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

19 of 999+
RS PRO IP65 Key Switch, 1 CO 3-Way
  • RS stock no. 145-0629
Each
R 315.46(exc. VAT)
Carling Technologies Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, 3PDT, Screw Terminal, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 881-1394
  • Mfr. Part No. HM254-73
Each
R 561.51(exc. VAT)
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)
Littelfuse Battery Isolator Switch -, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 905-8815
  • Mfr. Part No. 880175
Each
R 2,428.91(exc. VAT)
RS PRO, 3PDT 3 Position 60° Changeover Cam Switch, 500V ac, 16A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7668
Each
R 715.91(exc. VAT)
Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Wire Lead Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SP-CO, IP67
  • RS stock no. 807-4450
  • Mfr. Part No. D2VW-01-1MS
Each
R 224.17(exc. VAT)
Siemens Switch Disconnector Shaft 300mm, 8UC6 Series
  • RS stock no. 159-368
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC6034
Each
R 395.45(exc. VAT)
Eaton M22 Series Contact Block for Use with RMQ Titan Series, 500V, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 399-3589
  • Mfr. Part No. 216380 M22-KC10
Each
R 154.43(exc. VAT)
Carlingswitch Rocker Switch Blanking Plug for use with V Series
  • RS stock no. 841-873
  • Mfr. Part No. RCV-39000001
Each (In a Pack of 2)
R 69.465(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity Black Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 24 V dc 5.9mm PCB, Through Hole
  • RS stock no. 479-1435
  • Mfr. Part No. 1-1825910-4
Each (In a Pack of 20)
R 3.22(exc. VAT)
Lorlin Key Switch, SP-CO, 1 A @ 24V ac dc / 115V ac 3-Way Common-Key
  • RS stock no. 711-8347
  • Mfr. Part No. SRL-5-F-S-2
Each
R 226.20(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, SPST, Tab Terminal, 250V
  • RS stock no. 419-855
Each
R 59.88(exc. VAT)
Eaton FAK Series Push Button, Panel Mount, SPDT, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 225-8150
  • Mfr. Part No. 229749 FAK-S/KC11/I
Each
R 2,309.94(exc. VAT)
RS PRO 6P Pole Isolator Switch - 125A Maximum Current, 55kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 773-7986
Each
R 3,909.55(exc. VAT)
RS PRO SPDT, On-Off-On Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 419-772
Each
R 43.37(exc. VAT)
Schmersal MZM 100 Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Lock, 24V dc
  • RS stock no. 880-1892
  • Mfr. Part No. MZM 100 ST2-1P2PWRE-A
Each
R 21,380.94(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Panel Mount Battery Isolator Switch - 100A Maximum Current, IP43
  • RS stock no. 325-4840
Each
R 678.55(exc. VAT)
Osram Dimmer Switch
  • RS stock no. 134-8603
  • Mfr. Part No. DALI MCU
Each (In a Box of 15)
R 2,581.277(exc. VAT)
KNITTER-SWITCH Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12.9mm Cutout, SPST, IP67
  • RS stock no. 702-3592
  • Mfr. Part No. DPW1CGR
Each
R 110.37(exc. VAT)
Lovato, LPML, Panel Mount Yellow LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K, Round, 48V
  • RS stock no. 248-6053
  • Mfr. Part No. LPMLD5
Each
R 199.84(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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Touch Switches Guide
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