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

9 of 999+
In Stock
Eaton Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, 415V ac Max, 230/240 V ac 6A Max
  • RS stock no. 847-4985
  • Mfr. Part No. 106798 LS-S11S
Each
R 679.88(exc. VAT)
Last RS stock
Saia-Burgess Plunger Micro Switch, Screw Terminal, 15 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP54
  • RS stock no. 414-5646
  • Mfr. Part No. 4BR
Each
R 1,452.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 511-8061
  • Mfr. Part No. 800FM-SM32
Each
R 217.46(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Teledyne RF Switch, SPDT, SMA Female Connector, 18GHz Max, 60dB Isolation, 20ms, 50Ω Output
  • RS stock no. 885-8554
  • Mfr. Part No. CCR-33S3O-N
Each
R 3,746.04(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Key Selector Switch - (2NO) 22.5mm Cutout Diameter 3 Positions
  • RS stock no. 238-3958
Each
R 859.84(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, White Handle
  • RS stock no. 746-9172
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AK1213
Each
R 536.01(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS stock no. 511-8027
  • Mfr. Part No. 800FM-SM22
Each
R 217.46(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Light Block, 230V, White Light
  • RS stock no. 610-2938
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVM1
Each
R 316.44(exc. VAT)
In Stock
C & K IP67 Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 32 V dc 0.9mm Surface Mount
  • RS stock no. 255-673
  • Mfr. Part No. KSC241J LFS
Each (In a Pack of 10)
R 7.866(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton M22 Series Contact Block for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, 500V, 1NC
  • RS stock no. 399-3551
  • Mfr. Part No. 216378 M22-K01
Each
R 150.83(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 261-7565
  • Mfr. Part No. 194E-E32-1753-6N
Each
R 847.02(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 330-9388
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BS844
Each
R 625.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, 3P 3 Position 60° Changeover Cam Switch, 500V ac, 12A, Knob Actuator
  • RS stock no. 265-7693
Each
R 491.32(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal Standard Actuator for Use with AZ 15 Safety Switch
  • RS stock no. 623-3234
  • Mfr. Part No. AZ 15/16-B1
Each
R 235.18(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. 246-3087
  • Mfr. Part No. 14CE2-3
Each
R 3,884.73(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +110°C Max, SPST, Manual Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 733-4717
Each
R 760.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 4P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 125A Maximum Current, 55kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 466-132
Each
R 2,791.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal BNS16 Series Magnetic Safety Switch, 100V ac/dc, Plastic Housing, 2NO/NC, M20
  • RS stock no. 617-5273
  • Mfr. Part No. BNS16 12ZV
Each
R 2,583.26(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 2P Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 13kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS stock no. 629-2025
  • Mfr. Part No. 70020073 T0-1-102/I1H/SVB/K-CI-K1/2(RS629-2025)
1 Box of 1
R 927.16(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 30mm Cutout, SPST, IP69
  • RS stock no. 185-3601
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5FA21
Each
R 357.87(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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