Abstract: An electrical device that includes a variable resistor and a switch mechanism. The variable resistor has a control element disposed to be moved linearly to change the electrical resistance of the device according to the position of the control element. A switch is positioned adjacent the variable resistor and the switch includes a movable contact holder having a first electrical contact mounted thereon. A second electrical contact is positioned in the switch such that movement of the contact holder selectively brings the first electrical contact into contact with the second electrical contact. An actuator moves the movable contact holder when the control element is at one extremity of a linear movement.