Red Seal Electrician Practice
Wiring and componentsQuestion 675 of 1506

A technician needs an adjustable voltage that is lower than the supply voltage. How is a potentiometer connected to give it?

  1. Only the two outer terminals in series with the load, wiper left open
  2. Ends across supply; output from wiper and one end
  3. All three terminals tied together and connected to the load
  4. Wiper and one end across the supply; output from the two ends
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Correct answer: Ends across supply; output from wiper and one end

The pot works as a variable voltage divider when the full supply is across its track and the output is taken at the wiper.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 6.1: Voltage Divider Circuits

Practice wiring and components

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026