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

50625 Products showing for Switches

11 of 999+
In Stock
Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, PCB Terminal, 2 A @ 12 V dc, SPDT, IP67
  • RS stock no. 616-0366
  • Mfr. Part No. D2HW-A201D
Each
R 69.09(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XY2C Series Cable Pull Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 323-9475
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CD111
Each
R 2,262.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPST, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 190-0664
  • Mfr. Part No. 5646A
Each
R 121.47(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4E Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, 125V ac Max, 5A Max
  • RS stock no. 753-0012
  • Mfr. Part No. D4E-1A20N
Each
R 1,347.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton M22 Series Contact Block for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, 500V, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 399-3573
  • Mfr. Part No. 216376 M22-K10
Each
R 189.76(exc. VAT)
In Stock
BALLUFF Rectangular Magnetic Field Sensor, NO
  • RS stock no. 905-5144
  • Mfr. Part No. BMF0029
Each
R 1,479.09(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 100A Max Current, 100A Fuse Current
  • RS stock no. 212-5797
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2714-0TK53
Each
R 2,844.42(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPST) 22mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 330-8672
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD21
Each
R 582.14(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 609-3799
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY81
Each
R 225.76(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, SP 4 Position 45° Multi Step Cam Switch, 500V ac, 16A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7671
Each
R 558.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Light Block, 230V ac
  • RS stock no. 874-2263
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1401-1BF20-1AA0
Each
R 315.64(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Omron Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, SPDT, 480V ac Max, 15A Max
  • RS stock no. 435-0365
  • Mfr. Part No. ZE-NA2-2G
Each
R 1,206.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 860-9532
Each
R 739.79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB Jokab Smile 11 EA Tina Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, IP65
  • RS stock no. 176-0057
  • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA030050R0000 Smile 11 EA Tina
Each
R 2,779.11(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Green Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 330-8975
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA3
Each
R 174.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 4-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Spring Return, IP66
  • RS stock no. 512-9819
  • Mfr. Part No. 279417 M22-WJ4
Each
R 1,520.31(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Red Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 330-8981
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA4
Each
R 155.20(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NC
  • RS stock no. 874-2229
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-1AA10-1CA0
Each
R 169.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, 600V, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 330-8644
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA42
Each
R 362.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Assemtech Rectangular Reed Switch, NO/NC, 100V, 250mA
  • RS stock no. 289-7806
  • Mfr. Part No. S1367
Each
R 159.36(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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