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

29 of 999+
Assemtech 10° Horizontal Tilt Switch 0.1A, 60V ac
  • RS stock no. 209-9921
  • Mfr. Part No. CW1600-1
Each
R 112.10(exc. VAT)
ZF Button Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SPDT
  • RS stock no. 517-820
  • Mfr. Part No. DB3C-A1AA
Each
R 57.28(exc. VAT)
Lorlin IP66, IP67 Keylock Switch, SPDT, 1 A @ 115 V ac 2-Way Common-Key
  • RS stock no. 896-8055
  • Mfr. Part No. WRL-5-D-S-2-RS
Each
R 481.03(exc. VAT)
ITW Switches 59 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.65mm Cutout, SPST, Clear LED, 125V ac,
  • RS stock no. 248-8935
  • Mfr. Part No. 59-511
Each
R 180.92(exc. VAT)
Eaton 1P Pole Isolator Switch - 63A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 393-9715
  • Mfr. Part No. 207240 T5B-1-8200/I4/SVB
Each
R 3,044.00(exc. VAT)
Molveno DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 793-2519
  • Mfr. Part No. SX82112811210000
Each
R 37.25(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCKM Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A
  • RS stock no. 195-1674
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKM515H29
Each
R 4,611.61(exc. VAT)
EAO 82 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 22.3mm Cutout, SPDT, Green LED, 240V, IP65, IP67
  • RS stock no. 239-4943
  • Mfr. Part No. 82-6151.1A34.B002
Each
R 929.92(exc. VAT)
Molveno Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, DPDT, Red LED, 125/250V ac, IP54, IP55
  • RS stock no. 863-3550
  • Mfr. Part No. SXA4388211000G00
Each
R 90.11(exc. VAT)
ZF Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 868-1521
  • Mfr. Part No. WRG32F2FBGLN
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 81.68(exc. VAT)
Eaton Grey Plastic M22 Push Button Enclosure - 2 Hole 22mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 399-3832
  • Mfr. Part No. 216537 M22-I2
Each
R 582.12(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric 2-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Spring Return, IP66 600V
  • RS stock no. 609-9860
  • Mfr. Part No. XD4PA22
Each
R 2,112.11(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCKD Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, Zinc Alloy Housing, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-2859
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKD2118G11
Each
R 964.38(exc. VAT)
Omron WL Series Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, DPST, Metal Housing, 250V ac Max, 2A Max
  • RS stock no. 828-1027
  • Mfr. Part No. WLCA12-G-N
Each
R 1,668.78(exc. VAT)
Eaton RMQ16 Series Blue Illuminated Momentary Push Button, 16mm Cutout, IP65
  • RS stock no. 207-3167
  • Mfr. Part No. 090479 Q25LT-BL
Each
R 440.83(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 22mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 874-1743
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1000-4BF11-0AA0
Each
R 603.84(exc. VAT)
Nidec Components Through Hole Slide Switch DPDT (On)-(On) 10 mA Slide
  • RS stock no. 244-4080
  • Mfr. Part No. MFS201N-4-Z
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 22.502(exc. VAT)
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440K Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed Actuator Included, Glass Filled PBT
  • RS stock no. 792-3082
  • Mfr. Part No. 440K-T11467
Each
R 1,382.77(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKJ Series Limit Switch, 2NO/2NC, IP65, DP, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 609-3755
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKJ404
Each
R 2,701.66(exc. VAT)
APEM Push Button Switch, Latching, Through Hole, 6.5mm Cutout, DPDT, 30V dc
  • RS stock no. 174-8998
  • Mfr. Part No. 8646AB6X923+U3631
Each
R 376.02(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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