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

84 of 999+
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric Selector Switch - (SPDT) 22mm Cutout Diameter, Illuminated 2 Positions
  • RS stock no. 609-5470
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BK123M5
Each
R 1,514.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 6 Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 269-9716
  • Mfr. Part No. 207211 T3-4-15682/I2/SVB-SW
Each
R 2,978.49(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Crouzet Plunger Micro Switch, Tab Terminal, 6 A @ 250 V ac, SPST
  • RS stock no. 321-8226
  • Mfr. Part No. 83 160 703
Each
R 284.55(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at 125°C, Closes at 110°C, +180°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset
  • RS stock no. 222-8239
Each
R 195.49(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Red Rotary Handle
  • RS stock no. 276-1515
  • Mfr. Part No. 31053
Each
R 3,128.38(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Eaton, 4PST 2 Position 90° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V ac, 20A, Rotary Actuator
  • RS stock no. 103-8435
  • Mfr. Part No. 050712 T0-4-8223/E
Each
R 1,132.63(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 125A Maximum Current, 45kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 518-7461
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2804-0TK53
Each
R 2,838.77(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Green Handle
  • RS stock no. 609-2465
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BK1533
Each
R 616.94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XCKS
  • RS stock no. 221-3007
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD49
Each
R 1,330.14(exc. VAT)
In Stock
CH Products 1-Axis Joystick Switch Lever, Hall Effect, IP67 5V
  • RS stock no. 765-1166
  • Mfr. Part No. BD140A01BK0549
Each
R 2,068.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Bulgin Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 12mm Cutout, SPST, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 127-8500
  • Mfr. Part No. MMP0120/SSS67/P
Each
R 505.97(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Omron Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, 250V ac Max, ac 5 A, dc 400mA Max
  • RS stock no. 752-9602
  • Mfr. Part No. HL-5030
Each
R 547.56(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Assemtech Rectangular Reed Switch, NC, 100V, 500mA
  • RS stock no. 361-4961
  • Mfr. Part No. PSB130/30
Each
R 221.58(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric 2NO Push Button Pendant Station
  • RS stock no. 251-2561
  • Mfr. Part No. XACA271
Each
R 2,203.64(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 63A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP66
  • RS stock no. 261-7874
  • Mfr. Part No. 194E-A63-1753-6N
Each
R 1,358.69(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series White Momentary Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 330-8953
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA1
Each
R 172.94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Spring Return Selector Switch - (SPDT) 30mm Cutout Diameter 3 Positions
  • RS stock no. 183-4499
  • Mfr. Part No. 800T-J91A
Each
R 2,504.97(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
C & K 80200 Series Push Button Switch, On-(On), Through Hole, SPDT, White LED, 20V
  • RS stock no. 257-0600
  • Mfr. Part No. 8125SD9AV2BE
Each (In a Tray of 40)
R 156.874(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Panasonic Hinge Lever Micro Switch, PCB Terminal, 3 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 699-0574
  • Mfr. Part No. AVT34223
Each
R 43.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67
  • RS stock no. 123-8166
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AP42
Each
R 393.15(exc. VAT)
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