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    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

    50270 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A
    • RS stock no. 125-8464
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2145G11
    Each
    R 618,80
    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 2 345,04
    RS PRO Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 902-6865
    Each
    R 411,43
    RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch
    • RS stock no. 185-8229
    Each
    R 78,67
    RS PRO Contact Block, 500V, 1NO
    • RS stock no. 205-2382
    Each
    R 65,76
    Telemecanique Sensors ZCMD Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 1.5A Max
    • RS stock no. 447-3806
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCMD21
    Each
    R 1 041,18
    Lovato Platinum 22mm Series Contact Block, 690V, 1NC
    • RS stock no. 790-3408
    • Mfr. Part No. LPXC01
    Each
    R 114,55
    Lovato Base for use with 22 mm Push Button Switch, LPXAU120
    • RS stock no. 790-3533
    • Mfr. Part No. LPXAU120
    Each
    R 52,07
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 1.5A Max
    • RS stock no. 447-3575
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCP21
    Each
    R 354,44
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 2NC, IP66,
    • RS stock no. 122-2311
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8444
    Each
    R 982,39
    Schmersal Standard Actuator for Use with AZ 15 Safety Switch
    • RS stock no. 623-3234
    • Mfr. Part No. AZ 15/16-B1
    Each
    R 239,17
    Lovato Platinum 22mm Series Contact Block, 690V, 1NO
    • RS stock no. 790-3417
    • Mfr. Part No. LPXC10
    Each
    R 114,55
    Telemecanique Sensors Non-Contact Safety Switch
    • RS stock no. 198-706
    • Mfr. Part No. XCSZP1
    Each
    R 732,70
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A
    • RS stock no. 447-3452
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKP2145P16
    Each
    R 892,79
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series RFID Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 10m Cable
    • RS stock no. 428-247
    • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z21SS2BN
    Each
    R 4 183,11
    Lorlin, 6 Position DPST Rotary Switch, 150 mA @ 250 V ac, Through Hole
    • RS stock no. 665-196
    • Mfr. Part No. CK1050
    Each
    R 73,68
    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 3 105,11
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
    • RS stock no. 360-8528
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKE05
    Each
    R 804,18
    ZF SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 706-4360
    • Mfr. Part No. RRA22H3EBBNN
    Each
    R 31,00
    RS PRO Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, DPDT, IP65
    • RS stock no. 745-2442
    Each
    R 529,71
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    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.
    Read more
    Article image
    Touch Switches Guide
    In this complete guide, we look at what touch switches are, how they work and the different types available on the market.
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