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    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

    50058 Products showing for Switches

    2 of 999+
    Eaton M22 Series Contact Block for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, 500V, 1 NO
    • RS stock no. 399-3573
    • Mfr. Part No. 216376 M22-K10
    Each
    R 181,85
    Lorlin Key Switch, DPDT, 1 A @ 24V ac dc / 115V ac 2-Way Random-Key
    • RS stock no. 665-792
    • Mfr. Part No. SRL5JD2
    Each
    R 222,92
    RS PRO Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, DPDT, IP65
    • RS stock no. 745-2442
    Each
    R 529,71
    Telemecanique Sensors Non-Contact Safety Switch
    • RS stock no. 198-706
    • Mfr. Part No. XCSZP1
    Each
    R 732,70
    Lovato Platinum 22mm Series Contact Block, 690V, 1NO
    • RS stock no. 790-3417
    • Mfr. Part No. LPXC10
    Each
    R 114,55
    Panasonic Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Pre-wired Terminal, 5 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO, IP67
    • RS stock no. 699-0325
    • Mfr. Part No. ABV161250
    Each
    R 184,56
    RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 32/50/125V ac, IP67
    • RS stock no. 734-6704
    Each
    R 60,23
    Schmersal AZ16 Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed, Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic
    • RS stock no. 623-3054
    • Mfr. Part No. AZ16-12ZVRK-M20
    Each
    R 1 398,37
    Lorlin Key Switch, SPST, 2 A@ 250 V ac 2-Way Tubular-Key
    • RS stock no. 182-562
    • Mfr. Part No. LS300
    Each
    R 422,83
    RS PRO 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 15kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS stock no. 860-9532
    Each
    R 724,47
    Schmersal RSS 36 Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, 24V dc
    • RS stock no. 880-1766
    • Mfr. Part No. RSS 36-SD-ST
    Each
    R 3 590,35
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch
    • RS stock no. 360-8641
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD15
    Each
    R 525,86
    Telemecanique Sensors XCS-DMP Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NC, Cable
    • RS stock no. 422-5095
    • Mfr. Part No. XCSDMP7002
    Each
    R 2 345,04
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 1.5A Max
    • RS stock no. 447-3575
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCP21
    Each
    R 354,44
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS stock no. 763-7946
    Each
    R 99,79
    Kraus & Naimer 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP66, IP67
    • RS stock no. 381-3607
    • Mfr. Part No. KG32.T203/GBA283.*KS1V
    Each
    R 947,89
    NSF Rotary Switch Wafer 2-Position
    • RS stock no. 352-238
    • Mfr. Part No. 457845/1/MA
    Each
    R 736,65
    APEM Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, SPST, 24/48V dc, IP65
    • RS stock no. 278-1133
    • Mfr. Part No. AV1630C910
    Each
    R 377,42
    ZF SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 706-4360
    • Mfr. Part No. RRA22H3EBBNN
    Each
    R 31,00
    Schmersal Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, DPDT, Thermoplastic Housing, 230V ac Max, 4A Max
    • RS stock no. 470-4396
    • Mfr. Part No. TV1H 236-11z
    Each
    R 1 357,85
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    DIP Switches Guide
    In this complete guide we look at what DIP switches are, how they work, as well as the different types available on the market.
    Read more
    Article image
    Touch Switches Guide
    In this complete guide, we look at what touch switches are, how they work and the different types available on the market.
    Read more

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