What distinguishes a rotary switch from other types of switches?

A rotary switch is specifically designed to select among multiple circuits, which is the primary characteristic that distinguishes it from other types of switches. Unlike a simple on-off switch that only makes or breaks a single circuit, a rotary switch allows the user to rotate its knob or lever to engage different connections, enabling it to connect multiple circuits depending on its position. This functionality makes it ideal for applications where a single device needs to control various settings or channels, such as in audio equipment or industrial controls.

Other types of switches, such as push-button switches or toggle switches, have distinct operational mechanisms and are typically limited in their capacity to select between different circuits. A push-button switch usually controls only one circuit at a time, while a toggle switch operates with a pivoting movement to connect or disconnect a single circuit. Furthermore, the mention of using a spring to hold contacts open is not characteristic of rotary switches, as they are designed to maintain connections or switch between multiple contacts through rotational movement rather than relying on a spring mechanism for contact retention.