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

50 of 999+
In Stock
Schmersal Spare Hinge
  • RS stock no. 146-5873
  • Mfr. Part No. TESK-ZS
Each
R 1,143.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPDT, Screw Terminal, 125 V ac, 250 V ac, 277 V ac
  • RS stock no. 842-4808
  • Mfr. Part No. 2TL1-7
Each
R 1,487.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Switch Disconnector Auxiliary Switch 1NO+1NC, GAX Series for Use with GA063SA & GA-D, GA-A
  • RS stock no. 111-7877
  • Mfr. Part No. GAX1011A
Each
R 453.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 1NC/2NO Slow Brake Push Button Pendant Station
  • RS stock no. 609-4477
  • Mfr. Part No. XACA2913
Each
R 3,078.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Wurth Elektronik Through Hole Slide Switch SPDT Latching 100 mA@ 42 V dc Slide
  • RS stock no. 785-6478
  • Mfr. Part No. 450302014072
Each
R 55.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RAFI RAFIX 16 Series, Latching, Emergency Stop Push Button Head
  • RS stock no. 271-9131
  • Mfr. Part No. 1.30.074.281/0300
Each
R 445.76(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric ZB4 Series, Twist Release, Emergency Stop Push Button Head
  • RS stock no. 221-1958
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BS8347
Each
R 896.77(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
EAO Pushbutton Actuator for Use with Switching Devices
  • RS stock no. 443-499
  • Mfr. Part No. 51-281.0252
Each
R 654.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lorlin IP67 Key Switch, SPDT, 3 A@ 50 V dc, 5 A@ 115 V ac 2-Way Common-Key
  • RS stock no. 562-606
  • Mfr. Part No. WRL-5-E-S-2-B
Each
R 480.33(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3-Axis Joystick Switch Button, IP66
  • RS stock no. 746-9210
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001K31
Each
R 3,662.85(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Allen Bradley Cable Pull Switch, 440E Series
  • RS stock no. 264-9436
  • Mfr. Part No. 440E-A13201
Each
R 247.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB Rotary Handle, 1SCA0 Series
  • RS stock no. 251-3347
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022382R9850
Each
R 697.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Toggle Switch, On-On, 4PDT, Screw Terminal, 28 V
  • RS stock no. 212-5236
  • Mfr. Part No. 4TL1-3F
1 Box of 20
R 58,435.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric XALK Series Twist Release Illuminated Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 1NO + 2NC
  • RS stock no. 195-8732
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK84W3BG
Each
R 2,104.93(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RAFI White Momentary Tactile Switch, 1 NO 250mA 15mm PCB
  • RS stock no. 271-9161
  • Mfr. Part No. 3.14.100.606/0000
Each
R 46.36(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB 10 Piece Mounting Tool
  • RS stock no. 757-8998
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611920R8015 MA1-8015
Each
R 224.56(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric GV2 Series Red Key Release Push Button Head, 40mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 210-9816
  • Mfr. Part No. GV2K021
Each
R 1,567.89(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB MP3 Series Green Momentary Push Button Head, 22.5mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 237-4963
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611102R1102 MP3-11G
Each
R 160.81(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Telemecanique Sensors XY2CJ Rope Pull Switch, 30m, 2NC, Left Side
  • RS stock no. 837-1139
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CJL17
Each
R 2,974.79(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Telemecanique Sensors XY2 Rope Pull Switch, 70m, Left Side
  • RS stock no. 179-9960
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CE2A297
Each
R 10,666.24(exc. VAT)
1
50
2532
Results per page

Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
In this complete guide we look at what DIP switches are, how they work, as well as the different types available on the market.
Read more
Touch Switches Guide
Touch Switches Guide
In this complete guide, we look at what touch switches are, how they work and the different types available on the market.
Read more

Related links