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

68 of 999+
Eaton M22 Series Contact Block, 500V, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 810-3772
  • Mfr. Part No. 216504 M22-AK10
Each
R 217.65(exc. VAT)
APEM Illuminated DPDT, (On)-Off-(On) Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 507-330
  • Mfr. Part No. KR47CAKLLG
Each
R 752.44(exc. VAT)
ABB 2 Pole DIN Rail Changeover Switch - 16A Maximum Current, IP20
  • RS stock no. 287-6368
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CCA703045R0001
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 609.112(exc. VAT)
RS PRO, 8P 2 Position 60° Rotary Cam Switch, 500V ac, 25A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7682
Each
R 1,192.17(exc. VAT)
Eaton RMQ Titan Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 399-3236
  • Mfr. Part No. 78635851 M22-WRK+M22-A
Each
R 471.39(exc. VAT)
Siemens 3SE5 Series Round Plunger Limit Switch, 2NO/1NC, Metal Housing
  • RS stock no. 768-6443
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5212-0PC05
Each
R 719.52(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPST, Blue LED, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 175-9493
1 Pack of 1
R 235.28(exc. VAT)
ABB 6P Pole Screw Mount Switch Disconnector - 40A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 251-3366
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022401R7000
Each
R 2,608.76(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Pull to Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Through Hole, 2 NC, IP65
  • RS stock no. 139-977
1 Box of 1
R 615.60(exc. VAT)
NKK Switches Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, DPST, Solder Terminal, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 181-3643
  • Mfr. Part No. S21AW
Each
R 315.72(exc. VAT)
Siemens Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 400A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 299-640
  • Mfr. Part No. 3NJ6323-4AA00-0AA0
Each
R 72,775.00(exc. VAT)
NKK Switches Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), SPDT, Screw Terminal, 30 V dc, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 124-5966
  • Mfr. Part No. WT18T
Each
R 392.36(exc. VAT)
Better World
Schneider Electric DPDT Slow Break Push Button Pendant Station, 10A
  • RS stock no. 305-1376
  • Mfr. Part No. XACA2713
Each
R 2,246.30(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 250A Maximum Current, IP40
  • RS stock no. 212-5843
  • Mfr. Part No. 3VA1225-1AA32-0AA0
Each
R 8,085.23(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, DPDT, Tab Terminal
  • RS stock no. 317-847
  • Mfr. Part No. AWTP1504
Each
R 1,002.18(exc. VAT)
Eaton, 3P 3 Position 45° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 20A, Toggle Actuator
  • RS stock no. 271-5051
  • Mfr. Part No. 036484 T0-3-15391/IVS
Each
R 1,016.02(exc. VAT)
APEM Tactile Switch Cap for Keyboard Switch, KTSC62R
  • RS stock no. 378-6814
  • Mfr. Part No. KTSC62R
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 3.404(exc. VAT)
Sensata Cynergy3 SPST Reed Switch, 100mA 24V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 229-3664
  • Mfr. Part No. TRA211G/15-20
Each
R 155.15(exc. VAT)
ITW Switches 59 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.65mm Cutout, SPST, 125V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 321-278
  • Mfr. Part No. 59-111
Each
R 180.42(exc. VAT)
Honeywell Roller Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5 A, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 842-8857
  • Mfr. Part No. BZ-3YWT82
Each
R 1,562.32(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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