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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

    49991 Products showing for Switches

    3 of 999+
    ZF SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 706-4360
    • Mfr. Part No. RRA22H3EBBNN
    Each
    R 31,00
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
    • RS stock no. 763-7918
    Each
    R 99,79
    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
    ABB OSSD Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, M12
    • RS stock no. 917-6409
    • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA020051R5400 Adam OSSD-Info M12-5
    Each
    R 1 747,88
    Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 278-9828
    • Mfr. Part No. C1350ALAAF
    Each
    R 64,84
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 250 V ac, 300V dc, Plastic Housing, NO/NC, 3m
    • RS stock no. 334-0777
    • Mfr. Part No. 440N-S32015
    Each
    R 1 648,83
    Better World
    Schneider Electric 3P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 50A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS stock no. 257-3566
    • Mfr. Part No. VCF3GE
    Each
    R 3 317,86
    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
    Selco Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +450°F, Closes at +370°F, +260°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset
    • RS stock no. 111-7183
    • Mfr. Part No. ORA-450-QC
    Each
    R 191,74
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66,
    • RS stock no. 795-1306
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8442
    Each
    R 791,06
    SICK SRA2 Series Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Nylon 66 Housing, M12
    • RS stock no. 285-9000
    • Mfr. Part No. SRA2-AAR140AKZI
    Each
    R 15 037,99
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
    • RS stock no. 331-0489
    • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
    Each
    R 131,85
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 235-997
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKM121H29
    Each
    R 1 618,58
    Schneider Electric Black Rotary Handle, ComPacT NSXm Series
    • RS stock no. 254-6377
    • Mfr. Part No. LV429338T
    Each
    R 3 897,91
    Pilz 505 Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, M8
    • RS stock no. 313-655
    • Mfr. Part No. 505222
    Each
    R 2 304,98
    RS PRO, SP 5 Position 30° Multi Step Cam Switch, 500V ac, 16A, Knob Actuator
    • RS stock no. 265-7672
    Each
    R 738,89
    RS PRO Roller Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, DPST, Thermoplastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 5A Max
    • RS stock no. 902-6947
    Each
    R 768,07
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
    • RS stock no. 331-0473
    • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
    Each
    R 131,85
    Omron A22N Series Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, DPDT, IP66
    • RS stock no. 187-2510
    • Mfr. Part No. A22NN-RNM-UWA-P112-NN
    Each
    R 298,40
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS stock no. 763-7946
    Each
    R 99,79
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    Guides & Articles

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    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.
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    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.
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