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

50468 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Light Industrial Momentary On-Off Foot Switch - Thermoplastic Case Material, SPST
  • RS stock no. 335-381
Each
R 1,131.52(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal RSS 260 Series RFID Safety Switch, 20.4 → 26.4V dc, Plastic Housing, M8
  • RS stock no. 880-1820
  • Mfr. Part No. RSS260-I2-D-ST
Each
R 3,285.89(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, On-Off On-None-On Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS stock no. 793-2563
Each
R 33.69(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Teledyne RF Switch, SPDT, SMA Female Connector, 18GHz Max, 60dB Isolation, 20ms, 50Ω Output
  • RS stock no. 885-8554
  • Mfr. Part No. CCR-33S3O-N
Each
R 3,746.04(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Cole Hersee Threaded Battery Isolator Switch -, IP67
  • RS stock no. 905-8809
  • Mfr. Part No. 75920
Each
R 1,722.39(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +90°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4723
Each
R 750.41(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO MPB16 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 16 mm Cutout, SPST, RGB LED, IP67, 36 V
  • RS stock no. 175-9387
1 Pack of 1
R 364.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-None-Off, SPDT, Screw Terminal, 28V dc
  • RS stock no. 734-6801
Each
R 44.05(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 2P Pole Surface Mount Non Fused Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 5.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 229-9380
  • Mfr. Part No. 207143 T0-1-102/I1/SVB
Each
R 1,021.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal Actuator, Plastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 198-7863
  • Mfr. Part No. BPS 33
Each
R 281.43(exc. VAT)
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 565.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB 4P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP20
  • RS stock no. 686-7275
  • Mfr. Part No. OT40F4N2 1SCA104932R1001
Each
R 767.19(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 140A Maximum Current, 37kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 212-0300
  • Mfr. Part No. VCF6GEN
Each
R 8,085.97(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Long Straight Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 16 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT
  • RS stock no. 804-6215
Each
R 92.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 4P Pole Isolator Switch - 80A Maximum Current, 30kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 282-1708
  • Mfr. Part No. KG80.T204/GBA008.*KL
Each
R 3,021.15(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lorlin BCK, 16 Position SPST Rotary Switch, 150 (50 V) mA, Solder
  • RS stock no. 655-3235
  • Mfr. Part No. BCK1002
Each
R 179.49(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
Socomec 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 80A Maximum Current, 37kW Power Rating, IP20
  • RS stock no. 781-3689
  • Mfr. Part No. 2200 3008
Each
R 1,193.94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron A22NZ Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, SPST, Green LED, IP66, 30 V 24 V
  • RS stock no. 214-7003
  • Mfr. Part No. A22NL-BGM-TGA-G102-GC
Each
R 320.94(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schmersal Isolator Module - 63A Maximum Current, IP67
  • RS stock no. 206-5804
  • Mfr. Part No. 101184919
Each
R 8,517.54(exc. VAT)
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