 V AC | 3 | 0.187" | 3/4 | IP56 NEMA 4 NEMA 13 | No | 3 | 0.31" | 0000000 | 000000 | |
Speaker Volume Controls
Wire one of these controls between your speakers and amplifier to adjust the volume.
The control with a key lock prevents tampering.
| Power, W | No. of Sound Levels | Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Mounting Plate Material | Fasteners Included | Features | Specifications Met | Each | |
| 25 | 10 | 25V AC, 70V AC, 100V AC | 4 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 2 3/4" | Stainless Steel | Yes | Volume Knob | C-ETL Listed, ETL Listed | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 50 | 10 | 25V AC, 70V AC, 100V AC | 4 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 2 3/4" | Stainless Steel | Yes | Volume Knob | C-ETL Listed, ETL Listed | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 100 | 10 | 25V AC, 70V AC, 100V AC | 4 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 2" | Stainless Steel | Yes | Key Lock | __ | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 100 | 10 | 25V AC, 70V AC, 100V AC | 4 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 3 1/8" | Stainless Steel | Yes | Volume Knob | C-ETL Listed, ETL Listed | 00000000 | 00000 |
Varistors
Protect circuits from electrical spikes and surges. You’ll often find these varistors in surge protectors for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensors. Also known as voltage-dependent resistors (VDRs), they change their response based on the voltage. When the voltage is high, their resistance drops to route excess current away from the primary flow. But when voltage is low, their resistance increases, sending current through the primary circuit flow instead of the varistor.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Lead | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | Voltage @ 1mA Current | Maximum Voltage | Material | Lg., mm | Wire Dia., mm | Temp. Range, °F | Specifications Met | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
7 mm Dia. | ||||||||||
| 30V AC/38V DC | 42.3-51.7V DC | 93V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.69 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
10 mm Dia. | ||||||||||
| 275V AC/369V DC | 387-473V DC | 710V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 0000 |
14 mm Dia. | ||||||||||
| 30V AC/38V DC | 42.3-51.7V DC | 93V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 130V AC/175V DC | 184.5-225.5V DC | 340V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 150V AC/200V DC | 216-264V DC | 395V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 250V AC/330V DC | 351-429V DC | 650V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 275V AC/369V DC | 387-473V DC | 710V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 320V AC/420V DC | 459-561V DC | 850V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
20 mm Dia. | ||||||||||
| 14V AC/18V DC | 20.7-25.3V DC | 43V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 21V AC/27V DC | 29.7-36.3V DC | 58V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 23V AC/28V DC | 32.4-39.6V DC | 63V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 130V AC/175V DC | 184.5-225.5V DC | 340V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 130V AC/175V DC | 190-220V DC | 325V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 150V AC/200V DC | 216-243V DC | 360V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 150V AC/200V DC | 216-264V DC | 395V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 250V AC/330V DC | 351-429V DC | 650V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 275V AC/369V DC | 387-473V DC | 710V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 275V AC/369V DC | 389-453V DC | 680V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 320V AC/420V DC | 462-540V DC | 810V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 575V AC/730V DC | 819-960V DC | 1,410V AC | Copper-Plated Steel | 25 | 0.86 | -65° to 185° | MIL-STD-202, UL 94 V-0 | 20 | 0000000 | 00000 |