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

12 of 999+
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, SPDT, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 700-4305
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10511H29
Each
R 2,175.25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
  • RS stock no. 763-7946
Each
R 96.51(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin Panel Mount Slide Switch
  • RS stock no. 236-4111
  • Mfr. Part No. T22205BAAA
Each (In a Pack of 2)
R 61.455(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCMD Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 1.5A Max
  • RS stock no. 700-4204
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCMD21L1
Each
R 1,375.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron WL Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPST, 500V ac ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 215-7907
  • Mfr. Part No. WLCA2-2G-N
Each
R 1,810.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCSA Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed , Zinc Alloy
  • RS stock no. 263-3624
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSA702
Each
R 2,648.15(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Pilz PSEN sg2 Series Actuator
  • RS stock no. 340-346
  • Mfr. Part No. 570890
Each
R 6,095.16(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKM Series Cats Whisker Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 236-013
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKM106H29
Each
R 1,642.95(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKD Series Limit Switch
  • RS stock no. 360-8663
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD21
Each
R 675.95(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKJ Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 700-4327
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKJ5H29
Each
R 1,232.97(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKN Series Coil Spring Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, Plastic Housing, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-2870
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2108P20
Each (In a Pack of 20)
R 635.384(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO IP65 Key Switch, 5 A @ 250 V ac 2-Way
  • RS stock no. 745-2439
Each
R 272.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron SHL Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, 480V ac Max, ac 2 A, dc 200mA Max
  • RS stock no. 748-2926
  • Mfr. Part No. SHL-Q2255
Each
R 1,049.39(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCD Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 1.5A Max
  • RS stock no. 447-3604
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCD21
Each
R 586.32(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Siemens Switch Disconnector Shaft, 8UC6 Series for Use with Rotary drive 8UC6 Shaft 12 mm
  • RS stock no. 213-1374
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC6014
Each
R 1,582.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton RMQ16 Series Green Illuminated Momentary Push Button, 16mm Cutout, IP65
  • RS stock no. 207-3145
  • Mfr. Part No. 086206 Q25LT-GN
Each
R 439.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 19mm Cutout, SPDT, Red LED, 250V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 111-3902
Each
R 364.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley for Use with 800FM Series, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 511-8358
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-X10
Each
R 110.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec YW Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP65
  • RS stock no. 168-2623
  • Mfr. Part No. YW1L-MF2E10QM3G
Each
R 603.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 609-3783
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY41
Each
R 196.09(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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