Abstract: An improved rotary switch (e.g. a double pole double break switch) includes first and second poles (2, 4). Each pole including a rotatable bridging member (24) and a pair of fixed busbars (6a, 6b; 8a, 8b). Each busbar has at least one primary contact (14) and may also include a contact arm (12) with an arcing contact (28). The rotary switch is adapted such that the direction of current flow through the first pole (2) is opposite to the direction of current flow through the second pole (4). In this way, arcs established in the first pole (2) are deflected away from arcs established in the second pole (4).