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

27 of 999+
In Stock
Lovato 3 Position 60° Dahlander Motor Control Cam Switch, 20A, Short Black Handle Actuator
  • RS stock no. 248-5588
  • Mfr. Part No. GX2013U
Each
R 1,208.52(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 32V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 144-4359
Each
R 99.79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron WL Series Coil Spring Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPST, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 908-3278
  • Mfr. Part No. WLNJ-Y-N
Each
R 1,453.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato 3P Pole Switch Disconnector - 40A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 111-7859
  • Mfr. Part No. GAZ040
Each
R 1,302.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at 120°C, Closes at 105°C, +150°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset, Fixed Mount
  • RS stock no. 222-8237
Each
R 156.14(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 847-5348
  • Mfr. Part No. 216874 M22-WKV
Each
R 353.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Harmony Series Contact Block for Use with Push Buttons, 230V, Green Light
  • RS stock no. 585-475
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVM3M
1 Pack of 5
R 1,918.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKP Series Cats Whisker Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A
  • RS stock no. 700-4169
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKP2106G11
Each
R 908.56(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Blue LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 763-7911
Each
R 97.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Legend for Use with ZBZ1605, Emergency Stop
  • RS stock no. 221-2035
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBY9330M
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 89.554(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XALE Series, Latching, Emergency Stop Push Button Head 22mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 287-6242
  • Mfr. Part No. XALEK1701
Each
R 598.15(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at 35°C, Closes at +50°C, +150°C Max, SPST-NO, Automatic Reset, Bracket Mount
  • RS stock no. 228-2557
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455R--90820464
Each
R 598.40(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Assemtech Rectangular Reed Switch, NO, 400V, 1A
  • RS stock no. 866-2603
  • Mfr. Part No. MMPSA 240/30 LH NO BLUE
Each
R 98.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron SHL Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, 480V ac Max, ac 2 A, dc 200mA Max
  • RS stock no. 752-9921
  • Mfr. Part No. SHL-Q55
Each
R 916.10(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 257-3550
  • Mfr. Part No. VCF1GE
Each
R 1,755.06(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
EOZ Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, SPST, 48 V dc, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 690-3249
  • Mfr. Part No. R16DFNSTAG
Each
R 181.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Tab Terminal, 5 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 686-6994
  • Mfr. Part No. VX-5-1C22
Each
R 59.01(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +110°C, Closes at +95°C, +186°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset
  • RS stock no. 229-5840
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455RP-91000439
Each
R 291.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Light Block, 24V ac/dc, White Light
  • RS stock no. 553-848
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVB15
Each
R 239.87(exc. VAT)
Being discontinued
Lascar Contactless Switch Series Infrared Proximity Switch, Panel Mount, 22 → 23mm Cutout, Red/Green LED, 9.6 →
  • RS stock no. 267-5152
  • Mfr. Part No. CTL-SW-MO
Each
R 647.00(exc. VAT)
1
27
2532
Results per page

Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
In this complete guide we look at what DIP switches are, how they work, as well as the different types available on the market.
Read more
Touch Switches Guide
Touch Switches Guide
In this complete guide, we look at what touch switches are, how they work and the different types available on the market.
Read more

Related links