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

78 of 999+
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
Socomec Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 63A Max Current
  • RS stock no. 781-3825
  • Mfr. Part No. 3831 3006
Each
R 3,420.76(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
Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 100 mA @ 30 V dc, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 682-2821
  • Mfr. Part No. VX-01-1A2
Each
R 143.81(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)
Being discontinued
Omron 6 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch 6P
  • RS stock no. 534-752
  • Mfr. Part No. A6S-6102-H
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 49.372(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)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO DPDT, On-Off-On Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 119-704
Each
R 121.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Molveno Red Push Button Cap for Use with Non-Illuminated Switches, 21.2 (Dia.) x 8.7mm
  • RS stock no. 194-7622
  • Mfr. Part No. SP60T1R0000
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 5.092(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 3P Pole Switch Disconnector - 25A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 219-8439
  • Mfr. Part No. VCCD0
Each
R 1,574.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Pushwheel Switch BCD Pushwheel Snap Detent Mount 10-way 1437603-2
  • RS stock no. 254-3413
  • Mfr. Part No. 1437603-2
Each (In a Bag of 10)
R 639.136(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP65
  • RS stock no. 145-0615
Each
R 218.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
  • RS stock no. 193-2765
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1102-0AB40-3BA0
Each
R 585.17(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 1 Pole Surface Mount Non Fused Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 5.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 229-9382
  • Mfr. Part No. 207145 T0-1-8200/I1/SVB
Each
R 1,032.81(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Socomec Red/Yellow Rotary Handle
  • RS stock no. 781-3749
  • Mfr. Part No. 1474 1111
Each
R 160.32(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley White Pilot Light Head, 22mm Cutout 800F Series
  • RS stock no. 800-3451
  • Mfr. Part No. 800FP-P7
Each
R 97.61(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)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens Labeling plate, Stop
  • RS stock no. 193-3684
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1900-0AD16-0DS0
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 34.926(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Omron Grey Plunger Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 24 V dc 0.9mm Through Hole
  • RS stock no. 682-1238
  • Mfr. Part No. B3F-6000
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 11.062(exc. VAT)
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