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

55150 Products showing for Switches

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In Stock
Omron WL Series Coil Spring Limit Switch, SPST, IP67, Aluminium Housing, 500V ac, 10A
  • RS stock no. 908-3278
  • Mfr. Part No. WLNJ-Y-N
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 453,62(exc. VAT)
R 1 453,62/unit
In Stock
Lovato 3-Pole Panel Isolator Switch -, IP65, 80A, 45 kW
  • RS stock no. 111-7861
  • Mfr. Part No. GAZ080C
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 895,27(exc. VAT)
R 1 895,27/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, LEDtec, 22 mm Cutout, 12 V ac, 12V dc, IP65, Round
  • RS stock no. 791-8573
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 94,85(exc. VAT)
R 94,85/unit
In Stock
Idec CW Series Contact Block, 120V, Amber, Blue, Green, Pure White, Yellow, Red, White Light, 1 NC
  • RS stock no. 813-5268
  • Mfr. Part No. YW-E01
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 102,99(exc. VAT)
R 102,99/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Blue LED Pilot Light, LEDtec, 22 mm Cutout, 12 V ac, 12V dc, IP65, Round
  • RS stock no. 791-8585
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 95,15(exc. VAT)
R 95,15/unit
In Stock
ITW Switches 48 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel, 13.6 mm Cutout, SPST, Clear LED, IP67, 12 V dc 250
  • RS stock no. 655-4626
  • Mfr. Part No. 48-2-RB-N-YL-B
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 198,76(exc. VAT)
R 198,76/unit
In Stock
APEM IA Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 16.2 mm Cutout, SPST, IP65, IP67, 24 V dc
  • RS stock no. 124-7841
  • Mfr. Part No. IAR3F1600
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 461,30(exc. VAT)
R 461,30/unit
In Stock
Eaton Label for Use with RMQ Titan Series
  • RS stock no. 399-4295
  • Mfr. Part No. 216483 M22-XBK1
Subtotal (1 bag of 2 units)
R 359,10(exc. VAT)
R 359,10/bag
In Stock
Schmersal BPS Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 3P
  • RS stock no. 623-2944
  • Mfr. Part No. BPS 300
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 245,61(exc. VAT)
R 245,61/unit
In Stock
RS PRO SPST, On-Off On-None-On Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS stock no. 419-744
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
R 70,73(exc. VAT)
R 14,146/unit
In Stock
EAO 61 Series Contact Block, 250V ac, 1 CO
  • RS stock no. 219-5469
  • Mfr. Part No. 61-8470.22
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 489,63(exc. VAT)
R 489,63/unit
In Stock
Saia-Burgess Short Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5A, 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
  • RS stock no. 472-8314
  • Mfr. Part No. V4NST7Y1UL
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 56,29(exc. VAT)
R 56,29/unit
In Stock
Otto P9 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 0.5 in Cutout, DPDT, Red LED, IP68, 28 V dc 115 V ac
  • RS stock no. 433-3196
  • Mfr. Part No. P9-213121
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 374,10(exc. VAT)
R 374,10/unit
In Stock
Eaton for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series 500 V ac, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 399-3618
  • Mfr. Part No. 216384 M22-CK10
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 167,27(exc. VAT)
R 167,27/unit
Limited stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Mounting Bracket, A9A15151
  • RS stock no. 776-2708
  • Mfr. Part No. A9A15151
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 83,00(exc. VAT)
R 83,00/unit
Temporarily out of stock
Omron Black Tactile Switch Plunger, 1.6 mm, SPST 50mA 24 V dc, Through Hole
  • RS stock no. 682-1241
  • Mfr. Part No. B3F-6020
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
R 41,22(exc. VAT)
R 8,244/unit
In Stock
APEM Tactile Switch Cap Black for Keyboard Switch, KTSC62K
  • RS stock no. 378-6820
  • Mfr. Part No. KTSC62K
Subtotal (1 pack of 10 units)
R 20,82(exc. VAT)
R 2,082/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440E Rope Pull Switch 204 mm, Straight, 2 NO/2 NC
  • RS stock no. 427-1155
  • Mfr. Part No. 440E-D13118
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 351,60(exc. VAT)
R 2 351,60/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Siemens IP20 Key Switch, SPST 2-Way Flat-Key
  • RS stock no. 874-1948
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-4BF11-1BA0
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 797,45(exc. VAT)
R 797,45/unit
In Stock
Carling Technologies Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, DPST, Tab Terminal, 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 879-8257
  • Mfr. Part No. 2GK51-73
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 145,14(exc. VAT)
R 145,14/unit
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