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

8 of 999+
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKJ Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1CO, IP66, SP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-1894
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ110513H29
Each
R 3,360.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal BPS Series Actuator, Plastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 617-5346
  • Mfr. Part No. BPS 16
Each
R 418.72(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Push Button Switch, Push to Make, Front, 300V, IP20
  • RS stock no. 245-031
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE302
Each
R 640.26(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Kraus & Naimer 4P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 282-1477
  • Mfr. Part No. KG20B.T204/GBA006.VE
Each
R 951.56(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens Switch Disconnector
  • RS stock no. 213-1408
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC6012
Each
R 643.78(exc. VAT)
Unavailable
Telemecanique Sensors 9007 Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, IP66, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 600V ac Max, 20A
  • RS stock no. 752-8750
  • Mfr. Part No. 9007FTUB5M11
Each
R 5,987.20(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 360-8534
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY13
Each
R 280.54(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato K Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP20, IP65, SPST-NC, SPST-NO, Thermoplastic Housing, 690V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 111-7883
  • Mfr. Part No. KBA1S11
Each
R 694.99(exc. VAT)
In Stock
KNITTER-SWITCH Snap Micro Switch, Pc Pin Terminal, 500 mA, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 913-9113
  • Mfr. Part No. DM-SSM 01 C L2
Each (In a Bag of 5)
R 28.902(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440P Series Short Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, SPST, Glass Filled PBT Housing
  • RS stock no. 151-2536
  • Mfr. Part No. 440P-CSLS11B
Each
R 729.15(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current, IP65
  • RS stock no. 111-7855
  • Mfr. Part No. GAZ016
Each
R 821.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron WL Series Coil Spring Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPST, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 908-3278
  • Mfr. Part No. WLNJ-Y-N
Each
R 1,474.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4NL Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/2NC, Plastic, Mechanical Lock
  • RS stock no. 214-7545
  • Mfr. Part No. D4NL-1DFA-BS
Each
R 5,092.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCKM Series Roller Lever Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max,
  • RS stock no. 235-997
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKM121H29
Each
R 1,616.69(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron F3S-TGR-N_C Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, NO/2NC, 5m Cable
  • RS stock no. 746-7328
  • Mfr. Part No. F3S-TGR-NLPC-21-05
Each
R 2,701.81(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, On-(Off), Panel Mount, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 30V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 820-7587
Each
R 91.83(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 793-2563
Each
R 34.81(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ZF SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 440-6979
  • Mfr. Part No. SRB22A2FBBNN
Each
R 36.02(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Z Series Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP00, SPDT, Thermosetting Resin Housing, 500V ac Max, 15A Max
  • RS stock no. 776-8560
  • Mfr. Part No. Z-15GW-B
Each
R 241.44(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XY2 Rope Pull Switch, 70m, NO/NC, Right Side
  • RS stock no. 179-9958
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CE1A250
Each
R 8,695.78(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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Touch Switches Guide
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