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

4 of 999+
Currently unavailable
EOZ Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, SPST, 48 V dc, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS stock no. 690-3255
  • Mfr. Part No. R16FFNSTAG
Each
R 146.44(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 2-Axis Joystick Switch Knob, Spring Return, IP65 250V ac
  • RS stock no. 825-2603
Each
R 2,873.38(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schmersal Actuator, Plastic Housing
  • RS stock no. 880-1763
  • Mfr. Part No. RST 36-1
Each
R 742.01(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPST, RGB LED, 36V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 175-9546
1 Pack of 1
R 310.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Miniature Push Button Switch, On-(Off), Panel Mount, 13.6mm Cutout, SPST, 30V dc, IP67
  • RS stock no. 820-7587
Each
R 91.83(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Alps Alpine Push Button Switch, Latching, PCB, DPDT, 30V dc
  • RS stock no. 123-9052
  • Mfr. Part No. SPPH420100
Each (In a Pack of 5)
R 32.432(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP65
  • RS stock no. 145-0607
Each
R 155.22(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ZF SPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 440-6979
  • Mfr. Part No. SRB22A2FBBNN
Each
R 36.02(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron D4NS Safety Interlock Switch, 1NC/1NO, Keyed, Plastic
  • RS stock no. 215-5054
  • Mfr. Part No. D4NS-1AF
Each
R 878.53(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XD2 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, DPST, IP66
  • RS stock no. 746-9024
  • Mfr. Part No. XD2GA8241
Each
R 3,595.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, DPDT, IP65
  • RS stock no. 745-2442
Each
R 523.21(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5A, CO, IP40
  • RS stock no. 241-235
1 Pack of 5
R 185.87(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Molveno Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
  • RS stock no. 793-2507
  • Mfr. Part No. SX8211881G110000
Each
R 44.30(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Selector Switch - (NC/NO) 3 Positions
  • RS stock no. 820-0463
Each
R 460.25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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 378.18(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCKY Series Limit Switch
  • RS stock no. 360-8556
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY59
Each
R 193.64(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
Schneider Electric Grey Polycarbonate XALD Empty Control Station - 1 Hole 22mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 276-2488
  • Mfr. Part No. XALD01
Each
R 388.06(exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPST, Solder Terminal
  • RS stock no. 190-0664
  • Mfr. Part No. 5646A
Each
R 121.47(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)
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Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
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
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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