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

16 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO, 8P 2 Position 60° Rotary Cam Switch, 500V ac, 25A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7682
Each
R 1,192.17(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-None-On, 4PDT, Solder Lug Terminal, 125, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 186-262
Each
R 207.18(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ITW Switches 49-59 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPDT, Clear LED, 250V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 157-3638
  • Mfr. Part No. 49-59122
Each
R 386.04(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 80A Maximum Current, 37kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 860-9548
Each
R 1,277.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 3P Pole Flush Mount Isolator Switch - 63A Maximum Current, 30kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 818-441
  • Mfr. Part No. 031607 P3-63/EA/SVB
Each
R 2,507.80(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Telemecanique Sensors XY2CH Rope Pull Switch, 30m
  • RS stock no. 130-0871
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CH13290
Each
R 4,655.94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 500V ac/dc, 1NC
  • RS stock no. 173-6824
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-2AA10-1MA0
Each
R 214.69(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Rectangular Proximity Switch, CO, 400V, 2A
  • RS stock no. 339-752
Each
R 438.02(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XD2 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, DPST, IP66
  • RS stock no. 746-9024
  • Mfr. Part No. XD2GA8241
Each
R 3,595.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch Boot Toggle Switch Boot for use with Toggle Switch
  • RS stock no. 190-0709
  • Mfr. Part No. U851
Each
R 83.44(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Selector Switch - (SPST) 30mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 185-3648
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4FD21
Each
R 551.17(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer, 3P 3 Position 60° Double Throw Cam Switch, 20A
  • RS stock no. 222-5964
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A216/GBA001.*FT
Each
R 486.76(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Light Block, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 173-6841
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1401-2BB50-1AA0
Each
R 190.83(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 6P Pole Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP66, IP67
  • RS stock no. 828-5287
  • Mfr. Part No. KG41B.T206/GBA420.*KL1V
Each
R 2,957.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal AZM 161 Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock, 24V ac/dc, 4NC/2NO
  • RS stock no. 617-5065
  • Mfr. Part No. AZM 161SK-12/12RK-024
Each
R 6,991.12(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
Telemecanique Sensors XCKP Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A
  • RS stock no. 447-3395
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKP2118P16
Each
R 762.04(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), 240V ac
  • RS stock no. 330-8947
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVM4
Each
R 643.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Green Handle
  • RS stock no. 276-2744
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BD203
Each
R 456.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens White Roller Shutter Switch, DELTA Series
  • RS stock no. 203-2370
  • Mfr. Part No. 5TG6214
Each
R 196.79(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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