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

69 of 999+
Limited stock
EOZ IP40 16 Key Keypad
  • RS stock no. 146-222
  • Mfr. Part No. ECO.16250.06
Each
R 473.70(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Hinge Lever Subminiature Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 682-2698
  • Mfr. Part No. SSG-01L1H
Each
R 56.98(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Eaton, 3P 2 Position 90° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 20A, Short Thumb Grip Actuator
  • RS stock no. 271-5169
  • Mfr. Part No. 098838 T0-3-15543/EZ
Each
R 983.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Pilz 506304 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, 24V dc, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, 2NO, 5m Cable
  • RS stock no. 340-256
  • Mfr. Part No. 506304
Each
R 1,705.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bernstein AG Actuating Magnet for Use with Magnetic Switches
  • RS stock no. 210-1924
  • Mfr. Part No. 6402043312
Each
R 288.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU15 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 874-2171
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1500-1AA10-1BA0
Each
R 178.05(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST
  • RS stock no. 609-6029
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AC21
Each
R 468.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens, SIRIUS ACT 3SU11, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP20, Round, 230V ac
  • RS stock no. 874-2070
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1106-6AA20-1AA0
Each
R 514.20(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKD Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac
  • RS stock no. 195-1654
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKD2102G11
Each
R 1,125.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Safety Interlock Switch, 1NC/1NO Actuator Included, Spring Lock
  • RS stock no. 181-1200
  • Mfr. Part No. 106819 LS-11-ZB
Each
R 2,994.06(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric White Rocker Light Switch, 1 Way, 1 Gang, Lisse
  • RS stock no. 908-8914
  • Mfr. Part No. GGBL4011S
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 361.031(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric ZB5 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 331-0265
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AD2
Each
R 292.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 16mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 222-398
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB6DD25
Each
R 493.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
BACO BACO Series Contact Block, 600V, 1NC
  • RS stock no. 260-154
  • Mfr. Part No. 33E01
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 107.97(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Orange Handle
  • RS stock no. 609-2471
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BK1553
Each
R 724.23(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Leaf Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 22 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
  • RS stock no. 515-723
  • Mfr. Part No. V15H22-CZ100A02
Each
R 107.31(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Honeywell Wobble Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 480V ac ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 217-7114
  • Mfr. Part No. 208LS152-4
Each
R 6,899.58(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Schneider Electric Single Axis-Axis Joystick Controller Analogue, IP66 12 → 24V
  • RS stock no. 212-4854
  • Mfr. Part No. XDAL11131
Each
R 10,603.36(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 125A Maximum Current, 45kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 518-7461
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2804-0TK53
Each
R 2,838.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Switch Body, 2 Pole, 30A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 288-7200
  • Mfr. Part No. GS2AH120
Each
R 1,518.55(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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