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

5 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Pull Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 1NC, IP65
  • RS stock no. 242-0841
Each
R 1,280.93(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3D Marked Legend Plate for Use with Emergency Stop Mushroom Head Push Button, Emergency Stop,
  • RS stock no. 882-7897
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBY9320
Each
R 73.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKP Series Roller Lever Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, Plastic Housing, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 814-8608
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKP2521G11
Each
R 984.44(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 8mm Cutout, SPST, 120/250V ac
  • RS stock no. 734-6827
Each
R 39.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NC
  • RS stock no. 874-2162
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-2AA10-1CA0
Each
R 206.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +50°C, Closes at 35°C, +150°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset, Bracket Mount
  • RS stock no. 228-2636
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455R--90820462
Each
R 247.75(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
APEM Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12.2mm Cutout, SPST, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 103-6296
  • Mfr. Part No. 1213C RED
Each
R 117.10(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 12V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 791-8573
Each
R 97.45(exc. VAT)
In Stock
thermostat
  • RS stock no. 535-592
  • Mfr. Part No. 55.60012.010.DIST
Each
R 3,525.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Lever Microswitch, Screw Terminal, 5A @ 250V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 249-6862
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 30.888(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, SPDT, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 734-7062
Each
R 23.85(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton, SPST 2 Position 90° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V ac, 20A
  • RS stock no. 103-8427
  • Mfr. Part No. 031728 T0-1-8220/E
Each
R 556.32(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron WL Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPST, Aluminium Housing, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 908-3287
  • Mfr. Part No. WLCA12-Y-N
Each
R 1,932.80(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, 18.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 860-9535
Each
R 860.04(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 250A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 429-075
  • Mfr. Part No. LV431000
Each
R 2,213.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Screw Terminal, 250V
  • RS stock no. 734-6805
Each
R 66.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCR Series Rod Limit Switch, 2NO/2NC, IP54, 4P, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
  • RS stock no. 418-5947
  • Mfr. Part No. XCRE18
Each
R 7,681.80(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Marquardt DPDT, (On)-Off-(On) Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 741-0820
  • Mfr. Part No. 1839.1407
Each
R 210.99(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Assemtech SPST Reed Switch, 500mA
  • RS stock no. 909-2657
  • Mfr. Part No. RI-60
Each (In a Bag of 10)
R 20.306(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), Round, 24V
  • RS stock no. 330-8919
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB3
Each
R 422.91(exc. VAT)
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