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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

    6 of 999+
    RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, SPDT, Solder Terminal
    • RS stock no. 734-7062
    Each
    R 26,62
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Red Handle
    • RS stock no. 746-9544
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BK1443
    Each
    R 649,16
    RS PRO Rope Pull Switch Cable, 30m
    • RS stock no. 239-6791
    Each
    R 3 541,35
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Black Momentary Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
    • RS stock no. 330-8969
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA2
    Each
    R 174,66
    Schmersal AZM 161 Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Actuator Included
    • RS stock no. 335-636
    • Mfr. Part No. AZM 161-STS30-05
    Each
    R 13 163,79
    RS PRO Rectangular Reed Switch, NO, , IP67
    • RS stock no. 268-4856
    Each
    R 78,42
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPDT) 22mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
    • RS stock no. 330-8688
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD25
    Each
    R 708,83
    TE Connectivity Black Button Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 24 V dc 5.9mm PCB, Through Hole
    • RS stock no. 479-1435
    • Mfr. Part No. 1-1825910-4
    Each (In a Pack of 20)
    R 3,228
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB6 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, 2NO + 2NC,
    • RS stock no. 609-6417
    • Mfr. Part No. XB6AS8349B
    Each
    R 826,97
    Idec Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16.2mm Cutout, DPDT, Red LED, 24V, IP65
    • RS stock no. 828-7987
    • Mfr. Part No. AL6M-M24P-R
    Each
    R 387,97
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch
    • RS stock no. 360-8641
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD15
    Each
    R 525,86
    RS PRO Push Button Switch, Latching, PCB, SPST, 28V dc
    • RS stock no. 820-0618
    Each
    R 290,89
    Kraus & Naimer 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 5.5kW Power Rating, IP66, IP67
    • RS stock no. 381-3578
    • Mfr. Part No. KG10.T203/GBA283.*KS1V
    Each
    R 745,50
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DP, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 360-8562
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKM1H29
    Each
    R 852,10
    RS PRO Switch Guard, For Use With 16 mm Push Button Switch
    • RS stock no. 905-9846
    Each
    R 147,09
    Omron Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, 250V ac Max, ac 5 A, dc 400mA Max
    • RS stock no. 752-9602
    • Mfr. Part No. HL-5030
    Each
    R 555,92
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, SPDT, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 700-4309
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10541H29
    Each
    R 2 199,88
    ABB 1SFA1 Series Black Momentary Push Button
    • RS stock no. 250-4338
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA184140R9006
    1 Box of 10
    R 2 784,09
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 16mm Cutout, IP40, Round, 230V ac
    • RS stock no. 909-2455
    Each
    R 78,50
    RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +110°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 733-4735
    Each
    R 537,89
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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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