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

38281 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO RSE Series Light Block, 24V ac/dc, Yellow Light
  • RS stock no. 188-1183
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 130,40(exc. VAT)
R 130,40/unit
In Stock
Schmersal RSS 36 Series RFID Non-Contact Safety Switch, Fibreglass Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, 26.4V dc, 2 PNP,
  • RS stock no. 880-1747
  • Mfr. Part No. RSS 36-D-R-ST
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 5 314,56(exc. VAT)
R 5 314,56/unit
In Stock
EICHOFF
  • RS stock no. 435-5679
  • Mfr. Part No. 3251-20-01/67
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 670,42(exc. VAT)
R 670,42/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 3-Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch -, IP65, 40A, 15 kW
  • RS stock no. 466-188
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 900,49(exc. VAT)
R 900,49/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Safety Interlock Switch, Plastic
  • RS stock no. 179-7564
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 731,85(exc. VAT)
R 731,85/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-Off, SPST, Solder Terminal, 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 206-6972
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 139,60(exc. VAT)
R 139,60/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, 1 NC, IP67, IP66,
  • RS stock no. 795-1306
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8442
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 791,06(exc. VAT)
R 791,06/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Amber Pilot Light Head, 22.5 mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 188-1207
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 50,35(exc. VAT)
R 50,35/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 230 V ac, 1 NC
  • RS stock no. 188-1169
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 47,19(exc. VAT)
R 47,19/unit
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, DP, IP65, Plastic Housing, 240V ac, 10A
  • RS stock no. 125-8464
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2145G11
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 674,56(exc. VAT)
R 674,56/unit
In Stock
Omron Button Subminiature Micro Switch, Through Hole Terminal, 1mA, 6 V dc, SPST, IP40
  • RS stock no. 277-8694
  • Mfr. Part No. D2FC-F-7N(60M)(STD)
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 14,32(exc. VAT)
R 14,32/unit
In Stock
Lovato 3-Pole Panel Switch Disconnector -, IP65, 40A, 18.5 kW
  • RS stock no. 111-7859
  • Mfr. Part No. GAZ040
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 332,33(exc. VAT)
R 1 332,33/unit
Limited stock
Pilz 541 Series Transponder Non-Contact Safety Switch, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, M12
  • RS stock no. 313-718
  • Mfr. Part No. 541053
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 022,31(exc. VAT)
R 2 022,31/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated SPST, Off-On On-None-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS stock no. 273-299
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 56,81(exc. VAT)
R 56,81/unit
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP66, IP67, IP68, Zinc Alloy Housing,
  • RS stock no. 609-6625
  • Mfr. Part No. XCMD2102C12
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 172,41(exc. VAT)
R 2 172,41/unit
In Stock
ZF Door Micro Switch, SPDT Button 10 A, -40 °C, 85 °C
  • RS stock no. 462-8422
  • Mfr. Part No. F69-30A
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 183,13(exc. VAT)
R 183,13/unit
In Stock
Eaton for Use with NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, N(S)1(-4) Series 500 V ac, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 399-3573
  • Mfr. Part No. 216376 M22-K10
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 184,28(exc. VAT)
R 184,28/unit
In Stock
Pilz PSEN Series Transponder Non-Contact Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 24V dc, M12
  • RS stock no. 918-6655
  • Mfr. Part No. 541009
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 609,22(exc. VAT)
R 2 609,22/unit
In Stock
ABB Jokab EVA Series Electronic Detection Non-Contact Safety Switch, Thermoplastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 176-0036
  • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA020046R0800 Eva General code
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 599,84(exc. VAT)
R 599,84/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series, 1 NC
  • RS stock no. 511-8342
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-NX-X01
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 119,31(exc. VAT)
R 119,31/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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