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