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

53765 Products showing for Switches

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  • RS stock no. 610-2938
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVM1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 316,44(exc. VAT)
R 316,44/unit
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  • Mfr. Part No. XD4PA22
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 112,11(exc. VAT)
R 2 112,11/unit
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Subtotal (1 unit)
R 79,45(exc. VAT)
R 79,45/unit
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  • RS stock no. 213-2859
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Subtotal (1 unit)
R 761,05(exc. VAT)
R 761,05/unit
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  • RS stock no. 779-0873
  • Mfr. Part No. PD5005-7TC
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 142,62(exc. VAT)
R 2 142,62/unit
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  • RS stock no. 340-245
  • Mfr. Part No. 524120
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 420,94(exc. VAT)
R 1 420,94/unit
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  • RS stock no. 623-3054
  • Mfr. Part No. AZ16-12ZVRK-M20
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 346,21(exc. VAT)
R 1 346,21/unit
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  • RS stock no. 331-0142
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BZ009
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 71,86(exc. VAT)
R 71,86/unit
Last RS stock
  • RS stock no. 610-2972
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVM6
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 392,50(exc. VAT)
R 392,50/unit
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  • RS stock no. 176-0019
  • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA020051R5100 Adam DYN-Info M12-5
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 841,85(exc. VAT)
R 1 841,85/unit
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  • RS stock no. 682-0875
  • Mfr. Part No. V-16-1C25
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R 50,26(exc. VAT)
R 50,26/unit
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  • Mfr. Part No. 541010
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 609,75(exc. VAT)
R 2 609,75/unit
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Subtotal (1 unit)
R 905,10(exc. VAT)
R 905,10/unit
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  • RS stock no. 331-0158
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BZ101
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 188,35(exc. VAT)
R 188,35/unit
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  • RS stock no. 880-1870
  • Mfr. Part No. RSS16-D-ST8H
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 3 914,99(exc. VAT)
R 3 914,99/unit
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  • RS stock no. 513-5690
  • Mfr. Part No. 3841 3006
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 995,33(exc. VAT)
R 2 995,33/unit
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  • RS stock no. 211-1578
  • Mfr. Part No. AZ 15/16-B3
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 295,42(exc. VAT)
R 295,42/unit
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  • RS stock no. 330-9057
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BD3
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 298,27(exc. VAT)
R 298,27/unit
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R 1 741,32(exc. VAT)
R 1 741,32/unit
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  • RS stock no. 791-8573
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 96,76(exc. VAT)
R 96,76/unit
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