Login / Register to access your benefits
Recently searched

    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

    49991 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    • RS stock no. 205-2382
    Each
    R 65,76
    • RS stock no. 902-6865
    Each
    R 411,43
    • RS stock no. 185-8229
    Each
    R 78,67
    • RS stock no. 293-7162
    • Mfr. Part No. C26.A271/GBA001.E
    Each
    R 2 015,44
    • RS stock no. 860-9532
    Each
    R 724,47
    • RS stock no. 824-4914
    • Mfr. Part No. 506405
    Each
    R 1 324,11
    • RS stock no. 466-148
    Each
    R 477,32
    • RS stock no. 193-6001
    • Mfr. Part No. KG64.T203/GBA016.E
    Each
    R 993,96
    • RS stock no. 269-5421
    Each
    R 9 093,46
    • RS stock no. 422-5095
    • Mfr. Part No. XCSDMP7002
    Each
    R 2 345,04
    • RS stock no. 733-4723
    Each
    R 785,09
    • RS stock no. 745-2442
    Each
    R 529,71
    • RS stock no. 733-5653
    Each
    R 2 765,61
    Better World
    • RS stock no. 122-2311
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8444
    Each
    R 982,39
    • RS stock no. 880-1826
    • Mfr. Part No. RSS260-D-ST
    Each
    R 3 675,35
    • RS stock no. 215-794
    • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z21S16H
    Each
    R 3 105,11
    • RS stock no. 773-8018
    Each
    R 1 533,06
    • RS stock no. 179-7567
    Each
    R 544,98
    • RS stock no. 734-6704
    Each
    R 60,23
    Better World
    • RS stock no. 425-8449
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8445
    Each
    R 1 030,70
    Results per page