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

4 of 999+
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 330-8925
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB4
Each
R 422.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 4-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Spring Return, IP66 600V
  • RS stock no. 609-9876
  • Mfr. Part No. XD4PA24
Each
R 2,772.96(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 700-4214
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCEF2
Each
R 1,269.10(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Contact Block
  • RS stock no. 515-931
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001KA4
Each
R 518.79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP20, IP65
  • RS stock no. 257-3623
  • Mfr. Part No. VCCF1
Each
R 1,831.03(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Schmersal RSS 36 Series RFID Safety Switch, 20.4 → 26.4V dc, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, M12
  • RS stock no. 880-1750
  • Mfr. Part No. RSS 36-I2-D-ST
Each
R 3,637.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0164
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BZ102
Each
R 192.49(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKS Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
  • RS stock no. 418-6041
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKS141
Each
R 1,499.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3P Pole Switch Disconnector - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 219-8441
  • Mfr. Part No. VCCD1
Each
R 1,719.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XE2S Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
  • RS stock no. 360-8685
  • Mfr. Part No. XE2SP2151
Each
R 484.39(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKS Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
  • RS stock no. 236-029
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKS131H29
Each
R 1,419.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron DZ Series Lever Limit Switch, 2NO/2NC, IP00, DPDT, 250V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 827-9226
  • Mfr. Part No. DZ-10GV-1B
Each
R 492.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 902-6862
Each
R 311.49(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Marquardt SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 607-7545
  • Mfr. Part No. 1901.1102
Each
R 51.09(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 440G-T Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Lock, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 357-9199
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-T27127
Each
R 5,815.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ITW Switches 59 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.65mm Cutout, SPST, Clear LED, 125V ac,
  • RS stock no. 205-3258
  • Mfr. Part No. 59-900090
Each
R 100.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 466-144
Each
R 652.35(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, PCB, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 30V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 820-7580
Each
R 95.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin MMP0120 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12mm Cutout, SPST, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 127-8501
  • Mfr. Part No. MMP0120/SSS67/S
Each
R 510.24(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal Actuator, Plastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 880-1763
  • Mfr. Part No. RST 36-1
Each
R 742.01(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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