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

53765 Products showing for Switches

8 of 999+
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 320-506
  • Mfr. Part No. DC1C-C3AA
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 181,02(exc. VAT)
R 181,02/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 804-6183
  • Mfr. Part No. D2FS-FL-N-A1
Subtotal (1 bag of 5 units)
R 110,05(exc. VAT)
R 22,01/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 378-6820
  • Mfr. Part No. KTSC62K
Subtotal (1 pack of 10 units)
R 20,68(exc. VAT)
R 2,068/unit
Last RS stock
  • RS stock no. 706-4357
  • Mfr. Part No. TRG22F2BBREN
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 86,79(exc. VAT)
R 86,79/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 746-7205
  • Mfr. Part No. D4BL-K1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 211,97(exc. VAT)
R 211,97/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 700-4309
  • Mfr. Part No. XCKJ10541H29
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 391,79(exc. VAT)
R 2 391,79/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 222-8251
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 191,42(exc. VAT)
R 191,42/unit
Stocked by manufacturer
RS Better World
  • RS stock no. 212-4821
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BK133G5
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 484,05(exc. VAT)
R 1 484,05/unit
Limited stock
  • RS stock no. 228-2636
  • Mfr. Part No. 2455R--90820462
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 247,75(exc. VAT)
R 247,75/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 741-8679
  • Mfr. Part No. AZM 170-02ZRK 24 VAC/DC
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 6 608,53(exc. VAT)
R 6 608,53/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 811-8575
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 373,59(exc. VAT)
R 373,59/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 330-9013
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BC2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 360,37(exc. VAT)
R 360,37/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 447-3840
  • Mfr. Part No. XCMD2102L1
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 824,19(exc. VAT)
R 1 824,19/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 330-9085
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BD5
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 317,02(exc. VAT)
R 317,02/unit
Temporarily out of stock
  • RS stock no. 239-6814
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 6 021,28(exc. VAT)
R 6 021,28/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 330-8969
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA2
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 174,66(exc. VAT)
R 174,66/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 518-7281
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2504-0TK53
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 537,93(exc. VAT)
R 1 537,93/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 362-2518
  • Mfr. Part No. RI-03A
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 13,92(exc. VAT)
R 13,92/unit
In Stock
  • RS stock no. 399-3630
  • Mfr. Part No. 216557 M22-LED-W
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 257,13(exc. VAT)
R 257,13/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS stock no. 790-7466
  • Mfr. Part No. A9S65391
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 300,87(exc. VAT)
R 1 300,87/unit
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