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

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In Stock
ITW Switches 76-91 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 22.5 mm Cutout, SPDT, Clear LED, IP67, 250 V 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 350-282
  • Mfr. Part No. 76-9112/439088
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 435,79(exc. VAT)
R 435,79/unit
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22 mm Cutout, 24 V ac, 24V dc, IP65, Round
  • RS stock no. 763-7909
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 93,35(exc. VAT)
R 93,35/unit
Limited stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Mounting Bracket, A9A15151
  • RS stock no. 776-2708
  • Mfr. Part No. A9A15151
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 83,00(exc. VAT)
R 83,00/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 500 V ac, 500V dc, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 874-2153
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-2AA10-1BA0
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 209,00(exc. VAT)
R 209,00/unit
In Stock
Eaton 3-Pole Rear Isolator Switch -, IP65, 20A, 5.5 kW
  • RS stock no. 499-7188
  • Mfr. Part No. 207405 T0-2-8900/V/SVB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 112,23(exc. VAT)
R 1 112,23/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Reed Switch 90V ac, 1A
  • RS stock no. 530-8911
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 318,50(exc. VAT)
R 318,50/unit
In Stock
Eaton 6-Pole Flush Isolator Switch -, IP65, 32A, 15 kW
  • RS stock no. 269-9737
  • Mfr. Part No. 057089 T3-4-15682/EA/SVB-SW
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 460,86(exc. VAT)
R 2 460,86/unit
In Stock
Otto P9 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 0.5 in Cutout, DPDT, Red LED, IP68, 28 V dc 115 V ac
  • RS stock no. 433-3196
  • Mfr. Part No. P9-213121
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 402,39(exc. VAT)
R 402,39/unit
In Stock
Eaton 3-Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 190A, 13 kW
  • RS stock no. 393-9743
  • Mfr. Part No. 226900 P1-25/I2H/SVB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 305,23(exc. VAT)
R 1 305,23/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series White Spring Return Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP67, IP69K, IP66
  • RS stock no. 331-0120
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW37
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 235,67(exc. VAT)
R 235,67/unit
In Stock
Siemens Blue, Green Rotary Handle, 8UC7210 Series
  • RS stock no. 266-668
  • Mfr. Part No. 8UC7210-1BB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 232,81(exc. VAT)
R 1 232,81/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 16 mm Cutout
  • RS stock no. 745-2433
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 192,25(exc. VAT)
R 192,25/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Black Rotary Handle, TeSyS GS Series
  • RS stock no. 708-1788
  • Mfr. Part No. GS2AH510
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 899,84(exc. VAT)
R 899,84/unit
In Stock
Schurter IP40 Black Tactile Switch Button, 5 mm, SPST-NO 50mA 12 V dc, Through Hole
  • RS stock no. 269-3801
  • Mfr. Part No. 1301.9302
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 10,75(exc. VAT)
R 10,75/unit
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Head for Use with XCKJ Limit Switches
  • RS stock no. 159-6336
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKE055
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 324,69(exc. VAT)
R 1 324,69/unit
In Stock
APEM IB Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 12.2 mm Cutout, SPST, IP67, 50 V dc 125 V ac
  • RS stock no. 223-969
  • Mfr. Part No. IBR3SAD500
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 191,72(exc. VAT)
R 191,72/unit
In Stock
Telemecanique Sensors XCS Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1 NO/2 NC, IP66, IP67, Plastic Housing, 400V ac, 6A
  • RS stock no. 132-9173
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSP3902P20
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 424,57(exc. VAT)
R 1 424,57/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric 3-Pole Plate, Rail Switch Disconnector -, IP65, 32A
  • RS stock no. 219-8441
  • Mfr. Part No. VCCD1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 810,56(exc. VAT)
R 1 810,56/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Push Button Switch, Slow Break, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, SPST, Black LED, IP66, IP67,
  • RS stock no. 609-5997
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AA21
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 250,00(exc. VAT)
R 250,00/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, SPST, Solder Terminal, 28 V dc, 28 V ac
  • RS stock no. 734-7154
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 81,13(exc. VAT)
R 81,13/unit
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