This potentiometer has a rotary knob to vary the resistance between 0 to 10 kΩ by simply rotating the knob. This makes it possible to generate a 0-10 Volt control signal. Such control signal can be used to remotely control fan speed or damper positions.
 
Usually, this potentiometer is connected to an external device that offers a supply voltage of 10 VDC (e.g. EC fan, AC fan speed controller, frequency inverter, etc.). By rotating the potentiometer knob (= varying the resistance value of the potentiometer), a 0-10 Volt signal can be generated. In minimum position (resistance value 0 Ω), the full applied voltage is available. In maximum position (resistance value 10 kΩ), the potentiometer output will be 0 Volt.
 
So with this potentiometer it is possible to remotely control an external device (e.g. EC fan, AC fan speed controller or frequency inverter) via a 0-10 Volt control signal if there is a 10 Volt supply voltage available.