Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Potentiometers
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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).
IP65 rated switches are protected against washdowns.
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Shaft | ||||||||||||||
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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 | ||
B | 10 | 2 W @ 325 V AC | 7/16" | 1" | 7/8" | 1/4" | 1/2" | Plastic | Solder Lugs | 3 | IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Harsh Environment Potentiometers
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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 | ||||||||||||
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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 |
Linear Motion Potentiometers
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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 | ||||||||||||
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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
![](/prerenderstable/mvPRE/contents/gfx/imagecache/681/6817k18p1-d01c-digital@halfx_637099047652591525.png?ver=imagenotfound)
![](/prerenderstable/mvPRE/contents/gfx/imagecache/681/6817k35p1-d01c-digital@halfx_637099064697982278.png?ver=imagenotfound)
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 | ||||||||||||||
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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 |