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

49101 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, 3PDT, Solder Lug Terminal, 20V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 692-5205
  • Mfr. Part No. 5656CDB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 342,94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Light Block, 24V, White Light
  • RS stock no. 610-2815
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVB1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 216,40(exc. VAT)
In Stock
CH Products 1-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Hall Effect, IP67 5V
  • RS stock no. 765-1166
  • Mfr. Part No. BD140A01BK0549
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 012,38(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout Green, SPST, IP65
  • RS stock no. 145-0607
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 151,08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPST) 22 mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 330-8672
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD21
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 582,14(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, DPST, Tab Terminal
  • RS stock no. 266-1534
  • Mfr. Part No. 641H/2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 254,92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 111-7858
  • Mfr. Part No. GAZ032
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 881,50(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPST) 22 mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 123-8139
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD41
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 524,42(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Medium Duty Momentary Foot Switch - Aluminium Case Material, SP-CO, 16 A @ 250 V ac Contact Current, 250V
  • RS stock no. 116-811
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 13 788,25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 763-7918
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 93,63(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Pilz 502221 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, 24V dc, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, 1NC/1NO, M8
  • RS stock no. 340-280
  • Mfr. Part No. 502221
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 517,79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +90°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4723
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 750,41(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Schneider Electric Mounting Bracket, A9A15151
  • RS stock no. 776-2708
  • Mfr. Part No. A9A15151
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 108,20(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, SPDT, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 394-471
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 141,67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
C & K Through Hole Slide Switch SPDT On-On 1 A Polyoxymethylene
  • RS stock no. 257-0670
  • Mfr. Part No. OS102011MA1QN1C
Subtotal (1 tape of 5 units)
R 69,21(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Solder Terminal, 125V
  • RS stock no. 745-5624
  • Mfr. Part No. 4-6437630-2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 451,23(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, SPDT, Zinc Alloy Housing, 600V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 235-953
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10541
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 173,79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440G-T Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Lock, 24V ac/dc, Actuator Included
  • RS stock no. 792-3109
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-T27255
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 6 152,85(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lorlin CK, 3 Position 4PST Rotary Switch, 150 mA, Solder Tab
  • RS stock no. 320-708
  • Mfr. Part No. CK1032
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 73,45(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCSDMP Series Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 3NC/NO
  • RS stock no. 133-0072
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSDMP7005
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 635,24(exc. VAT)
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