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

77 of 999+
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)
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
RS PRO Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at 90°C, Closes at 75°C, +150°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset, Fixed Mount
  • RS stock no. 222-8232
Each
R 166.92(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
Omron F3S-TGR-N_R Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Stainless Steel Housing, NO/2NC, 5m Cable
  • RS stock no. 549-586
  • Mfr. Part No. F3S-TGR-NSMR-21-05
Each
R 4,731.76(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
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)
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 3P+N Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch - 160A Maximum Current, 80kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 805-5544
  • Mfr. Part No. 172791 DMM-160/3N/I5/P-R
Each
R 12,519.30(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)
Currently unavailable
C & K Top Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 32 V dc 0.5mm
  • RS stock no. 793-1601
  • Mfr. Part No. KMR211G LFS
Each
R 9.21(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors 9007 Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP20, SPDT-DB, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 600V ac Max, 15A
  • RS stock no. 125-8454
  • Mfr. Part No. 9007AO1
Each
R 1,929.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 609-5329
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BC21
Each
R 552.63(exc. VAT)
In Stock
IP66 Snap Action Limit Switch, Plunger, Plastic, NO/NC, 400V
  • RS stock no. 742-710
  • Mfr. Part No. 07-2511-1330/43
Each
R 2,116.13(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Spring Return Control Station Switch - SPST, Zinc Alloy, IP54
  • RS stock no. 609-5206
  • Mfr. Part No. XAPS11221N
Each
R 2,165.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800FP Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22.5mm Cutout, 1NC
  • RS stock no. 511-8112
  • Mfr. Part No. 800FP-MT44PX01S
Each
R 746.46(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
ABB Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 1600A Max Current, 1.6kA Fuse Current
  • RS stock no. 259-9672
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022860R6400
Each
R 62,223.97(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO SPDT, (On)-Off-(On) Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 174-8334
Each
R 305.35(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Latching Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 2NC, IP66, IP67, IP69
  • RS stock no. 193-2789
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-1HB20-1PG0
Each
R 1,055.19(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB 3 Pole Base Mounting Changeover Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 9kW Power Rating, IP20
  • RS stock no. 231-9201
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA104863R1001 OT25F3C
Each
R 1,921.83(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)
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