Potentiometers (variable resistors, trimmers or trimpots) Explained and Schematic Symbol

The potentiometer is a device that increases or decreases resistance as a variable resistor. Potentiometers can also be used as a voltage divider. If the potentiometer is to be used as a variable resistor, the potentiometer is only wired using two of the leads, the wiper (usually the middle lead) and one of the other leads (depending on which direction you would like the resistance to increase or decrease). As a voltage divider, the two outer leads are aired to each pole and the center lead would be the output of the new divided voltage.