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

50625 Products showing for Switches

10 of 999+
Better World
  • RS stock no. 351-3802
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001KA3
Each
R 261.97(exc. VAT)
Better World
  • RS stock no. 173-6836
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1401-2BB30-1AA0
Each
R 193.33(exc. VAT)
Better World
  • RS stock no. 330-9805
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW0B11
Each
R 455.44(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 280-5048
  • Mfr. Part No. VA1-26Q1-02E0-Z
Each
R 104.81(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 746-7198
  • Mfr. Part No. D4BL-1CRA
Each
R 7,822.44(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 335-912
  • Mfr. Part No. ZK4 236-11Z-M20
Each
R 1,159.25(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 269-5438
Each
R 2,618.13(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 776-8517
  • Mfr. Part No. Z-15G-B
Each
R 218.23(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 733-4710
Each
R 766.55(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 814-7810
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKP2110M12
Each
R 1,081.95(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 215-5054
  • Mfr. Part No. D4NS-1AF
Each
R 878.53(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 877-2211
  • Mfr. Part No. IKH0603000
Each (In a Bag of 5)
R 37.938(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 111-5784
Each
R 347.99(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 447-3777
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCY45
Each
R 205.86(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 266-4294
  • Mfr. Part No. 48659874
Each
R 4,241.95(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 195-1897
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CH13250
Each
R 4,095.90(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 284-0263
  • Mfr. Part No. EX-Z3K 335-11Z-3G/D
Each
R 2,920.09(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 130-0871
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CH13290
Each
R 4,655.94(exc. VAT)
  • RS stock no. 793-2507
  • Mfr. Part No. SX8211881G110000
Each
R 44.30(exc. VAT)
Better World
  • RS stock no. 609-6209
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AV63
Each
R 351.23(exc. VAT)
Results per page