potentionmeter/ rheostat

Date 04-02-2009 03:28

I don't see why not, many years ago they were all wire wound, the low wattage ones just had finer wire. Just mind the watt rating.

By TRC

Date 04-02-2009 09:27

the pot has 3 wires and the reo has 2- why? the current in this application is .003 amps

By DaveBoyer (*****)

Date 04-03-2009 02:34

A pot or rheostat can have 2 or 3 wires, each end of the resistance element and the wiper. If there are only 2 wires it is one end of the resistive element and the wiper. The only real difference is that an old fashioned rheostat has a wire wound element, and a more modern pot has a carbon element.

By TRC

Date 04-03-2009 09:18

someone told me to bridge the center post to either one of the outer post and that it will do the same thing as a two wire rheostat would do, is that correct?

By DaveBoyer (*****)

Date 04-04-2009 02:36

Yes, check with an ohm meter to see which posts to use. One will increase resistance when turned clockwise, the other will decrease when turned clockwise, choose what suits Your aplication.