Switches

Switches are commonly used in electronic circuits. They enable control of the circuit by switching it on/off or controlling a range of other features.

How do they work?

Electronic switches are binary devices which sit within a circuit to control the flow of electricity. They work by interrupting the flow of electrons and switching the circuit on or off.

Switches contain terminals which connect to metal contacts. When the terminal and contact are touching, the switch is closed and the current can pass through. When the terminal and contact are not touching, the switch is open and the current cannot pass through the circuit.

What are Poles Throws?

The number of circuits controlled by a switch is referred to as "poles". The number of positions that the switch can adopt is called "throws". The combinations of these are:

  • SPST (Single Pole Single Throw)
  • SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw)
  • DPST (Double Pole Single Throw)
  • DPST (Double Pole Double Throw)

What types of switches are there?

The type of switch you require depends on the connections you wish to make within your circuit. Switches are often grouped by the way they are operated, for example, rocker switches that rock side to side. Alternatively, they are classified by their application, for example, keypad switches are used with keypads. Here are some examples of switch types:

  • Detector
  • DIP/SIP
  • Foot
  • Hall Effect
  • Joystick
  • Key
  • Keyboard/Keypad
  • Piezo
  • Microswitches
  • Rotary
  • Push Button
  • Toggle
Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches
Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches
DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches
DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches
Domestic Installation Switches
Domestic Installation Switches
Foot Switches & Components
Foot Switches & Components
Joysticks & Components
Joysticks & Components
Key Switches & Selector Switches
Key Switches & Selector Switches
Keyboard & Keypad Switches
Keyboard & Keypad Switches
Limit & Position Switches
Limit & Position Switches
Micro Switches & Detector Switches
Micro Switches & Detector Switches
Push Button Switches & Components
Push Button Switches & Components
Rocker Switches & Components
Rocker Switches & Components
Rope Pull Switches & Components
Rope Pull Switches & Components
Rotary Switches & Components
Rotary Switches & Components
Safety Enabling & Control Switches
Safety Enabling & Control Switches
Safety Interlock Switches & Components
Safety Interlock Switches & Components
Switch Disconnectors & Components
Switch Disconnectors & Components
Toggle Switches & Slide Switches
Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

50625 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 902-6896
Each
R 580.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
Each
R 131.85(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, 600V, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 330-8638
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA31
Each
R 362.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal Actuator, Plastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 198-7863
  • Mfr. Part No. BPS 33
Each
R 289.17(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO SPST Through Hole Reed Switch, 1.5A 30V dc
  • RS stock no. 265-2275
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 67.02(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, SPDT, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 244-749
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10513H29
Each
R 1,787.84(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 180-9497
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-1HB20-1CF0
Each
R 934.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Each
R 131.85(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens Switch Disconnector Shaft, 8UC6 Series for Use with Shaft 10 mm
  • RS stock no. 213-1410
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC6013
Each
R 1,291.31(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 860-9529
Each
R 645.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Black Rotary Handle, ComPacT NSXm Series
  • RS stock no. 254-6377
  • Mfr. Part No. LV429338T
Each
R 3,897.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Cylindrical Reed Switch, NO, 160Vac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 268-4848
Each
R 86.09(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 874-2210
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-1AA10-1BA0
Each
R 169.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Light Industrial Momentary On-Off Foot Switch - Thermoplastic Case Material, SPST
  • RS stock no. 335-381
Each
R 1,161.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, 1 NO, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 248-9135
Each
R 183.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +90°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4723
Each
R 770.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Rectangular Proximity Switch, NO, 160Vac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 268-4853
Each
R 91.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, SPST, Solder Terminal, 28V dc
  • RS stock no. 734-7154
Each
R 64.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 25 A, SPST
  • RS stock no. 842-1783
  • Mfr. Part No. V7-1Z29E9
Each
R 140.47(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKN Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 125-8464
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2145G11
Each
R 619.39(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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