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
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
SICK RE13 Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 30V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NO, M8
  • RS stock no. 797-4854
  • Mfr. Part No. RE13-SAC
Each
R 1,329.29(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Schmersal RSS 36 Series RFID Safety Switch, 20.4 → 26.4V dc, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, M12
  • RS stock no. 880-1750
  • Mfr. Part No. RSS 36-I2-D-ST
Each
R 3,540.22(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal BNS33 Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, NO/NC, Cable
  • RS stock no. 623-3133
  • Mfr. Part No. BNS 33-11ZG-2M
Each
R 1,343.81(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal BNS33 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, 100V ac/dc, Plastic Housing, NO/NC, Cable
  • RS stock no. 623-3149
  • Mfr. Part No. BNS 33-11Z-2M
Each
R 1,280.21(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
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
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 BNS33 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NO/NC, Cable
  • RS stock no. 623-3177
  • Mfr. Part No. BNS 33-12ZG-2187-2M
Each
R 1,840.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series RFID Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, M12
  • RS stock no. 215-794
  • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z21S16H
Each
R 3,019.87(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
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, SPDT, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 734-7062
Each
R 25.87(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCS-DMP Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NC, Cable
  • RS stock no. 422-5095
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSDMP7002
Each
R 2,284.95(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
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
Schmersal EX-AZ16 Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, NO/NC, M16
  • RS stock no. 283-8235
  • Mfr. Part No. EX-AZ16-12ZVRK-M16-3D
Each
R 2,202.08(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
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series RFID Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NC, Micro M12
  • RS stock no. 428-253
  • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z21SS2HN
Each
R 3,490.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Rotary Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 600V ac ac Max, 1.2A Max
  • RS stock no. 269-5422
Each
R 3,264.59(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal Actuator, Plastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 880-1836
  • Mfr. Part No. RST260-1
Each
R 498.75(exc. VAT)
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