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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

    50058 Products showing for Switches

    8 of 999+
    Omron A16 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Panel Mount, Green LED, IP65
    • RS stock no. 265-5276
    • Mfr. Part No. A165L-TGY
    Each
    R 54,06
    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
    Better World
    Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU11 Series Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST
    • RS stock no. 173-6793
    • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1150-0AB20-1BA0
    Each
    R 397,24
    EICHOFF Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, DPDT, 230V
    • RS stock no. 398-5229
    • Mfr. Part No. 3251-21-01/52
    Each
    R 479,54
    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
    Carling Technologies, Rocker Switch Lens, Laser Etched Actuator, For Use With V Series Sealed Rocker Switches, White
    • RS stock no. 913-2939
    • Mfr. Part No. VVPZC56-100
    Each
    R 68,57
    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
    Eaton, 1P 2 Position 90° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 20A, Toggle Actuator
    • RS stock no. 271-4131
    • Mfr. Part No. 009286 T0-1-15441/IVS
    Each
    R 649,96
    Eaton HAC Guard Ring, For Use With RMQ Titan Series
    • RS stock no. 620-6169
    • Mfr. Part No. 231273 M22-XGPV
    Each
    R 406,85
    ABB 10 Piece Mounting Tool
    • RS stock no. 757-8998
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611920R8015 MA1-8015
    Each
    R 221,75
    Pilz PSENmag Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Plastic Housing, 2NO, M8
    • RS stock no. 619-2824
    • Mfr. Part No. 504223
    Each
    R 2 277,00
    Assemtech SPST Reed Switch, 3A
    • RS stock no. 909-2792
    • Mfr. Part No. GC3817 (30-40AT)
    Each (In a Bag of 10)
    R 87,51
    RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Solder Terminal
    • RS stock no. 734-7016
    Each
    R 75,22
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
    • RS stock no. 609-3660
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD16
    Each
    R 720,38
    Carling Technologies, Rocker Switch Lens, Laser Etched Actuator, For Use With V Series Sealed Rocker Switches, White
    • RS stock no. 913-2746
    • Mfr. Part No. VVPZCY8-1Z1
    Each
    R 68,57
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Illuminated Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
    • RS stock no. 609-6344
    • Mfr. Part No. XB5AW33B5
    Each
    R 729,32
    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
    Siemens Switch Disconnector Auxiliary Switch, SENTRON Series for Use with 3LD2, 3LD5
    • RS stock no. 211-4905
    • Mfr. Part No. 3LD9200-5BF
    Each
    R 531,98
    Bulgin, On-Off-On Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 236-4051
    • Mfr. Part No. C1520ATAAA
    Each (In a Pack of 2)
    R 61,18
    RS PRO Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP67, SPDT, Metal Housing, 250V ac ac Max, 5A Max
    • RS stock no. 269-5425
    Each
    R 1 557,18
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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
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