Rotary Switches & Components

Rotary switches are a broad subcategory of switch types that operate through a rotational action. They’re especially widespread components in devices and circuits that require a single switch to offer more than two positions or functions.

Our rotary switches and accessories include a huge selection of switch configurations, as well as numerous options for add-ons and spares, such as:

  • Rotary switch dials, knobs, caps and collet knob dials
  • Rotary switch shaft assemblies and spindles
  • Rotary switch lock mechanisms, screens and spacers
  • Rotary switch rotating open circuits

Leading brands we work with to source high quality, durable, excellent value rotary switches and component parts include Arcol, Knitter-Switch, Honeywell, NSF, Vishay, RS PRO, Hartmann, NKK Switches and TE Connectivity.

How are rotary switches typically used?

Rotary switches are common HMI (human-machine interface) components in numerous kinds of industrial equipment, as well as in a wide range of consumer appliances.

They’re sometimes preferred over other control input methods, such as touch-screens, in applications where software error could be problematic or hazardous. They’re also widely used on mechanical equipment featuring complex circuits where a single switch position needs to open/close various combinations of different contacts at once.

How do rotary switches work?

  • Rotary switches turn around a spindle connected to a shaft assembly. This spindle, or rotor, is positioned such that it can make contact with any number of different attached electrical circuits as the rotary switch turns.
  • In this way, rotary switches are capable of incorporating greater numbers of poles and throws than most other types of simple in-line switches
  • Rotary switches are usually designed to be stepped, rather than completely smooth or linear in operation, to prevent stalling at intermediate stages between two or more connected circuits - although several such dial-based variants are also available.
  • The most common assembly type for modern rotary switches involves a ‘star wheel’ mechanism to switch positions at set intervals (say, 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees)
  • Depending on the number of positions required, some rotary switches also employ a toothed washer below the holding nut, to limit or increase the number of available slots a given switch can click between

3738 Products showing for Rotary Switches & Components

1 of 187
  • RS Stock No. 208-3908
Each
£29.33
  • RS Stock No. 103-8423
  • Mfr. Part No. 029353 T0-3-8212/E
Each
£29.19
  • RS Stock No. 350-0834
  • Mfr. Part No. S0E.T160*GBA002
Each
£4.06
  • RS Stock No. 208-3910
Each
£27.30
  • RS Stock No. 350-0840
  • Mfr. Part No. S0E.T161*GBA002
Each
£4.68
  • RS Stock No. 208-3926
Each
£19.47
  • RS Stock No. 103-8436
  • Mfr. Part No. 050716 T0-2-8241/E
Each
£27.22
  • RS Stock No. 265-7671
Each
£21.37
  • RS Stock No. 208-3929
Each
£28.82
  • RS Stock No. 758-579
  • Mfr. Part No. CA20.A211/GBA001.E
Each
£28.86
  • RS Stock No. 340-235
  • Mfr. Part No. CG4.A291/GBA121.EF
Each
£12.98
  • RS Stock No. 265-7672
Each
£28.91
  • RS Stock No. 208-3923
Each
£37.89
  • RS Stock No. 340-308
  • Mfr. Part No. CG4.A212/GBA128.EF
Each
£22.70
  • RS Stock No. 323-628
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A221/GBA001.*FT
Each
£11.76
  • RS Stock No. 103-8408
  • Mfr. Part No. 012750 T0-2-8231/E
Each
£28.93
  • RS Stock No. 208-3913
Each
£24.59
  • RS Stock No. 327-822
  • Mfr. Part No. 454479/2/MK
Each
£21.77
  • RS Stock No. 758-614
  • Mfr. Part No. CA20.A213/GBA001.E
Each
£40.09
  • RS Stock No. 208-3901
Each
£24.95
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