The kind and intended use of a variable resistor—also referred to as a potentiometer or rheostat—determine how it is connected. This is a basic tutorial on connecting the two kinds of variable resistors that are most commonly used:
1、Rheostat (Two-Terminal Variable Resistor):
A rheostat has two terminals and is primarily used to control current in a circuit.
To connect a rheostat in a circuit:
Identify the two terminals of the rheostat. One terminal is usually labeled as the "wiper" or "output" terminal, while the other terminal is the "input" or "reference" terminal.
Connect one end of the circuit to the input terminal of the rheostat and the other end to the wiper terminal.
The resistance between the input and wiper terminals determines the current flow in the circuit. Adjusting the rheostat changes this resistance, thereby controlling the current.
2、Potentiometer (Three-Terminal Variable Resistor):
A potentiometer has three terminals and is commonly used to control voltage or create variable voltage dividers.
To connect a potentiometer in a circuit:
Identify the three terminals of the potentiometer. These are typically labeled as "1," "2," and "3" or "A," "B," and "C."
Connect terminal "1" or "A" to one end of the circuit and terminal "3" or "C" to the other end.
Terminal "2" or "B" is the wiper terminal. Connect this terminal to the desired point in the circuit where you want to measure or control the voltage.
By adjusting the potentiometer, you can change the resistance between terminal "1" and terminal "2," thereby adjusting the voltage at terminal "2."
For precise directions on connecting variable resistors, always consult the datasheet or manufacturer's instructions as various types and models may have somewhat different designs. To make sure the variable resistor can safely handle the required application, take into account its power rating as well as its maximum current or voltage parameters.
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