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

43 of 999+
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1CO
  • RS stock no. 180-9507
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-1AA10-1GA0
Each
R 271.20(exc. VAT)
Eaton RMQ Titan M22 Series Contact Block, 1CO
  • RS stock no. 760-4646
  • Mfr. Part No. 115964 M22-SWD-K11
Each
R 803.87(exc. VAT)
RS PRO IP65 Key Switch, 1 CO 2-Way
  • RS stock no. 145-0626
Each
R 386.74(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
  • RS stock no. 193-2765
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1102-0AB40-3BA0
Each
R 585.17(exc. VAT)
EOZ Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 6.4mm Cutout, SPDT, 48 V dc, 220V ac, IP65, IP67
  • RS stock no. 913-1651
  • Mfr. Part No. 17.17851.30
Each
R 1,479.44(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Plunger Subminiature Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 2 A @ 250 V ac, SPST
  • RS stock no. 804-6253
Each (In a Bag of 5)
R 54.616(exc. VAT)
ZF Lever Micro Switch, Wire Lead Terminal, 10.1 A, SPST, SPST
  • RS stock no. 868-1758
  • Mfr. Part No. E72-40HT
Each
R 394.49(exc. VAT)
APEM Brown Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 12 V dc 0mm
  • RS stock no. 378-6729
  • Mfr. Part No. DTS21NV
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 7.533(exc. VAT)
Eaton M22 Series Light Block, 85 → 264V ac, Green Light
  • RS stock no. 399-3753
  • Mfr. Part No. 216565 M22-LED230-G
Each
R 389.74(exc. VAT)
Pilz Push Button Cap
  • RS stock no. 191-9825
  • Mfr. Part No. 570875
Each
R 191.45(exc. VAT)
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-(On), SPST, Solder Lug Terminal, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 692-8395
  • Mfr. Part No. 638H/2
Each
R 179.37(exc. VAT)
RS PRO, Panel Mount Blue LED Pilot Light, 16mm Cutout, IP40, Round, 230V ac
  • RS stock no. 909-2421
Each
R 76.00(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1NO/1NC, IP67, Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 136-232
Each
R 423.87(exc. VAT)
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)
Better World
Schneider Electric Plate, Harmony K Series
  • RS stock no. 335-2641
  • Mfr. Part No. KZ32
Each
R 188.75(exc. VAT)
APEM Push Button Switch, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, SPDT, 24V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 499-4678
  • Mfr. Part No. IAR5F1200
Each
R 563.63(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, 1 NC, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 248-9134
Each
R 183.86(exc. VAT)
ABB 1SFA Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22.5mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 757-9036
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA619550R1041 CE4T-10R-01
Each
R 453.34(exc. VAT)
Crouzet Plunger Micro Switch, 6 A @ 250 V ac, DPST, IP67
  • RS stock no. 161-5574
  • Mfr. Part No. 83139003
Each
R 1,243.35(exc. VAT)
SICK IME2S Series Non-Flush Inductive Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Nickel Plated Brass Housing, 2NO, M12
  • RS stock no. 201-1890
  • Mfr. Part No. IME2S12-04N4DC0
Each
R 2,381.40(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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