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

20 of 999+
In Stock
Hartmann Pushwheel Switch BCD Pushwheel Through Hole Panel Mount 100mΩ 10-way DPS9-141-AK2
  • RS stock no. 360-9672
  • Mfr. Part No. DPS9-141-AK2
Each
R 590.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron A22NZ Series Contact Block, Blue Light, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 214-7820
  • Mfr. Part No. A22NZ-S-G1A
Each
R 84.10(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKM Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DP, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 360-8562
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKM1H29
Each
R 850.38(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Jumo NC 16 A Thermostat, Connector Termination, +95°C +120°C
  • RS stock no. 518-4399
  • Mfr. Part No. 602031/81-666-000-00-2000-40-10-6-40-13-460/707,
Each
R 1,198.90(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 3P Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 13kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 330-7944
  • Mfr. Part No. 207293 P1-25/I2/SVB
Each
R 1,349.62(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Selector Switch - (2 NO) 22.5mm Cutout Diameter 3 Positions
  • RS stock no. 609-6041
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AD33
Each
R 575.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Light Block, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 173-6836
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1401-2BB30-1AA0
Each
R 193.33(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
TE Connectivity PBES22 Series Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22.3mm Cutout, 3 NC, IP20, IP65
  • RS stock no. 171-024
  • Mfr. Part No. PBES22N03R
Each
R 388.29(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Kraus & Naimer 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP66, IP67
  • RS stock no. 381-3607
  • Mfr. Part No. KG32.T203/GBA283.*KS1V
Each
R 965.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1CO, IP66, SP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-1894
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ110513H29
Each
R 3,360.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Pull Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 1 NO + 1 NC, IP65
  • RS stock no. 242-0840
Each
R 1,649.86(exc. VAT)
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)
Temporarily out of stock
compact keylock switch, round collar
  • RS stock no. 525-142
  • Mfr. Part No. 1.30.275.221/0700
1 Pack of 2
R 1,680.28(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKD Series Limit Switch
  • RS stock no. 360-8629
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD02
Each
R 660.52(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Socomec 3P Pole Wall Mount Switch Disconnector - 160A Maximum Current, 80kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 252-3488
  • Mfr. Part No. 30325016
Each
R 17,166.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Socomec 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 630A Maximum Current, 280kW Power Rating, IP20
  • RS stock no. 122-0496
  • Mfr. Part No. 26003064
Each
R 18,190.61(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4B-N Series Roller Lever Interlock Switch, NO/NC, IP67, DPST, Metal Housing
  • RS stock no. 757-9159
  • Mfr. Part No. D4B-4116N
Each
R 1,823.79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric ZB4 Series Black Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 181-2615
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BR216
Each
R 649.20(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Spring Return Push Button Control Station - 1NO/1NC, Polycarbonate, 2 Cutouts, Red/Green,
  • RS stock no. 211-8437
  • Mfr. Part No. XALD225
Each
R 1,369.85(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 184.28(exc. VAT)
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