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

66 of 999+
RS PRO 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 22mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 205-2372
Each
R 272.15(exc. VAT)
Eaton, 8P 90° On-Off Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 32A, Door Coupling Rotary Drive Actuator
  • RS stock no. 271-5348
  • Mfr. Part No. 207212 T3-4-8344/I2/SVB
Each
R 2,972.69(exc. VAT)
APEM Blue Tactile Switch Cap for PHAP5-50 Series, U5541
  • RS stock no. 270-7890
  • Mfr. Part No. U5541
Each (In a Bag of 500)
R 2.498(exc. VAT)
Saia-Burgess Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 301-2270
  • Mfr. Part No. F4T7Y1-UL
Each
R 101.46(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Light Industrial Momentary USB programmable foot switch - Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Case Material, SPST, 25
  • RS stock no. 474-537
Each
R 3,627.56(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB6 Series Push Button, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPDT, 240V, IP65
  • RS stock no. 610-1200
  • Mfr. Part No. XB6EAA21P
Each
R 269.87(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP67, SPDT, Metal Housing, 250V ac ac Max, 5A Max
  • RS stock no. 269-5425
Each
R 1,539.95(exc. VAT)
Kraus & Naimer 6P Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 191-7577
  • Mfr. Part No. KG20B.T206/GBA008.*KL
Each
R 2,073.55(exc. VAT)
Hager 2P Pole Isolator Switch - 40A Maximum Current, IP20
  • RS stock no. 144-4815
  • Mfr. Part No. SBN240
Each
R 1,589.27(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity AV 12 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Screw Mount, 9mm Cutout, SPST, White LED, 12V,
  • RS stock no. 609-754
  • Mfr. Part No. AV12F10E112Q04
Each
R 277.92(exc. VAT)
Omron 6 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch 6P
  • RS stock no. 534-752
  • Mfr. Part No. A6S-6102-H
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 49.372(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Black Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 330-8969
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA2
Each
R 174.66(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 2NC/1NO, IP66, 3P, Zinc Alloy Housing, 400V ac Max, 6A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-1898
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ390511H29EX
Each
R 6,451.08(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKJ Series Limit Switch, IP66, DP, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
  • RS stock no. 247-2410
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKJ2
Each
R 1,766.81(exc. VAT)
RS PRO, SP 2 Position 90° Rotary Cam Switch, 500V ac, 12A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7690
Each
R 243.01(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, DPST, Screw Terminal
  • RS stock no. 206-6992
Each
R 183.92(exc. VAT)
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 3m Cable
  • RS stock no. 703-4864
  • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z21W1PA
Each
R 2,288.18(exc. VAT)
C & K Metallic Tactile Switch Cap for ITS Series, 400ECA01E
  • RS stock no. 257-0597
  • Mfr. Part No. 400ECA01E
Each
R 23.97(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Coil Spring Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 902-6903
Each
R 550.58(exc. VAT)
Eaton 1 Pole Surface Mount Non Fused Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 5.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 229-9382
  • Mfr. Part No. 207145 T0-1-8200/I1/SVB
Each
R 1,032.81(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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