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

55473 Products showing for Switches

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In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKN Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP65, Plastic Housing, 240V ac, 10A
  • RS stock no. 125-8461
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2118P20
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 529,59(exc. VAT)
R 529,59/unit
In Stock
Eaton LS-Titan Series Plunger Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP67, IP66, Plastic Housing, 415V ac, 6A
  • RS stock no. 308-272
  • Mfr. Part No. 266105 LS-11S
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 651,96(exc. VAT)
R 651,96/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Coil Spring Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP65, Fibreglass Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac, 10A
  • RS stock no. 902-6884
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 397,69(exc. VAT)
R 397,69/unit
In Stock
Schmersal BNS33 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, NO, NC, Cable
  • RS stock no. 623-3149
  • Mfr. Part No. BNS 33-11Z-2M
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 342,99(exc. VAT)
R 1 342,99/unit
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 4-Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 32A, 5.5 W
  • RS stock no. 282-1578
  • Mfr. Part No. KG32B.T204/GBA007.E
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 009,15(exc. VAT)
R 1 009,15/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Plunger Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 16A, 250 V ac, 220 V dc, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 249-6846
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 67,32(exc. VAT)
R 67,32/unit
In Stock
Carling Technologies Rocker Switch Mounting Panel for use with L Series Sealed Rocker Switch
  • RS stock no. 913-2092
  • Mfr. Part No. LM3-01
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 189,28(exc. VAT)
R 189,28/unit
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Black Momentary Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 817-4828
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AR2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 513,63(exc. VAT)
R 513,63/unit
In Stock
Eaton 3-Pole Rear Isolator Switch -, IP65, 20A, 6.5 kW
  • RS stock no. 773-0679
  • Mfr. Part No. 045992 T0-2-1/V/SVB-SW
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 021,11(exc. VAT)
R 1 021,11/unit
In Stock
C & K Through Hole Slide Switch SPDT Latching 100mA Polyacetal
  • RS stock no. 787-4864
  • Mfr. Part No. OS102011MS2QN1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 13,49(exc. VAT)
R 13,49/unit
In Stock
Storm IP65 16 Key Die Cast Zinc Keypad
  • RS stock no. 436-601
  • Mfr. Part No. 1K16T102
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 420,11(exc. VAT)
R 2 420,11/unit
In Stock
ifm electronic Inductive Proximity Sensor, IP67, IP65, 200mA
  • RS stock no. 185-346
  • Mfr. Part No. MFS212
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 676,27(exc. VAT)
R 1 676,27/unit
In Stock
Assemtech Reed Switch 175V ac, 250mA
  • RS stock no. 289-7840
  • Mfr. Part No. S1371
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 165,09(exc. VAT)
R 165,09/unit
In Stock
Eaton 3 Position 45 °, Toggle Actuator 20 A
  • RS stock no. 103-8412
  • Mfr. Part No. 019872 T0-1-15431/E
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 535,97(exc. VAT)
R 535,97/unit
In Stock
Carlingswitch Rocker Switch Mounting Panel for use with Rocker Switch
  • RS stock no. 841-867
  • Mfr. Part No. RCV-53600003
Subtotal (1 pack of 2 units)
R 161,29(exc. VAT)
R 80,645/unit
In Stock
ABB 4-Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch -, IP20, 63A
  • RS stock no. 175-5101
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDD284101R0063 SD204/63
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 291,08(exc. VAT)
R 2 291,08/unit
In Stock
Schmersal BNS33 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 1 NO/2 NC, Cable
  • RS stock no. 625-0352
  • Mfr. Part No. BNS 33-12Z-2187-2M
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 800,50(exc. VAT)
R 1 800,50/unit
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCS-TE Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock
  • RS stock no. 301-9984
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSTE7312
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 7 436,47(exc. VAT)
R 7 436,47/unit
In Stock
Omron D40A Series Electronic Detection Non-Contact Safety Switch, PBT Housing, 24V dc, 1 NO, M12
  • RS stock no. 214-7514
  • Mfr. Part No. D40A-1C015-F
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 3 352,84(exc. VAT)
R 3 352,84/unit
In Stock
C & K NE-18 Series Push Button Switch, Latching, Through Hole, DPST, 250 V 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 154-3604
  • Mfr. Part No. NE182AEESNL6AMP
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 129,18(exc. VAT)
R 129,18/unit
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