Choosing an Electrical Switch
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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 | Resolution | 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 | 33% | 1 W @ 224 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 000000 | |
| B | 10 | 10% | 2 W @ 325 V AC | 7/16" | 1" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP65 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| B | 10 | 10% | 2 W @ 447 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| B | 10 | 10% | 2 W @ 450 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| B | 5 | 20% | 1.5 W @ 273 V AC | 7/16" | 3/4" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| C | 1 | 100% | 1 W @ 300 V AC | 7/16" | 7/16" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| D | 10 | 10% | 5 W @ 1,000 V AC | 7/16" | 1 3/4" | 1 13/16" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | IP40 | 0000000 | 000000 | |
Shaft | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Turns | Resolution | Wattage | For Panel Cutout Dia. | Dp. Behind Panel | Dia. | Dia. | Lg. | Housing Material | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Choose a Max. Resistance, kilohms | Each | ||
| E | 1 | 100% | 1 W @ 300 V AC | __ | 5/8" | 7/8" | 1/8" | 7/16" | Metal | Tab Terminals | 3 | 0000000 | 0000000 | |
| F | 1 | 100% | 2 W @ 350 V AC | 7/16" | 5/8" | 2" | 1/4" | 3/8" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | 0000000 | 000000 | |
Switching | Shaft | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Turns | Resolution | Wattage | Current | Voltage | 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 | ||
| G | 1 | 100% | 0.125 W @ 350 V AC | 1.5A | 12V DC | 3/16" | 1/4" | 7/16" | 1/8" | 5/16" | Metal | Tab Terminals | 5 | IP40 | 000000 | 000000 | |
Precision Potentiometers
Control a device with 10 times the precision as our standard potentiometers. With a resolution of 0.1% or less, these potentiometers fine-tune an electrical flow, so you get the exact brightness, loudness, or speed you need. For example, use them to control the speed of a conveyor so packages move at just the right pace for labeling. Unlike standard potentiometers, confirm your settings on the display. Also known as variable output switches.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Potentiometers | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
For Panel Cutout | Covers | ||||||||||||
| Wattage | No. of Digits | Resolution | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. Behind Panel | Housing Material | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Choose a Max. Resistance, kilohms | Each | Each | ||
| 2 W @ 500 V AC | 3 | 0.1% | 13/16" | 1 7/16" | 1 3/8" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 000000 | |
| 2 W @ 500 V AC | 4 | 0.01% | 13/16" | 1 13/16" | 1 3/8" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | 00000000 | 00000 | 000000 | 00 | |
| Wattage | No. of Digits | Resolution | No. of Turns | For Panel Cutout Dia. | Dp. Behind Panel | Dia. | Housing Material | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Choose a Max. Resistance, kilohms | Each | |
| 1.5 W @ 385 V AC | 3 | 0.1% | 10 | 1" | 5/8" | 1 1/4" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | 0000000 | 0000000 | |
| 1.5 W @ 385 V AC | 3 | 0.1% | 10 | 10mm | 1/2" | 7/8" | Plastic | Tab Terminals | 3 | 00000000 | 000000 |
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 | Resolution | 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 | 10% | 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 | 10% | 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 | 5% | 1 1/8" | Plastic | Screw Terminals | NEMA 6, NEMA 13, IP65 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CSA Certified, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 | |
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 |
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 | |
Turn-Counting Indicating Knobs
For monitoring the number of shaft turns on instrumentation, these knobs have easy-to-read scales or digits for quick and accurate readings. Use them on devices with round shafts. To secure these knobs in place, tighten the set screw.
Plastic knobs are a lightweight alternative to metal. They resist oil, grease, and solvents.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Indicating Knobs
Control devices with round or D-shaped shafts and view settings at a glance with a pointer.
Knobs for round shafts include a set screw to secure them in place.
Aluminum knobs have mild corrosion resistance, are lightweight, and are nonmagnetic.
Head | Hole | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dia. | Ht. | Dia. | Dp. | Set Screw Included | Each | |
Style 8—Single Arm Grip | ||||||
Black Anodized Aluminum—For Round Shafts | ||||||
| 1/2" | 1" | 1/8" | 1/2" | Yes | 000000 | 000000 |