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

75 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +35°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4732
Each
R 810.32(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Long Straight Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 16 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 804-6256
Each
R 94.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N-Z18USST Actuator, For Use With SensaGuard 440N Safety Switch
  • RS stock no. 751-1018
  • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z18USST
Each
R 1,654.70(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Door Interlock Micro Switch, Plunger, SPDT 10A IP67 Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic, -25 → 80°C
  • RS stock no. 101-953
Each
R 534.51(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +90°C, +150°C Max, NC, Manual Reset, Bracket Mount
  • RS stock no. 228-2579
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455RM-90820469
Each
R 1,018.19(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ITW Switches 49-59 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPDT, Clear LED, 250V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 157-3650
  • Mfr. Part No. 49-59121
Each
R 251.20(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, Latching, PCB, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 30V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 820-7549P
Each (Supplied in a Box)
R 104.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Anthracite, 1 Gang, New Unica
  • RS stock no. 287-6013
  • Mfr. Part No. NU303954
Each
R 200.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 6.35mm Cutout, SPDT, 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 332-830
  • Mfr. Part No. 9635CD+U482
Each
R 219.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Hartmann Pushwheel Switch BCD Through Hole PCB 100mΩ 10-way SH6-131-AK
  • RS stock no. 118-7704
  • Mfr. Part No. SH6-131-AK
Each
R 191.28(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Z Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP00, SPDT, Thermosetting Resin Housing, 500V ac Max, 15A Max
  • RS stock no. 776-8548
  • Mfr. Part No. Z-15GW2
Each
R 265.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 1P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 6.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 257-9356
  • Mfr. Part No. 053110 T0-1-8200/EA/SVB
Each
R 901.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, On-(Off), Panel Mount, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 32/50/125V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 734-6710
Each
R 80.85(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series Turn to Release Emergency Stop Push Button, 22mm Cutout, IP65
  • RS stock no. 511-8134
  • Mfr. Part No. 800FP-LMT44
Each
R 577.19(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton RMQ Titan M22 Series Latching Emergency Stop Push Button, 22mm Cutout, IP67
  • RS stock no. 743-5043
  • Mfr. Part No. 121464 M22-PVT60P
Each
R 961.41(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Contact Block, 500V, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 205-2382
Each
R 65.80(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lorlin Key Switch, DP-CO, 1 A @ 24V ac dc / 115V ac 2-Way Common-Key
  • RS stock no. 319-786
  • Mfr. Part No. SRL5LS2850
Each
R 222.63(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell Long Leaf Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 22 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
  • RS stock no. 515-785
  • Mfr. Part No. V15H22-CZ100A03
Each
R 108.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton RMQ Titan Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 23mm Cutout, White Handle
  • RS stock no. 110-4570
  • Mfr. Part No. 284393 M22-WLKV-W
Each
R 664.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, White
  • RS stock no. 609-5874
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW31B5
Each
R 885.17(exc. VAT)
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