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

47 of 999+
In Stock
Omron Button Subminiature Micro Switch, Surface Mount Terminal, 1 mA, SPST, IP40
  • RS stock no. 174-8249
  • Mfr. Part No. D2LS-11
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 30.953(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Roller Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 11 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 842-1887
  • Mfr. Part No. V7-7B17D8-201
Each
R 96.58(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3SE5 Series Roller Limit Switch, 2NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, Metal Housing, 400V ac Max, 4A Max
  • RS stock no. 213-1252
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5112-0LE01
Each
R 1,239.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB MP3 Series Red Momentary Push Button, 22mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 231-9379
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611102R1101 MP3-11R
Each
R 160.81(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
SICK RE15 Safety Interlock Switch, 1NC/1NO, Magnet, Vistal
  • RS stock no. 285-8970
  • Mfr. Part No. RE15-SAC
Each
R 1,353.30(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM A01 Series Contact Block for Use with A01 Series, 2CO
  • RS stock no. 219-5835
  • Mfr. Part No. A0152B
Each
R 263.21(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Switch Disconnector, 4 Pole, 160A Fuse Current
  • RS stock no. 260-7671
  • Mfr. Part No. C124160BS
Each
R 19,259.81(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Foot Switch Momentary Foot Switch - Plastic Case Material, SPDT, 10 A Contact Current, 600V Contact Voltage
  • RS stock no. 248-6006
  • Mfr. Part No. KG200S11
Each
R 2,441.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
KNITTER-SWITCH Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPDT, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 819-9284
  • Mfr. Part No. MTE 206 S
Each
R 248.53(exc. VAT)
In Stock
EAO 82 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 19mm Cutout, SPDT, Red/Green LED,
  • RS stock no. 247-8874
  • Mfr. Part No. 82-5151.21A4
Each
R 494.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, SPDT, Screw Terminal, 400V ac
  • RS stock no. 910-8077
  • Mfr. Part No. 639H
Each
R 240.33(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM 1 Way Rocker Switch Mounting Panel K Series
  • RS stock no. 507-615
  • Mfr. Part No. U2262
Each
R 71.18(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Eaton, 1P 2 Position 90° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 20A, Toggle Actuator
  • RS stock no. 271-5832
  • Mfr. Part No. 079197 T0-1-15451/EZ
Each
R 594.81(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 Series Momentary Push Button, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 193-3121
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1000-3AB66-0AM0
Each
R 259.28(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Shroud, For Use With Display for Emergency Stop Buttons LPCB63 / LPCB66 / LPCB67 / LPCB68 / LPCBL666
  • RS stock no. 187-8952
  • Mfr. Part No. LPXAU159
Each
R 331.87(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Disc for Use with 22 mm Push Button Switch, Emergency Stop
  • RS stock no. 790-3577
  • Mfr. Part No. LPXAU115
1 Bag of 5
R 386.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XC2J Series Rod Limit Switch, 1CO, IP65, IP657, SP, Metal Housing, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-1877
  • Mfr. Part No. XC2JC10151
Each
R 4,677.64(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800B Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 16mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 257-5382
  • Mfr. Part No. 800B-SM3A
Each
R 380.95(exc. VAT)
In Stock
BACO Spring Return Push Button Control Station, Plastic, Green, IP66
  • RS stock no. 259-930
  • Mfr. Part No. LBX10110
Each
R 830.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Anthracite Rocker Switch, 2 Gang, New Unica
  • RS stock no. 287-6020
  • Mfr. Part No. NU320354S
Each
R 288.01(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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