Here is a silly question...

I am having difficulty choosing/finding a rotary switch for my project. I know nothing about rotary switch terminology... Maybe someone could explain to me what exactly I should be looking for?

Here is what I need.
1) It needs to have a minimum of 3-4 positions.
2) Each position needs to change two seperate connections simultaniously.
3) It must be rated for 5A or better.

Would this be a 2 pole/3-4 way switch?

Maybe someone could explain the difference between pols, positions, and decks?

Any help will be greatly appriciated.

 

2 pole 4 position rotary 5a

$4.11us
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=CKN10134-ND

 

Poles are the number of pins switched at once,
positions are the number of selections you can make with the knob
and decks are actually layers of poles. If you wanted 36 wires to switch in 12 positions 3 poles,
you could use 3 deck 12 position 3 pole.

 

thank you retched

 

Look up: make before break and break before make, it can make a difference. On can produce a short, the other an open.