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

55484 Products showing for Switches

Sort by
4 of 999+
Temporarily out of stock
ABB Switch Disconnector, 3-Pole, 400 A, 400A
  • RS stock no. 259-9662
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022860R1780
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 11 807,15(exc. VAT)
R 11 807,15/unit
Temporarily out of stock
APEM TP Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, PCB, SPST, 20 V dc 20 V ac
  • RS stock no. 664-339
  • Mfr. Part No. TP32P0080
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 153,80(exc. VAT)
R 153,80/unit
In Stock
Eaton RMQ-Titan Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22.5 mm Cutout, IP66
  • RS stock no. 743-5012
  • Mfr. Part No. 216870 M22-WK3
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 347,82(exc. VAT)
R 347,82/unit
In Stock
Omron D40A Series Electronic Detection Non-Contact Safety Switch, PBT Housing, 24V dc, 1 NO, M12
  • RS stock no. 214-7514
  • Mfr. Part No. D40A-1C015-F
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 3 352,84(exc. VAT)
R 3 352,84/unit
In Stock
Aratas Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 10A, 250 V ac, 250 V dc, SPCO, IP40
  • RS stock no. 794-4011
  • Mfr. Part No. V-102-1C4
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 101,50(exc. VAT)
R 101,50/unit
In Stock
Cole Hersee Screw Battery Isolator Switch -, IP67, 300A
  • RS stock no. 905-8809
  • Mfr. Part No. 75920
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 869,54(exc. VAT)
R 1 869,54/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series, 1 NC
  • RS stock no. 511-8342
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-NX-X01
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 122,48(exc. VAT)
R 122,48/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Padlockable Flap, For Use With 22 mm Flush Pushbutton
  • RS stock no. 922-4930
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BZ64
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 452,24(exc. VAT)
R 452,24/unit
In Stock
ABB, Panel Mount Yellow LED Buzzer, Compact, 22 mm Cutout, 130V dc, IP66, IP67, Round
  • RS stock no. 835-2769
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA619600R6123 CB1-612Y
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 893,86(exc. VAT)
R 893,86/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster Actuator for Use with TLS-GD2 Interlock Safety Switch
  • RS stock no. 351-3880
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-A27143
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 617,21(exc. VAT)
R 617,21/unit
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 3 Position, Rotary Knob Actuator 25 A
  • RS stock no. 758-614
  • Mfr. Part No. CA20.A213/GBA001.E
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 124,45(exc. VAT)
R 1 124,45/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 55,43(exc. VAT)
R 55,43/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22 mm Cutout, 24 V ac, 24V dc, IP65, Round
  • RS stock no. 763-7918
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 93,35(exc. VAT)
R 93,35/unit
In Stock
ABB ABB Modular Series Green Momentary Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP66
  • RS stock no. 757-8715
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611100R1102 MP1-11G
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 151,72(exc. VAT)
R 151,72/unit
In Stock
Idec YW Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, 2 NC, IP65
  • RS stock no. 168-2546
  • Mfr. Part No. YW1B-V4E02R
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 330,12(exc. VAT)
R 330,12/unit
In Stock
Bulgin Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 25.8 mm Cutout, SPST, IP66 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 708-2936
  • Mfr. Part No. MP0027
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 715,18(exc. VAT)
R 715,18/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout Red, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69K
  • RS stock no. 874-2024
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1100-0AB20-1CA0
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 338,87(exc. VAT)
R 338,87/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-Off-On, DPDT, Solder Terminal, 28 V dc, 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 820-0517
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 271,33(exc. VAT)
R 271,33/unit
In Stock
ABB MLBL Series Light Block, 220V dc, White Light
  • RS stock no. 237-2986
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611621R1065
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 311,24(exc. VAT)
R 311,24/unit
In Stock
Eaton Grey, Yellow Plastic M22 Push Button Enclosure - 1 Hole 22 mm Diameter
  • RS stock no. 399-3826
  • Mfr. Part No. 216536 M22-IY1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 477,79(exc. VAT)
R 477,79/unit
1
4
2775
Results per page

Guides & Articles

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
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

Related links