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

59 of 999+
Honeywell Plunger Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 22 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
  • RS stock no. 515-729
  • Mfr. Part No. V15H22-CZ100
Each
R 104.74(exc. VAT)
ABB ABB Modular Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 757-8831
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611200R3006 M2SS1-30B
Each
R 318.36(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 902-6913
Each
R 497.47(exc. VAT)
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Black Latching Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
  • RS stock no. 276-2769
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BS62
Each
R 813.15(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-Off-On, DPDT, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 206-6976
Each
R 349.71(exc. VAT)
EAO Modular Switch Body
  • RS stock no. 378-7069
  • Mfr. Part No. 61-1110.0
Each
R 289.22(exc. VAT)
Allen Bradley 800F Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 511-8027
  • Mfr. Part No. 800FM-SM22
Each
R 217.46(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Green, Red Illuminated Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 708-7708
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW7L3741
Each
R 525.34(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Cylindrical Magnetic Proximity Sensor, NO, 130V ac, 1A, IP67
  • RS stock no. 289-2093
Each
R 100.96(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 609-3749
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKE65
Each
R 984.01(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, Zinc Alloy Housing
  • RS stock no. 814-7936
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10541H7
Each
R 2,361.71(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPDT, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 711-0006
  • Mfr. Part No. 1-1825139-8
Each
R 104.93(exc. VAT)
Eaton RMQ16 Series White Illuminated Momentary Push Button, 16mm Cutout, IP65
  • RS stock no. 207-3173
  • Mfr. Part No. 086262 Q25LT-WS
Each
R 438.71(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors Rope Pull Cable Clamp
  • RS stock no. 305-1304
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CZ513
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 54.665(exc. VAT)
Kraus & Naimer 3 Position 60° Motor Reversing Cam Switch, 20A
  • RS stock no. 222-5936
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A401/GBA001.*FT
Each
R 465.84(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Push Button Switch, (On)-Off, 15mm Cutout, SPST, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 185-8234
Each
R 43.48(exc. VAT)
Omron Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Tab Terminal, 2 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
  • RS stock no. 682-2238
  • Mfr. Part No. D2SW-P2L1T
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 70.006(exc. VAT)
Panasonic Simulated Roller Lever Micro Switch, PCB Terminal, 3 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO, IP40
  • RS stock no. 699-0609
  • Mfr. Part No. AVT3444
Each
R 32.58(exc. VAT)
Idec YW4B Series Green Maintained Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP65
  • RS stock no. 213-1498
  • Mfr. Part No. YW4B-A1G
Each
R 123.42(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Grey ABS Push Button Enclosure - 2 Hole 22mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 194-7461
Each
R 468.46(exc. VAT)
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