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

55 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-(On), SPDT, Through Hole Terminal
  • RS stock no. 734-6962
Each
R 53.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens, SIRIUS ACT 3SU11, Panel Mount Orange LED Indicator, 22mm Cutout, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 193-2230
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1152-6AA00-1AA0
Each
R 412.37(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Omron A16 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, SPDT, Blue LED, 30V dc, IP65
  • RS stock no. 265-5277
  • Mfr. Part No. A165-TAM-1
Each
R 449.13(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron F3S-TGR-N_R Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Stainless Steel Housing, NO/2NC, 5m Cable
  • RS stock no. 549-586
  • Mfr. Part No. F3S-TGR-NSMR-21-05
Each
R 4,731.76(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ITW Switches 59 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.65mm Cutout, SPST, Clear LED, 125V ac,
  • RS stock no. 205-3258
  • Mfr. Part No. 59-900090
Each
R 100.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Panasonic Roller Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 699-4399
  • Mfr. Part No. AV3254613
Each
R 42.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Actuator for Use with D4NS Safety Switch
  • RS stock no. 549-514
  • Mfr. Part No. D4DS-K2
Each
R 54.06(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Switch Disconnector Shaft, Vz Series for Use with V02...V2
  • RS stock no. 221-1306
  • Mfr. Part No. VZ30
Each
R 327.45(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Pin Plunger Subminiature Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5 A @ 125 V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 616-0029
  • Mfr. Part No. SSG-5H
Each
R 44.24(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPST, RGB LED, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 175-8470
Each (In a Tray of 20)
R 279.399(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec Green Round Push Button Switch
  • RS stock no. 170-3595
  • Mfr. Part No. LB1B-M1T6LG
Each
R 196.00(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKD Series Limit Switch
  • RS stock no. 360-8629
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD02
Each
R 660.52(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Apem 1-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Hall Effect, IP67 5V
  • RS stock no. 727-5961
  • Mfr. Part No. BF240A01BK1200
Each
R 2,713.03(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Lovato LPCSL13 Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Red Handle
  • RS stock no. 248-6033
  • Mfr. Part No. LPCSL1304
Each
R 499.75(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric 4 Pole Isolator Switch - 320A Maximum Current
  • RS stock no. 247-1733
  • Mfr. Part No. 31109
Each
R 10,871.16(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)
Last RS stock
ZF Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 20.2mm Cutout, SPST, 125V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 706-4064P
  • Mfr. Part No. KFB2DNA1BBB
Each (Supplied in a Box)
R 112.55(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Idec HW Series Green Push Button Head, IP20
  • RS stock no. 168-3815
  • Mfr. Part No. HW1A-B3G
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 46.608(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKN Series Coil Spring Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, Plastic Housing, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-2870
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2108P20
Each (In a Pack of 20)
R 635.384(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 Series Green Illuminated Momentary Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 874-1960
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1051-0AB40-0AA0
Each
R 258.00(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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