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

50625 Products showing for Switches

79 of 999+
Last RS stock
  • RS stock no. 706-3976
  • Mfr. Part No. KRE2AEA2GBB
Each
R 71.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 877-2006
Each
R 366.06(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
  • RS stock no. 193-3121
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1000-3AB66-0AM0
Each
R 259.28(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 378-6814
  • Mfr. Part No. KTSC62R
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 3.404(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
  • RS stock no. 178-689
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AW35B5
Each
R 706.33(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 765-1466
  • Mfr. Part No. 1US09
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 15.182(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
  • RS stock no. 282-1613
  • Mfr. Part No. KG100.T204/GBA007.E
Each
R 2,252.76(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 269-5457
Each
R 694.97(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
  • RS stock no. 266-1186
  • Mfr. Part No. 0 770 14
Each
R 1,275.40(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 366-3890
  • Mfr. Part No. 440E-A13080
Each
R 1,837.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 111-3783
Each
R 364.05(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 325-4856
Each
R 2,355.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 399-3624
  • Mfr. Part No. 216386 M22-CKC10
Each
R 172.40(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 274-8358
  • Mfr. Part No. 31-904.5
Each
R 72.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 161-2436
  • Mfr. Part No. PNP8S3D2Y03QE
Each
R 294.89(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
  • RS stock no. 220-1431
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CZ403
Each
R 434.50(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
  • RS stock no. 874-1645
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1001-0AB50-0AA0
Each
R 228.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 229-9387
  • Mfr. Part No. 207237 T5B-4-8902/I4
Each
R 5,251.66(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
  • RS stock no. 518-7354
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2504-0TK51
Each
R 1,441.57(exc. VAT)
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 883-1708
  • Mfr. Part No. XP52Z11
Each
R 99.79(exc. VAT)
Results per page