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

26 of 999+
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +150°C, Closes at 135°C, +150°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset, Through Hole Mount
  • RS stock no. 339-724
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455R--00820235
Each
R 851.95(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal AZ16 Safety Interlock Switch, 1NC/1NO, Keyed, Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic
  • RS stock no. 623-2988
  • Mfr. Part No. AZ16ZVRK-M20
Each
R 1,243.87(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Osram 1 Way Light Controller 6A, 230V
  • RS stock no. 236-8654
  • Mfr. Part No. DIM-MCU-G2
Each
R 1,259.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Craig & Derricott 3P+N Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP66
  • RS stock no. 810-0852
  • Mfr. Part No. SDDR253N
Each
R 3,274.51(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, White Handle
  • RS stock no. 276-2905
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AK1813
Each
R 548.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 2NC, IP65
  • RS stock no. 242-0845
Each
R 1,211.13(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Microswitch Terminal Cover for use with BZ/BA Series
  • RS stock no. 319-938
  • Mfr. Part No. 5PA2
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 106.748(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440E Cable Switch, 75m, 2NO/2NC, Straight
  • RS stock no. 792-3115
  • Mfr. Part No. 440E-L13137
Each
R 3,485.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 381-3821
  • Mfr. Part No. KG20B.T203/GBA282.VE
Each
R 938.17(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Light Block, 24V ac/dc, Blue Light
  • RS stock no. 188-1180
Each
R 143.57(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity DPDT, On-Off-On Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 495-4377
  • Mfr. Part No. 1-1634201-2
Each
R 114.04(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Yellow LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 763-7915
Each
R 96.97(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin MPI002 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 19.2mm Cutout, SPST, Green LED, 24V dc,
  • RS stock no. 729-5400
  • Mfr. Part No. MPI002/TE/GN/24
Each
R 639.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off, 2RT, Tab Terminal
  • RS stock no. 665-679
  • Mfr. Part No. 641NH/2
Each
R 248.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer, 4P 7 Position Voltmeter Cam Switch
  • RS stock no. 193-5711
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A007/GBA004.*FT2
Each
R 497.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Assemtech Rectangular Proximity Switch, NO, 400V, 1A
  • RS stock no. 613-8195
  • Mfr. Part No. MMPSA 240/100
Each
R 146.28(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
ABB 3P Pole Base Mounting Isolator Switch - 63A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP20
  • RS stock no. 686-7278
  • Mfr. Part No. OT63F3 1SCA105332R1001
Each
R 944.45(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer, 3P 2 Position Double Throw Cam Switch, 20A
  • RS stock no. 236-350
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A222/GBA001.*FT
Each
R 496.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB OSSD Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, M12
  • RS stock no. 917-6409
  • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA020051R5400 Adam OSSD-Info M12-5
Each
R 1,651.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Cole Hersee IP67 Key Switch, 10 A 4-Way Straight-Key
  • RS stock no. 905-8803
  • Mfr. Part No. 95060
Each
R 671.90(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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