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

73 of 999+
Temporarily out of stock
C & K 80200 Series Push Button Switch, On-(On), Through Hole, SPDT, White LED, 20V
  • RS stock no. 257-0600
  • Mfr. Part No. 8125SD9AV2BE
Each (In a Tray of 40)
R 156.874(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12mm Cutout, SPST, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 127-8496
  • Mfr. Part No. MMP0120/NNB67/P
Each
R 379.74(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
ABB Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 630A Max Current, 800A Fuse Current
  • RS stock no. 762-2648
  • Mfr. Part No. OS630D03P 1SCA022825R2830
Each
R 33,375.37(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, SP 4 Position 90° Ammeter Cam Switch, 500V ac, 16A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7689
Each
R 524.24(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), 240V ac
  • RS stock no. 330-8931
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVM3
Each
R 643.77(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Marquardt SPDT, On-On Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 823-5140
  • Mfr. Part No. 01833.3302-00
Each
R 67.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 16mm Cutout, IP40, 12V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 909-2430
Each
R 75.70(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Apem Brown Cap Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 12 V dc 4.3mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 765-1093
  • Mfr. Part No. DTSM24NV
Each (In a Tube of 40)
R 5.365(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, DPST, Screw Terminal
  • RS stock no. 198-8462
  • Mfr. Part No. 641SNH
Each
R 557.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, 480V ac Max, ac 2 A, dc 200mA Max
  • RS stock no. 752-9977
  • Mfr. Part No. SHL-W55
Each
R 956.15(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
C & K Lever Snap Action Micro Switch, Through Hole Terminal, 100 mA @ 125 V ac, 100 mA @ 60 V dc, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 161-2372
  • Mfr. Part No. ZMA00A150L04PC
Each (In a Tray of 100)
R 15.039(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch Cap for use with Push Button Switch
  • RS stock no. 287-3790
  • Mfr. Part No. U5125-2
Each
R 87.19(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 398-5033
  • Mfr. Part No. KG412A2XXA21XX
Each
R 290.00(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, iIL Red LED Indicator, 400V ac
  • RS stock no. 791-3124
  • Mfr. Part No. A9E18327
Each
R 540.87(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer, SP 4 Position 60° Multi Step Cam Switch, 25A
  • RS stock no. 311-5379
  • Mfr. Part No. CA20.A231/GBA001.*FT
Each
R 794.74(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XY2CJ Rope Pull Switch, 20m, NO/NC, , Dual Direction
  • RS stock no. 837-1101
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CJS15
Each
R 2,107.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Solder terminal roller microswitch,V4,6A
  • RS stock no. 159-4629A
  • Mfr. Part No. DB1C-A1RC
Each (In a Pack of 25)
R 49.40(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schmersal EX-ZQ 900 Rope Pull Switch, 75m, 3NC/1NO, Vertical
  • RS stock no. 284-0328
  • Mfr. Part No. EX-ZQ 900-13-3D
Each
R 9,961.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Grey 1 Gang Blanking Plate
  • RS stock no. 361-1940
Each
R 46.62(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
ZF Button Subminiature Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 500 mA @ 30 V dc, SPDT
  • RS stock no. 706-4155
  • Mfr. Part No. DH2C-B1AA
Each
R 95.12(exc. VAT)
1
73
2532
Results per page

Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
In this complete guide we look at what DIP switches are, how they work, as well as the different types available on the market.
Read more
Touch Switches Guide
Touch Switches Guide
In this complete guide, we look at what touch switches are, how they work and the different types available on the market.
Read more

Related links