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

39 of 999+
In Stock
Socomec 4P Pole DIN Rail Switch Disconnector - 400A Maximum Current, 220kW Power Rating
  • RS stock no. 252-3463
  • Mfr. Part No. 26004041
Each
R 16,416.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series Contact Block, 600V, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 511-8386
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-BX10
Each
R 110.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB6 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, 1NO + 2NC,
  • RS stock no. 609-6417
  • Mfr. Part No. XB6AS8349B
Each
R 826.97(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Bulgin MPI002 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 19.2mm Cutout, SPST, Blue LED, 24V dc, IP66
  • RS stock no. 729-5482
  • Mfr. Part No. MPI002/FL/BL
Each
R 1,073.93(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 2P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, IP40
  • RS stock no. 790-7434
  • Mfr. Part No. A9S60220
Each
R 239.25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, Momentary, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, Red
  • RS stock no. 173-6802
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1152-0AB20-1CA0
Each
R 622.25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 4P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, 18.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 773-8005
Each
R 2,090.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 874-2165
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-2AA10-3BA0
Each
R 144.85(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Key Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66,
  • RS stock no. 795-1315
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS9442
Each
R 1,214.28(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 8UC7210 Handle
  • RS stock no. 266-476
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC7210-6BD
Each
R 2,217.40(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Assemtech Reed Switch Magnet for use with Reed Switch
  • RS stock no. 362-2401
  • Mfr. Part No. M1218
Each
R 40.14(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Button Subminiature Micro Switch, Through Hole Terminal, 1mA, SPST, IP40
  • RS stock no. 277-8693
  • Mfr. Part No. D2FC-F-7N(20M)(STD)
Each
R 11.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Black Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 12 V ac 0.7mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 479-1491
  • Mfr. Part No. 2-1437565-7
Each (In a Pack of 20)
R 4.389(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, 18.5kW Power Rating
  • RS stock no. 433-7615
  • Mfr. Part No. VBD2
Each
R 1,584.70(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0445
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AZ101
Each
R 178.08(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
EAO 82 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 19mm Cutout, SPDT, Red LED, 240V,
  • RS stock no. 247-8907
  • Mfr. Part No. 82-5152.2114.B002
Each
R 457.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Coil Spring Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, SPST, 250V ac Max, ac 5 A, dc 400mA Max
  • RS stock no. 752-9615
  • Mfr. Part No. HL-5050G
Each
R 1,417.93(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens 4-Axis Joystick Switch Round, Momentary, IP65, IP67 500V
  • RS stock no. 173-6800
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1150-7AF88-1QA0
Each
R 2,107.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current, 7.5 hp, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP66
  • RS stock no. 443-0708
  • Mfr. Part No. 194E-E16-1753-4N
Each
R 646.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 273-299
Each
R 49.02(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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