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

61 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPST, RGB LED, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 175-9448
1 Pack of 1
R 406.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 377-9759
  • Mfr. Part No. C6053ALNAE
Each
R 181.63(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton, 4P 3 Position Changeover Cam Switch, 63A
  • RS stock no. 229-9387
  • Mfr. Part No. 207237 T5B-4-8902/I4
Each
R 5,251.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric 4P Pole Isolator Switch - 160A Maximum Current, 110kW Power Rating, IP40
  • RS stock no. 280-8250
  • Mfr. Part No. 28913
Each
R 6,250.53(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB 3 Pole Base Mounting Switch Disconnector - 250A Maximum Current, 145kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 231-9098
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022710R0100 OT250E03P
Each
R 6,882.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
KNITTER-SWITCH Rotary Switch Cap for use with DRR Series, DRS Series
  • RS stock no. 708-3298P
  • Mfr. Part No. KR207
Each (Supplied in a Bag)
R 24.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Switch Disconnector Shaft for Use with Switch Disconnectors
  • RS stock no. 279-6214
  • Mfr. Part No. VZ18
Each
R 353.51(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Grey Plastic M22 Enclosure - 1 Hole 22mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 399-3810
  • Mfr. Part No. 216535 M22-I1
Each
R 455.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XALK Series Key Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, SPDT, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 609-4742
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK188E
Each
R 1,477.56(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schmersal EX-BNS 120 Series Flush Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 100V ac, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, 2, 5m
  • RS stock no. 284-0331
  • Mfr. Part No. EX-BNS120-02Z-3G/D-5M
Each
R 2,348.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ZF Button Micro Switch, Screw Terminal, 20 A, SP-CO, IP40
  • RS stock no. 868-1616
  • Mfr. Part No. GPTBNH11
Each
R 331.18(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Platinum Series Green Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 790-3394
  • Mfr. Part No. LPCB103
Each
R 126.48(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A
  • RS stock no. 195-1671
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ50511H29
Each
R 2,251.21(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Siemens 3SE Series Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP65, 1NO/NC, Plastic Housing, 250V ac Max, 4A Max
  • RS stock no. 161-581
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5234-0HK82-1AC4
Each
R 1,373.30(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron ZC Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, 250V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 435-0321
  • Mfr. Part No. ZC-Q55
Each
R 799.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, DPST, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 240V ac Max, 5A Max
  • RS stock no. 902-6935
Each
R 794.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Off-On-Off Foot Switch - Steel Case Material, 1 NO + 1 NC, 10 A Contact Current, 300V Contact Voltage
  • RS stock no. 248-6008
  • Mfr. Part No. KR200S11
Each
R 4,497.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec HW-U Series Contact Block, 440V, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 168-3802
  • Mfr. Part No. HW-U10
Each
R 170.84(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Telemecanique Sensors 3 Button Safety Two Hand Control Switch, XY2-SB Series
  • RS stock no. 611-1392
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2SB71
Each
R 10,969.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, Red LED,
  • RS stock no. 372-9114
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW34B5
Each
R 885.17(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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