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

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Currently unavailable
Schurter Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 22.1mm Cutout, DPDT, White LED, 30 V dc, 250V ac, IP40,
  • RS stock no. 134-6525
  • Mfr. Part No. 3-101-041
Each
R 1,366.99(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XC2J Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1CO, IP65, IP657, SP, Metal Housing, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 221-1876
  • Mfr. Part No. XC2JC10131
Each
R 4,549.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Finder Interface Unit, 13
  • RS stock no. 196-2306
  • Mfr. Part No. 13.22.8.230.B000
Each
R 2,111.43(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS stock no. 331-0467
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AZ102
Each
R 178.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM 6 Way Through Hole DIP Switch SPST, Raised Actuator
  • RS stock no. 877-2141
  • Mfr. Part No. NDS-06-V
Each (In a Tube of 27)
R 14.93(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Plastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS stock no. 153-3963
Each
R 620.99(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato Platinum Series Clear Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 790-3448
  • Mfr. Part No. LPCBL107
Each
R 210.34(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-On, SPDT, Through Hole Terminal, 20V
  • RS stock no. 783-1218
  • Mfr. Part No. A101SYCB04
Each
R 88.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12mm Cutout, SPST, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 127-8496
  • Mfr. Part No. MMP0120/NNB67/P
Each
R 379.74(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron ER Rope Pull Switch, 40m, 3NC, Any Position
  • RS stock no. 214-7509
  • Mfr. Part No. 44506-4030 ER5018-030M
Each
R 4,651.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB ABB Modular Series Contact Block, 690V, 1NO
  • RS stock no. 757-8901
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611605R1101 MCBH-10
Each
R 151.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity 8 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch, Extended, Slide Actuator
  • RS stock no. 255-0600
  • Mfr. Part No. 1825058-1
Each (In a Bag of 60)
R 21.106(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 2-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Stay Put, IP66
  • RS stock no. 536-3845
  • Mfr. Part No. 70002648 M22-WRJ2H+M22-A4
Each
R 1,600.64(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 100A Maximum Current, 37kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 191-7555
  • Mfr. Part No. KG100.T203/GBA017.VE
Each
R 2,393.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Otto Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off, DPST, Tab Terminal, 28 V dc, 115V ac
  • RS stock no. 883-7582
  • Mfr. Part No. T7-211C5
Each
R 519.18(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer, 8P 2 Position 60° Double Throw Cam Switch, 20A
  • RS stock no. 222-5807
  • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A372/GBA001.*FT
Each
R 1,120.25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Green Pilot Light Head, 22mm Cutout ZB4B Series
  • RS stock no. 220-5283
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BV033E
Each
R 135.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, DPST, IP65
  • RS stock no. 145-0618
Each
R 225.17(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Same Sky 4 Way Surface Mount DIP Switch SPST, Flat Actuator
  • RS stock no. 259-6377P
  • Mfr. Part No. DS04-254-2-04BK-SMT-TR
Each (Supplied on a Reel)
R 16.416(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB5, Panel Mount Red Universal LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, 240V ac
  • RS stock no. 609-6316
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AVM4
Each
R 553.03(exc. VAT)
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