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

54861 Products showing for Switches

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In Stock
Schneider Electric Marking Accessory for Use with Harmony XB4, Harmony XB5
  • RS stock no. 220-5310
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBY4H101
Subtotal (1 pack of 10 units)
R 519,12(exc. VAT)
R 51,912/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 24V dc, 2 PNP, 8-Pin Micro M12
  • RS stock no. 751-1009
  • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z30UPT
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 323,81(exc. VAT)
R 1 323,81/unit
In Stock
APEM Red Tactile Switch Button, 3.8 mm, SPST 50mA 12 V dc, PCB
  • RS stock no. 378-6511
  • Mfr. Part No. DTS644RV
Subtotal (1 pack of 20 units)
R 85,12(exc. VAT)
R 4,256/unit
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, On-Off On-None-On Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS stock no. 419-744
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
R 70,73(exc. VAT)
R 14,146/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Rocker Switch Cover for use with A8 Series, A1 Series
  • RS stock no. 793-2474
Subtotal (1 pack of 2 units)
R 16,77(exc. VAT)
R 8,385/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Black Spring Return Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP69K, IP67, IP66
  • RS stock no. 609-2156
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA335
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 215,15(exc. VAT)
R 215,15/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Proximity Switch 400V ac, 0.5A
  • RS stock no. 339-746
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 362,34(exc. VAT)
R 362,34/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series White Spring Return Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP66, IP69K, IP67
  • RS stock no. 609-2140
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA334
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 209,79(exc. VAT)
R 209,79/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric 4-Axis Joystick Lever Spring Return, IP66, 600 V ac, 220mA
  • RS stock no. 609-9876
  • Mfr. Part No. XD4PA24
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 996,00(exc. VAT)
R 2 996,00/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 96,00(exc. VAT)
R 96,00/unit
In Stock
Eaton for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series 500 V ac, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 399-3618
  • Mfr. Part No. 216384 M22-CK10
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 167,88(exc. VAT)
R 167,88/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22 mm Cutout, Black Handle, IP69, IP67, IP66
  • RS stock no. 330-9192
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BJ2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 367,54(exc. VAT)
R 367,54/unit
In Stock
RAFI 1.01 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 18.2 mm Cutout, 1 NO/1 NC, IP40, IP65 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 271-9069
  • Mfr. Part No. 1.01.102.011/0104
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 269,93(exc. VAT)
R 269,93/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, IP69K, IP67, IP66
  • RS stock no. 426-2808
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AS844
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 457,00(exc. VAT)
R 457,00/unit
In Stock
Grayhill Rotary Switch Knob for use with Rotary Switch, Encoders
  • RS stock no. 878-0243
  • Mfr. Part No. 11K5013-KMNB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 150,46(exc. VAT)
R 150,46/unit
In Stock
Eaton for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series 500 V ac, 1 NC
  • RS stock no. 399-3595
  • Mfr. Part No. 216385 M22-CK01
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 158,94(exc. VAT)
R 158,94/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, Closes at 50 °C, 330 °C Max, Automatic Reset, SPDT, 16 A, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4729
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 767,54(exc. VAT)
R 767,54/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Siemens 4-Axis Joystick Round Momentary, 10A
  • RS stock no. 173-6767
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-7AF10-1QA0
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 931,50(exc. VAT)
R 1 931,50/unit
In Stock
Schmersal AZM 161 Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock
  • RS stock no. 617-5065
  • Mfr. Part No. AZM 161SK-12/12RK-024
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 7 042,10(exc. VAT)
R 7 042,10/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 4 Position 45 °, Knob Actuator 16 A
  • RS stock no. 265-7671
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 553,78(exc. VAT)
R 553,78/unit
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
In this complete guide we look at what DIP switches are, how they work, as well as the different types available on the market.
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