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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

    5 of 999+
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 250 V ac, 300V dc, Plastic Housing, NO/NC, 3m
    • RS stock no. 335-5757
    • Mfr. Part No. 440N-S32022
    Each
    R 2 150,73
    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
    Lovato Platinum 22mm Series Contact Block, 690V, 1NC
    • RS stock no. 790-3408
    • Mfr. Part No. LPXC01
    Each
    R 114,55
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A
    • RS stock no. 125-8461
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKN2118P20
    Each
    R 495,11
    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 141,87
    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
    Pilz Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NO, M8
    • RS stock no. 918-6658
    • Mfr. Part No. 506334
    Each
    R 1 306,98
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (2NO) 3 Positions
    • RS stock no. 330-8694
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD33
    Each
    R 693,41
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440G-MT Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock, 24V ac/dc, Actuator Included
    • RS stock no. 873-2180
    • Mfr. Part No. 440G-MT47038
    Each
    R 6 473,48
    RS PRO Piezo Switch, Momentary (NO), SPST, IP69, Flexible Wire, 200mA, -20 → +75°C Natural
    • RS stock no. 259-1138
    Each
    R 926,99
    Telemecanique Sensors XCSA Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed , Zinc Alloy
    • RS stock no. 263-3624
    • Mfr. Part No. XCSA702
    Each
    R 2 708,44
    Telemecanique Sensors XCSDMP Series Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 3NC/NO
    • RS stock no. 133-0072
    • Mfr. Part No. XCSDMP7005
    Each
    R 2 722,01
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, SPDT, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 244-749
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10513H29
    Each
    R 1 787,84
    RS PRO Coil Spring Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 902-6884
    Each
    R 413,54
    Schmersal Standard Actuator for Use with AZ 15 Safety Switch
    • RS stock no. 623-3234
    • Mfr. Part No. AZ 15/16-B1
    Each
    R 239,17
    Eaton 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
    • RS stock no. 847-5367
    • Mfr. Part No. 216872 M22-WRK3
    Each
    R 346,61
    RS PRO Piezo Switch, Momentary (NO), SPST, IP69, Flexible Wire, 200mA, -20 → +75°C Natural
    • RS stock no. 259-1139
    Each
    R 1 053,06
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Foot Switch Momentary Foot Switch - Plastic Case Material, 2NC+2NO, 3 A Contact Current, 240V
    • RS stock no. 212-4867
    • Mfr. Part No. XPEY311
    Each
    R 2 139,22
    Schmersal RSS 36 Series RFID Safety Switch, 20.4 → 26.4V dc, Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, M12
    • RS stock no. 880-1750
    • Mfr. Part No. RSS 36-I2-D-ST
    Each
    R 3 584,43
    RS PRO Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 4A Max
    • RS stock no. 902-6856
    Each
    R 392,18
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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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