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

70 of 999+
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 311-5600
  • Mfr. Part No. KG20A.T203/GBA011.FT2
Each
R 486.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Johnson Electric Door Micro Switch, Plunger, SPST 16 A IP40, -20 → +140°C
  • RS stock no. 883-1708
  • Mfr. Part No. XP52Z11
Each
R 99.79(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
EAO IP67 6 Key Plastic Illuminated Keypad
  • RS stock no. 241-2020
  • Mfr. Part No. 09-0075.3142
Each
R 5,637.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Anthracite Rocker Switch, 2 Gang, New Unica
  • RS stock no. 287-6023
  • Mfr. Part No. NU321354
Each
R 333.21(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 6P Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 5.5kW Power Rating, IP66, IP67
  • RS stock no. 828-5274
  • Mfr. Part No. KG20B.T206/GBA420.*KL1V
Each
R 1,805.83(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO 3P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 466-172
Each
R 725.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Snap Action Foot Switch - Aluminium, Thermoplastic Case Material, NO + NC, 10A Contact Current, 24V Contact
  • RS stock no. 238-0564
Each
R 2,892.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron A22NE-P Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 2NC, IP65
  • RS stock no. 174-4223
  • Mfr. Part No. A22NE-S-P202-N
Each
R 1,310.89(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB Modular Series Red Momentary Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66
  • RS stock no. 757-8711
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611100R1101 MP1-11R
Each
R 156.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity White Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 24 V dc 0.7mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 718-2474
  • Mfr. Part No. FSM2JSMAATR
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 8.068(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 208-8284
  • Mfr. Part No. C1553ATNAE
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 128.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, PCB, DPDT, 20V, IP67
  • RS stock no. 734-6763
Each
R 61.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPDT, Solder Lug Terminal, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 910-8119
  • Mfr. Part No. 647H/2
Each
R 314.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKD Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP66, IP67, Zinc Alloy Housing, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-2860
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKD2518P16
Each
R 1,125.72(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity 4 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch SPST, Raised Actuator
  • RS stock no. 223-3979
  • Mfr. Part No. EDS04SGNNTU04Q
Each
R 34.24(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Carling Technologies Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, DPST, Tab Terminal, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 879-8257
  • Mfr. Part No. 2GK51-73
Each
R 149.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS stock no. 185-8223
Each
R 51.23(exc. VAT)
In Stock
SICK IN4000 Series Inductive Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Stainless Steel Housing, 3NO, M12
  • RS stock no. 797-4908
  • Mfr. Part No. IN40-D0202K
Each
R 4,003.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Rope Pull Switch Cable, 50m
  • RS stock no. 239-6814
Each
R 5,844.60(exc. VAT)
In Stock
NKK Switches Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, 3PDT, Screw Terminal, 30 V dc, 125V ac
  • RS stock no. 195-9247
  • Mfr. Part No. S833
Each
R 1,036.48(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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