TE Connectivity
Rotary Switches
A rotary switch moves in a circle and is often used when more than two positions are needed, such as in a three-speed fan or a CB radio that has multiple channels. A rotary switch is used to control many circuits with a single switch and can be designed to have many contacts happening at once on a single switch position. A rotary switch has a rotating spindle, with the rotors located on a spindle and each rotor having an arm projected outward that can make contact with a terminal when the switch is in a particular position. A detent mechanism puts the rotary switch in the proper position, making it “click” into place and stay there until enough force is used to move it, preventing the switch from moving freely and setting in the wrong position. We offer a wide range of rotary switches with multiple actuator styles and shapes. Our switches come preprogrammed or standard for the ease of installation. We offer sealed or unsealed switches to address the customer’s application needs. TE’s portfolio also includes surface mount or through hole mounted rotary switches. Rotary switches have become less popular with the advent of digital equipment like touchscreens that control complex switching operations, but mechanical rotary switches are still used, especially in equipment where a computer fail could cause a safety issue. Rotary switches are used on many types of industrial equipment and consumer products.
