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

36 of 999+
In Stock
Eaton Coding Adapter Set for use with RMQ Titan Series, 216407 M22-XC-Y
  • RS stock no. 399-3264
  • Mfr. Part No. 216407 M22-XC-Y
1 Bag of 5
R 114.35(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 Series Red Momentary Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 874-1712
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1000-0AB20-0AA0
Each
R 117.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 518-6812
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2003-0TK53
Each
R 1,030.00(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 360-8499
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKE61
Each
R 683.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, PCB Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 616-0136
  • Mfr. Part No. D2F-01
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 31.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 18.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 805-5601
  • Mfr. Part No. 172865 P1-32/M4/SVB
Each
R 1,610.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM 4 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch SPST, Raised Actuator Slide Actuator
  • RS stock no. 877-2255
  • Mfr. Part No. IKD0403101
Each (In a Bag of 5)
R 25.236(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Red Pilot Light Head, 22.5mm Cutout M22 Series
  • RS stock no. 847-5178
  • Mfr. Part No. 216772 M22-L-R
Each
R 144.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 10.1 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 686-6843
  • Mfr. Part No. SS-10GL
Each
R 72.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton, DPST 2 Position 90° On-Off Cam Switch, 690V ac, 20A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 103-8442
  • Mfr. Part No. 088709 T0-1-102/E
Each
R 518.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Celduc Cylindrical Magnetic Proximity Sensor, NO, , IP67
  • RS stock no. 917-2662
  • Mfr. Part No. PTA80020
Each
R 602.26(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Socomec Red/Yellow Rotary Handle
  • RS stock no. 513-6003
  • Mfr. Part No. 1424 2111
Each
R 1,085.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell SZL-VL Series Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, Metal Housing, 380V ac Max, 220 V dc
  • RS stock no. 144-8398
  • Mfr. Part No. SZL-VL-S-B-N-M
Each
R 1,117.73(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Legrand Grey Light Switch Cover
  • RS stock no. 253-8857
  • Mfr. Part No. 069656L
1 Box of 10
R 3,763.20(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal EX-BNS33 Series Flush Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, 2NC, 5m
  • RS stock no. 283-8247
  • Mfr. Part No. EX-BNS33-02ZG-2187-3G/D-5M
Each
R 2,759.53(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Green Push Button Cap for Use with Apem 9600 Series (Sub-Miniature Panel Mount Switch)
  • RS stock no. 103-5805
  • Mfr. Part No. U483
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 10.286(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Latch for use with 800F Series, 800F-ALM
  • RS stock no. 511-8308
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-ALM
Each
R 59.97(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XCKJ
  • RS stock no. 179-9987
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY15
Each
R 117.99(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Mounting Tool
  • RS stock no. 446-5467
  • Mfr. Part No. 216402 M22-MS
Each
R 163.53(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 19mm Cutout, DPDT, Yellow LED, 250V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 111-5820
Each
R 278.31(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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