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

64 of 999+
In Stock
Omron D4SL-N Series Safety Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock, 24V dc, 2NC/1NO + 2NC
  • RS stock no. 265-4994
  • Mfr. Part No. D4SL-N4FFA-D
Each
R 4,406.05(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Black Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 24 V dc 1.4mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 164-0937
  • Mfr. Part No. FSM4JRT
Each (On a Reel of 1000)
R 3.193(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4SL Series Key
  • RS stock no. 266-1471
  • Mfr. Part No. D4SL-NK2
Each
R 225.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 1P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, IP40
  • RS stock no. 790-7400
  • Mfr. Part No. A9S60120
Each
R 203.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Long Straight Lever Snap Action Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 10A, SPDT
  • RS stock no. 274-8409
  • Mfr. Part No. HCP10DTD3L04
Each
R 93.13(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bernstein AG Foot Switch 2 Step Foot Switch - Aluminium Case Material, 4 NO + 4 NC
  • RS stock no. 136-3190
  • Mfr. Part No. 6062720020
Each
R 10,312.12(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Eaton RMQ16 Series Contact Block for Use with RMQ 16 Series, 5→250V, 1 NC
  • RS stock no. 187-3540
  • Mfr. Part No. 090401 E01
Each
R 177.36(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Carlingswitch SPST Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 320-231
  • Mfr. Part No. RCR-30086000
Each
R 89.79(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Push Button Cap for Use with 8000 Series, 9000 Series
  • RS stock no. 103-5782
  • Mfr. Part No. U482
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 10.286(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Wurth Elektronik White Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 12 V dc 1.1mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 785-6298
  • Mfr. Part No. 430471031826
Each
R 11.62(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Alps Alpine Green Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA 0.5mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 917-3918
  • Mfr. Part No. SKHUAKE010
Each (In a Bag of 10)
R 15.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 360-8540
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY43
Each
R 447.33(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens, SIRIUS ACT 3SU11, Panel Mount Orange LED Indicator, 22mm Cutout, Round, 230V ac
  • RS stock no. 193-3032
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1106-6AA00-1AA0
Each
R 498.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell GLE Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 300V ac Max, 6A Max
  • RS stock no. 186-8431
  • Mfr. Part No. GLEB01A1B
Each
R 3,236.19(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Emergency stop, adhesive label
  • RS stock no. 523-380
  • Mfr. Part No. 5.76.204.111/0400
1 Pack of 2
R 215.86(exc. VAT)
In Stock
SICK RE13 Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 30V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NO, M8
  • RS stock no. 797-4854
  • Mfr. Part No. RE13-SAC
Each
R 1,362.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Selector Switch - (on-on), Illuminated 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 877-1965
Each
R 501.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Molveno DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 793-2535
  • Mfr. Part No. B4MASK52N1121000
Each
R 126.05(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
APEM Contactless Joystick Analogue Hall Effect, IP65
  • RS stock no. 287-3619
  • Mfr. Part No. 3140RAT620
Each
R 2,759.50(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4B-N Series Roller Lever Interlock Switch, NO/NC, IP67, DPST, Metal Housing
  • RS stock no. 757-9159
  • Mfr. Part No. D4B-4116N
Each
R 1,823.79(exc. VAT)
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