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

2 of 999+
In Stock
Eaton 3P Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 330-8048
  • Mfr. Part No. 207314 P1-32/I2/SVB
Each
R 1,678.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, 1 NO, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 248-9135
Each
R 183.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 874-2210
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-1AA10-1BA0
Each
R 169.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Marquardt SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 607-7545
  • Mfr. Part No. 1901.1102
Each
R 51.09(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal EX-AZ16 Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, NO/NC, M16
  • RS stock no. 283-8235
  • Mfr. Part No. EX-AZ16-12ZVRK-M16-3D
Each
R 2,262.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +100°C, +150°C Max, NC, Manual Reset, Bracket Mount
  • RS stock no. 228-2608
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455RM-90820470
Each
R 861.69(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
ZF Button Micro Switch, Tab Terminal, 15 A @ 250 V ac, DPDT
  • RS stock no. 706-4111
  • Mfr. Part No. E19-00M
Each
R 250.44(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
EOZ Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, SPST, 48 V dc, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 690-3261
  • Mfr. Part No. R16FRNSTAG
Each
R 147.09(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch
  • RS stock no. 185-8229
Each
R 77.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, 3P 3 Position 60° Changeover Cam Switch, 500V ac, 12A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7693
Each
R 491.32(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 16mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 745-2433
Each
R 198.68(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
APEM Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12.2mm Cutout, SPST, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 103-6296
  • Mfr. Part No. 1213C RED
Each
R 117.10(exc. VAT)
In Stock
EAO 82 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPDT, Blue LED, 24V,
  • RS stock no. 247-8782
  • Mfr. Part No. 82-4152.1124
Each
R 485.70(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, 600V, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 330-8638
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA31
Each
R 362.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Socomec ATyS Electronic Module
  • RS stock no. 252-3641
  • Mfr. Part No. 95592001
Each
R 59,810.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron DZ Series Lever Limit Switch, 2NO/2NC, IP00, DPDT, 250V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 827-9226
  • Mfr. Part No. DZ-10GV-1B
Each
R 492.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4NS Safety Interlock Switch, 1NC/1NO, Keyed, Plastic
  • RS stock no. 215-5054
  • Mfr. Part No. D4NS-1AF
Each
R 878.53(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Molveno Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 793-2507
  • Mfr. Part No. SX8211881G110000
Each
R 44.30(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +50°C, Closes at 35°C, +150°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset, Bracket Mount
  • RS stock no. 228-2636
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455R--90820462
Each
R 247.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Switch Disconnector Terminal Shroud
  • RS stock no. 111-5771
  • Mfr. Part No. 021999 H-P3
Each
R 186.35(exc. VAT)
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