Rotary Switches

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	503267-1-03N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY SP3T	0
	42M36-02-1-05N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 85 DEG;C, 36 DEG 2	0
	51P30-01-1-04N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 4POS 150MA 115V	0
	50AT36-01-1-06S Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 6POS 150MA 115V	0
	44A45-06-2-04N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 4POS 5A 115V	0
	51KS30-01-1-05N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 5POS 150MA 115V	0
	09M30-03-2-06N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 30 DEG 3 DECK, 2 P	0
	44UM45-03-1-08S Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 85 DEG;C, UL, 45 D	0
	51CT30-01-3-03N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY MILITARY W/O PANEL	0
	44MBGS30-06B06S Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 85 DEG;C, GRND SHA	0
	51KSP30-01-1-07N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 7POS 150MA 115V	0
	50CT36-01-1-03N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY MILITARY W/O PANEL	0
	42M36-02-1-03N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 85 DEG;C, 36 DEG 2	0
	44A30-12-1-12N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 12POS 1A 115V	0
	09A60-06-1-05N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 5POS 250MA 115V	0
	443461-2-05N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY DP5T	0
	71BD36-04-2-AJS Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 2-5POS 250MA 115V	0
	42HS36-01-2-05S Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY 125 DEG;C, SHAFT/P	0
	71MB30-04-3-02N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY	0
	50CPT36-01B02N Grayhill, Inc.	SWITCH ROTARY MILITARY W/O PANEL	0

Rotary Switches

1. Overview

Rotary switches are electromechanical devices that use a rotating shaft to open or close electrical circuits. They enable multi-position switching through a circular arrangement of contacts. Widely used in industrial control systems, consumer electronics, and specialized equipment, these switches provide reliable manual control for complex operations. Their importance lies in offering precise configuration options in compact forms while maintaining robust electrical performance.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Single-Pole Multi-Throw (SPMT)	Controls one circuit with multiple output paths	Test equipment band selection
Multi-Pole Multi-Throw (MPMT)	Simultaneously controls multiple circuits with synchronized switching	Industrial machinery mode control
Pre-set Rotary Switches	Memory function with detent positioning	Audio equipment frequency tuning
Detent-Type Switches	Click-position feedback for precise alignment	Appliance timer controls
Illuminated Rotary Switches	Integrated LED indicators for position visualization	Medical device parameter selection

3. Structure and Components

Typical rotary switch construction includes:

Rotary shaft with precision indexing mechanism
Conductive contact segments (usually copper alloy)
Insulating substrate (phenolic resin or ceramic)
Protective housing (metal or high-temperature plastic)
Detent system for position stabilization

Advanced models incorporate EMI shielding, anti-corrosion plating, and sealed enclosures for harsh environments.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Current Rating	0.1-10A	Determines load handling capacity
Voltage Rating	12-600VAC/DC	Defines circuit compatibility
Contact Resistance	5-50m	Impacts signal integrity
Insulation Resistance	>100M	Ensures electrical safety
Mechanical Life	10,000-100,000 cycles	Dictates maintenance intervals
Protection Rating	IP00-IP67	Environmental durability indicator
Rotation Angle	30 -360	Determines position count

5. Application Fields

Industrial automation (PLC control panels)
Consumer electronics (audio mixer controls)
Medical equipment (diagnostic device settings)
Automotive systems (HVAC control switches)
Aerospace (cockpit instrumentation selectors)

Example: In CNC machines, 4-pole rotary switches enable tool selection while maintaining electrical isolation between high-power and control circuits.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Country	Representative Product
OMRON	Japan	A6S Series heavy-duty switches
TE Connectivity	USA	ET Series sealed industrial switches
Eaton	USA	HS4 Series high-voltage switches
Nidec	Japan	EM-TSW precision audio switches
C&K Components	USA	7211 Series illuminated switches

7. Selection Recommendations

Define circuit requirements (voltage/current/load type)
Calculate required positions and pole configuration
Evaluate environmental factors (temperature/humidity/vibration)
Consider actuator type (knob size, locking mechanism)
Verify compliance with industry standards (UL/CSA/IEC)
Assess maintenance accessibility requirements

8. Industry Trends

Current development directions include:

Miniaturization with enhanced current capacity (down to 6mm mounting centers)
Integration with digital position sensors
Increased use of noble metal contacts for low-voltage applications
Development of RoHS-compliant actuator materials
Growing demand for panel-mount switches in IoT control systems