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

87 of 999+
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Compact Rotary Handle Keylock Adaptor
  • RS stock no. 221-1204
  • Mfr. Part No. LV429344
Each
R 698.94(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NO/1NC, IP66, Plastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 4A Max
  • RS stock no. 273-6447
  • Mfr. Part No. 178136 LS-11/L-M12A
Each
R 1,247.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM 2-Axis Joystick Castle, Hall Effect, IP67 5 ± 0.01V dc
  • RS stock no. 267-5095
  • Mfr. Part No. TSAA1P02A
Each
R 2,944.40(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens Switch Disconnector Auxiliary Switch, SENTRON Series for Use with 3KD Sizes 1 and 2
  • RS stock no. 218-3241
  • Mfr. Part No. 3KD9103-2
Each
R 162.07(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec Legend Plate, Emergency Stop
  • RS stock no. 182-4284
  • Mfr. Part No. HAAV-27
Each
R 66.14(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 19.2mm Cutout, DPDT, Green LED, 250V ac, IP67
  • RS stock no. 111-3889
Each
R 364.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
12MM IP67 TOGGLE SWITCH SP MOM OFF MOM
  • RS stock no. 428-031
  • Mfr. Part No. CT37-001N022
Each
R 445.04(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Telemecanique Sensors 9007 Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT-DB, Metal Housing, 600V ac Max, 1.2A Max
  • RS stock no. 179-9859
  • Mfr. Part No. 9007C54CM11
Each
R 8,951.93(exc. VAT)
In Stock
MEC Clear Modular Switch Cap for Use with 3F Series Push Button Switch
  • RS stock no. 495-4743
  • Mfr. Part No. 1S11-19.0
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 11.487(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ZF Door Micro Switch, Button, DPDT 10 A @ 250 V ac, -40 → +85°C
  • RS stock no. 462-8438
  • Mfr. Part No. F79-30A
Each
R 262.22(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 4P Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 381-3893
  • Mfr. Part No. KG20B.T204/GBA302.VE
Each
R 985.22(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Contactum 4 Pole Isolator Switch - 125A Maximum Current
  • RS stock no. 201-0754
  • Mfr. Part No. CPD1254
Each
R 578.75(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Industrial Duty Momentary On-Off Foot Switch - Metal Case Material, 2NC+2NO, 3 A, 270 mA Contact
  • RS stock no. 220-5256
  • Mfr. Part No. XPER5100D
Each
R 14,545.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lorlin Key Switch, SPST, 500 mA @ 24 V 2-Way Common, Flat-Key
  • RS stock no. 562-545
  • Mfr. Part No. SKL-12-AS2
Each
R 148.09(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec, IDEC YW, Panel Mount Yellow LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, 230/240V ac
  • RS stock no. 813-5246
  • Mfr. Part No. YW1P-1BUQM3Y
Each
R 156.77(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69
  • RS stock no. 874-2020
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-0AB10-1BA0
Each
R 467.00(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM TP Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, PCB, SPST, 20V
  • RS stock no. 664-389
  • Mfr. Part No. TP33WW080
Each
R 182.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens Switch Disconnector
  • RS stock no. 213-1413
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC6033
Each
R 345.17(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440G-LZ Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, Stainless Steel Housing
  • RS stock no. 810-4093
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-LZASPL
Each
R 2,057.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Plunger Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 16 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO
  • RS stock no. 804-6192
Each
R 87.94(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
DIP Switches Guide
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