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

80 of 999+
In Stock
Siemens Actuator Head for Use with 3SE5 Limit Switch
  • RS stock no. 498-898
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5000-0AV03
Each
R 176.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Illuminated DPST, (On)-On Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 507-429
  • Mfr. Part No. KR45CAKDDG
Each
R 672.07(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
EAO IP67 6 Key Plastic Illuminated Keypad
  • RS stock no. 241-2020
  • Mfr. Part No. 09-0075.3142
Each
R 5,637.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd Illuminated SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 240-0755
  • Mfr. Part No. C5503PLLAA
Each
R 85.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 4P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 5.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 342-2330
  • Mfr. Part No. KG10B.T204/GBA281.E
Each
R 792.96(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS stock no. 609-3654
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD109
Each
R 401.38(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 Series, Twist Release, Emergency Stop Push Button Head 40mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 103-8530
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1051-1HB20-0AA0
Each
R 663.94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB Limit Switch, IP67, 600V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 231-9063
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SBV015912R3801 LS20P12B11-U01
Each
R 1,523.29(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 16mm Cutout, IP40, 12V ac/dc
  • RS stock no. 909-2430
Each
R 75.70(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric 2 Axis-Axis Joystick Switch Spring Return, IP66
  • RS stock no. 212-059
  • Mfr. Part No. ZD4PA227
Each
R 1,675.02(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCSDMR Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Thermoplastic Housing, 2NC, 10m Cable
  • RS stock no. 195-1911
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSDMR79010
Each
R 2,473.44(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Safety Interlock Switch, 1NC/1NO Actuator Included, Spring Lock
  • RS stock no. 181-1200
  • Mfr. Part No. 106819 LS-11-ZB
Each
R 2,994.06(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB Black Rotary Handle, 1SCA Series
  • RS stock no. 231-9077
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022381R0830 OHB95J12
Each
R 1,826.42(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Molveno Rocker Switch Cover for use with SX82 Series
  • RS stock no. 793-2525
  • Mfr. Part No. SX82PRT1
Each (In a Pack of 2)
R 12.505(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Red Rotary Handle, TeSys Series
  • RS stock no. 197-3324
  • Mfr. Part No. VLSH1S5R
Each
R 569.99(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Honeywell 14CE Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 240V ac
  • RS stock no. 339-421
  • Mfr. Part No. 14CE2-1
Each
R 3,855.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity 8 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch SPST, Flush Slide Actuator
  • RS stock no. 267-8090
  • Mfr. Part No. 4-1825059-2
Each (On a Tape of 5)
R 45.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Pushwheel Switch BCD Pushwheel Tab PCB 200mΩ 10-way DPS10131AK
  • RS stock no. 782-1289
  • Mfr. Part No. DPS10131AK
Each
R 1,075.01(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors Rope Pull Cable Clamp
  • RS stock no. 305-1304
  • Mfr. Part No. XY2CZ513
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 54.665(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Illuminated Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
  • RS stock no. 178-667
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AW36B5
Each
R 745.45(exc. VAT)
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