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

58 of 999+
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 271-7477
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 73.96(exc. VAT)
Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 533-2986
  • Mfr. Part No. R13244AAAA
Each
R 79.78(exc. VAT)
Omron D4MC Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, 480V ac Max, ac 3 A, dc 250mA Max
  • RS stock no. 753-0006
  • Mfr. Part No. D4MC-5040
Each
R 785.49(exc. VAT)
Siemens 3SE5 Series Roller Lever Interlock Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, DPST, Metal Housing
  • RS stock no. 749-7599
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5112-0CH50
Each
R 1,500.00(exc. VAT)
NKK Switches Toggle Switch Cap
  • RS stock no. 181-3660
  • Mfr. Part No. AT434A
Each
R 13.92(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XY2-CH Rope Pull Switch, 15m, 2NC, Straight
  • RS stock no. 742-3924
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CH13270H29
Each
R 4,504.41(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors Limit Switch Contact Block, XE2N, 1NC, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 195-1612
  • Mfr. Part No. XE2NP3151
Each
R 524.70(exc. VAT)
Eaton RMQ Titan M22 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 810-3788
  • Mfr. Part No. 216510 M22-D-R-X0/K01
Each
R 442.03(exc. VAT)
ABB 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current, IP65
  • RS stock no. 192-0862
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022401R3350
Each
R 1,048.09(exc. VAT)
Kraus & Naimer, DP 3 Position Double Throw Cam Switch, 20A
  • RS stock no. 758-579
  • Mfr. Part No. CA20.A211/GBA001.E
Each
R 744.22(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
  • RS stock no. 193-2226
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1152-0AB60-1FA0
Each
R 702.43(exc. VAT)
Bernstein AG Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, Nylon 6 Housing
  • RS stock no. 210-1922
  • Mfr. Part No. 6402042310
Each
R 256.17(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Light Block, 24V ac/dc, Blue Light
  • RS stock no. 188-1180
Each
R 143.57(exc. VAT)
APEM Switch Guard, For Use With Series 12000
  • RS stock no. 562-178
  • Mfr. Part No. MSG22KN6XXX
Each
R 1,327.10(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Light Industrial Momentary Foot Potentiometer - Thermoplastic Case Material, 12V 10mA Contact Current, 12V
  • RS stock no. 803-9772
Each
R 2,031.98(exc. VAT)
NKK Switches Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, DPDT, Solder Terminal, 30 V dc, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 124-5946
  • Mfr. Part No. S7A
Each
R 197.78(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Contact Block, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 553-973
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE1015
Each
R 138.70(exc. VAT)
NKK Switches Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, SPDT, Quick Connect Terminal, 125V ac
  • RS stock no. 181-3649
  • Mfr. Part No. S3F
Each
R 185.50(exc. VAT)
EAO 704 Series Red Illuminated Momentary Push Button Head, 30.5mm Cutout, IP65
  • RS stock no. 860-9197
  • Mfr. Part No. 704.032.218
Each
R 1,090.20(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens, SIRIUS ACT 3SU11, Panel Mount White LED Indicator, 22mm Cutout, Round, 110V ac
  • RS stock no. 193-3661
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1153-6AA70-1AA0
Each
R 543.94(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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