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

53850 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO 3-Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 20A, 11 kW
  • RS stock no. 860-9529
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 657,00(exc. VAT)
R 657,00/unit
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKJ Series Snap Limit Switch Body, 1 NO/1 NC, IP66, Metal Housing, 240V ac, 3A
  • RS stock no. 360-8427
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKJ1H29
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 182,58(exc. VAT)
R 1 182,58/unit
In Stock
Omron WL Series Coil Spring Limit Switch, SPST, IP67, Aluminium Housing, 500V ac, 10A
  • RS stock no. 908-3284
  • Mfr. Part No. WLNJ-G-N
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 370,23(exc. VAT)
R 1 370,23/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, IP67, IP69K, IP66
  • RS stock no. 330-9388
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BS844
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 612,83(exc. VAT)
R 612,83/unit
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 7 Position, Rotary Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 193-5711
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A007/GBA004.*FT2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 752,04(exc. VAT)
R 752,04/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, LEDtec, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22 mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 763-7918
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 95,52(exc. VAT)
R 95,52/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XALK Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 40 mm Cutout, 2 NC,
  • RS stock no. 330-8587
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK178F
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 217,38(exc. VAT)
R 1 217,38/unit
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 360-8528
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKE05
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 871,62(exc. VAT)
R 871,62/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, LEDtec, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22 mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 12V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 791-8573
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 96,76(exc. VAT)
R 96,76/unit
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCP Series Limit Switch Body, 1 NO/1 NC, IP66, IP67, Plastic Housing, 240V ac, 1.5A
  • RS stock no. 447-3575
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCP21
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 385,84(exc. VAT)
R 385,84/unit
In Stock
ABB 3-Pole Base Isolator Switch -, IP20, 63A, 560 kW
  • RS stock no. 686-7278
  • Mfr. Part No. OT63F3 1SCA105332R1001
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 928,23(exc. VAT)
R 928,23/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Screw Terminal, 24 V dc
  • RS stock no. 734-6805
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 72,70(exc. VAT)
R 72,70/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, LEDtec, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22 mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 763-7909
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 95,52(exc. VAT)
R 95,52/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440E Rope Pull Switch 204 mm, Straight, 2 NO/2 NC
  • RS stock no. 427-1155
  • Mfr. Part No. 440E-D13118
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 403,54(exc. VAT)
R 2 403,54/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 131,85(exc. VAT)
R 131,85/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric ZB2 Series Contact Block, 600V, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 815-1676
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB2BE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 166,09(exc. VAT)
R 166,09/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley 440G-T Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock
  • RS stock no. 351-3852
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-T27121
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 6 038,32(exc. VAT)
R 6 038,32/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, 90 °C Max, Automatic Reset, SPDT, 16 A, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4723
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 763,14(exc. VAT)
R 763,14/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 3-Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 32A, 22 kW
  • RS stock no. 466-150
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 548,51(exc. VAT)
R 548,51/unit
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, On-Off On-None-On Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS stock no. 793-2563
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 33,69(exc. VAT)
R 33,69/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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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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