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

45 of 999+
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Red Handle
  • RS stock no. 746-9544
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BK1443
Each
R 649.16(exc. VAT)
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +45°C, Closes at +60°C, +150°C Max, NO, Automatic Reset
  • RS stock no. 331-540
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455R--00820713
Each
R 712.89(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Illuminated Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, Green LED, 32/50/125V ac,
  • RS stock no. 734-6713
Each
R 107.48(exc. VAT)
Panasonic Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Pre-wired Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SPST, IP67
  • RS stock no. 699-0088
  • Mfr. Part No. ASQ10230
Each
R 198.62(exc. VAT)
Honeywell GLA Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 600V ac Max, 6A Max
  • RS stock no. 311-2386
  • Mfr. Part No. GLAB01A1B
Each
R 4,638.82(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at 90°C, Closes at -20°C, +180°C Max, NC, Manual Reset, Fixed Mount
  • RS stock no. 222-8259
Each
R 217.34(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)
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)
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +90°C, Closes at +75°C, +186°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset
  • RS stock no. 229-5862
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455RP-91000437
Each
R 778.24(exc. VAT)
SICK i17 Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic
  • RS stock no. 285-9590
  • Mfr. Part No. i17-SA213
Each
R 1,165.23(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric, iIL Green LED Indicator, 230V ac
  • RS stock no. 791-3102
  • Mfr. Part No. A9E18321
Each
R 212.35(exc. VAT)
Lovato, LPML, Panel Mount Blue LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K, Round, 48V
  • RS stock no. 248-6054
  • Mfr. Part No. LPMLD6
Each
R 200.14(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XCJ2 Series
  • RS stock no. 610-0235
  • Mfr. Part No. ZC2JE01
Each
R 1,643.16(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)
Honeywell Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 7 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 820-7410
  • Mfr. Part No. 21SX39-T
Each
R 493.61(exc. VAT)
Kraus & Naimer 4P Pole Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 381-3900
  • Mfr. Part No. KG32B.T204/GBA302.VE
Each
R 1,080.34(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCMD Series Plunger Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, IP68, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac
  • RS stock no. 195-1707
  • Mfr. Part No. XCMD2510L1
Each
R 1,587.13(exc. VAT)
APEM 4 Way Through Hole DIP Switch SPST, Raised Actuator
  • RS stock no. 877-2122
  • Mfr. Part No. NDS-04-V
Each (In a Bag of 5)
R 27.094(exc. VAT)
Siemens Handle Mechanism Kit, SENTRON Series
  • RS stock no. 243-4391
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD9284-3G
Each
R 379.33(exc. VAT)
Socomec 4 Pole Wall Mount Isolator Switch - 80A Maximum Current, IP55
  • RS stock no. 224-2401
  • Mfr. Part No. 32654008
Each
R 15,094.16(exc. VAT)
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