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

56 of 999+
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric XALK Series Twist Release Illuminated Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, SPDT
  • RS stock no. 195-8733
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK178W3B140E
Each
R 2,002.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 4P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 773-7964
Each
R 994.44(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKD Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XCKL, XCKM, XCKS
  • RS stock no. 195-1635
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD91
Each
R 742.02(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Lorlin, 12 Position Rotary Switch, PCB
  • RS stock no. 896-7885
  • Mfr. Part No. CKF1044
Each
R 36.36(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell NGC Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 120 V ac 6 A, 125 V dc 550mA
  • RS stock no. 125-2413
  • Mfr. Part No. NGCMA10AX01M
Each
R 1,384.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Socomec Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 20A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 513-2073
  • Mfr. Part No. 3641 3000
Each
R 1,511.72(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3SE5 Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, DPST, Metal Housing
  • RS stock no. 749-7625
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5122-0CB01
Each
R 936.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 847-5358
  • Mfr. Part No. 216867 M22-WRK
Each
R 343.64(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 4-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Spring Return, IP66
  • RS stock no. 512-9819
  • Mfr. Part No. 279417 M22-WJ4
Each
R 1,520.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd Illuminated SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 240-0755
  • Mfr. Part No. C5503PLLAA
Each
R 85.71(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Siemens 3SE5 Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed, Metal
  • RS stock no. 754-8287
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5122-3QV10
Each
R 2,412.96(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens Grey Plastic SIRIUS ACT 3SU18 Push Button Enclosure - 2 Hole 22mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 874-2317
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1802-0AA00-0AB1
Each
R 402.61(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ZF Plunger Micro Switch, Screw Terminal, 15 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT
  • RS stock no. 517-527
  • Mfr. Part No. GPTCNH01
Each
R 356.76(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB7 Series Key Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 2NC, IP20, IP65
  • RS stock no. 815-2308
  • Mfr. Part No. XB7NS9444
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 854.332(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens Selector Switch - (SPDT) 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 874-2049
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-2BF60-1MA0
Each
R 591.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU18 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 2NC
  • RS stock no. 874-2314
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1801-0NB00-2AC2
Each
R 1,980.00(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Grayhill DP12T Rotary Switch
  • RS stock no. 877-9874
  • Mfr. Part No. 56D30-01-2-AJN
Each
R 344.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB OT Pole Base Mounting Switch Disconnector - 630A Maximum Current, 630kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 231-9114
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022719R2030 OT630E04P
Each
R 18,972.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, (On)-Off Rocker Switch
  • RS stock no. 185-8222
Each
R 45.04(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 419-744
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 14.146(exc. VAT)
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