Switches with integrated overcurrent protection elements are described. The overcurrent protection elements can include a bimetallic structure which is configured to move between a first shape and a second shape in response to heating. The overcurrent protection element can be rotationally coupled to a rotary knob in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the overcurrent protection element can be fixed, and the rotary knob can be connected to one or more rotatable conductive structures within the rotary switch.

A switching mechanism for an electrical switch assembly has a rotary switch mounted on a printed circuit board. The rotary switch includes a contact block having a plurality of conductive contact faces arranged in the general shape of a polygon and adapted to roll from one contact face to another as the rotary switch is turned. There is a manually rotatable knob for turning the rotary switch. The knob is mounted on a surface spaced apart from the printed circuit board. A rotatable shaft assembly operatively connects the rotatable knob with the rotary switch so as to allow simultaneous and coordinated turning of the rotary switch when the knob is manually rotated. There is a plurality of conductive terminal contacts mounted on the printed circuit board and upon which the contact block rolls. Each conductive terminal contact is part of a circuit for a separate current flow pathway. Rolling of the contact block on its contact faces selectively opens a circuit and closes an adjacent circuit to allow electricity to flow along a desired current flow pathway.

A switching mechanism for an electrical switch assembly has a rotary switch mounted on a printed circuit board. The rotary switch includes a contact block having a plurality of conductive contact faces arranged in the general shape of a polygon and adapted to roll from one contact face to another as the rotary switch is turned. There is a manually rotatable knob for turning the rotary switch. The knob is mounted on a surface spaced apart from the printed circuit board. A rotatable shaft assembly operatively connects the rotatable knob with the rotary switch so as to allow simultaneous and coordinated turning of the rotary switch when the knob is manually rotated. There is a plurality of conductive terminal contacts mounted on the printed circuit board and upon which the contact block rolls. Each conductive terminal contact is part of a circuit for a separate current flow pathway. Rolling of the contact block on its contact faces selectively opens a circuit and closes an adjacent circuit to allow electricity to flow along a desired current flow pathway.

Switches with integrated overcurrent protection elements are described. The overcurrent protection elements can include a bimetallic structure which is configured to move between a first shape and a second shape in response to heating. The overcurrent protection element can be rotationally coupled to a rotary knob in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the overcurrent protection element can be fixed, and the rotary knob can be connected to one or more rotatable conductive structures within the rotary switch.