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

49 of 999+
Eaton RMQ Titan M22 Series Blue Illuminated Momentary Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 454-8528
  • Mfr. Part No. 78639210 M22-DL-B+M22-A+M22-LED-B
Each
R 686.63(exc. VAT)
Schneider Electric Selector Switch - 5 Positions
  • RS stock no. 776-3818
  • Mfr. Part No. A9E15121
Each
R 2,238.14(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, (On)-Off-(On), SPDT, Through Hole Terminal, 120 V ac, 28V dc
  • RS stock no. 710-9463
  • Mfr. Part No. 3-1825137-7
Each
R 121.48(exc. VAT)
Schneider Electric Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 50A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 288-7206
  • Mfr. Part No. GS2FG3
Each
R 7,269.69(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCS-TE Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock, 24V ac/dc, Actuator Included
  • RS stock no. 132-9169
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSTE7512
Each
R 7,736.40(exc. VAT)
SICK FLX1 Safety Interlock Switch, Power, Vistal
  • RS stock no. 139-826
  • Mfr. Part No. 1122586
Each
R 12,452.78(exc. VAT)
Storm IP67 4 Key Aluminium Keypad
  • RS stock no. 198-264
  • Mfr. Part No. 70040102
Each
R 807.96(exc. VAT)
Alps Alpine, 7 Position SP7T Rotary Switch, 300 mA, PC Pin
  • RS stock no. 123-9617
  • Mfr. Part No. SRBV170701
Each
R 110.04(exc. VAT)
ABB 4P Pole Isolator Switch - 200A Maximum Current, IP65
  • RS stock no. 762-2442
  • Mfr. Part No. OT200FP-A
Each
R 25,263.42(exc. VAT)
Schneider Electric Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 800A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 341-197
  • Mfr. Part No. C080S3NAFM
Each
R 61,599.55(exc. VAT)
EAO 82 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPDT, Green LED, 240V,
  • RS stock no. 247-8829
  • Mfr. Part No. 82-4551.2134
Each
R 396.12(exc. VAT)
Craig & Derricott 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 714-1745
  • Mfr. Part No. SDP253/RS
Each
R 1,568.73(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric Selector Switch - 3 Positions
  • RS stock no. 817-2787
  • Mfr. Part No. XB6CD235B
Each
R 403.96(exc. VAT)
ABB 1P Pole Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current
  • RS stock no. 175-5077
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDD281101R0016 SD201/16
Each
R 397.88(exc. VAT)
Honeywell Toggle Switch, On-Off, SPST, Wire Terminal, 28 V
  • RS stock no. 212-5158
  • Mfr. Part No. 101TL2-6
1 Box of 20
R 30,450.48(exc. VAT)
Socomec Bridging Bar, 1309 Series
  • RS stock no. 224-2299
  • Mfr. Part No. 13092006
Each
R 1,471.13(exc. VAT)
ZF Door Micro Switch, Button, DPDT 10 A @ 250 V ac, -40 → +85°C
  • RS stock no. 706-4149
  • Mfr. Part No. E79-30A
Each
R 236.54(exc. VAT)
Siemens 3SE2243 Series Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Thermoplastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 203-3881
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE2243-0XX18
Each
R 1,013.91(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-Off-(On), SPDT, Through Hole Terminal, 120 V ac, 28V dc
  • RS stock no. 710-9555
  • Mfr. Part No. 5-1825137-1
Each
R 131.85(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 22.2mm Cutout, DPDT, 250V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 123-6256
  • Mfr. Part No. AV2221000Q04
Each
R 598.55(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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