Rotary Switches (7698)

A rotary switch is an electromechanical device that allows users to control a circuit by turning a knob or shaft through a series of positions. Each position corresponds to a different circuit path, making rotary switches ideal for applications that require multiple selection options from a single control point. The internal contacts rotate with the knob, connecting different poles (input terminals) to one or more throws (output terminals), depending on the switch's configuration. Options like single-pole, two-pole, or even multi-deck designs offer flexibility in complex systems.Rotary switches are commonly found in electronic equipment, control panels, instrumentation, and industrial machinery, as well as in consumer devices like car dashboards where a rotary switch might control lighting or air flow. A two-pole rotary switch, for example, allows two separate circuits to be switched simultaneously, ideal for audio, test, or telecom applications. Compared to a rotary encoder or a selector switch, rotary switches typically offer a more tactile, mechanical detent-based selection method. Unlike a DIP switch, which is set using small levers or slides, a rotary switch is adjusted by turning, which can be more user-friendly in low-visibility or gloved-use situations.