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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

    9 of 999+
    Omron WL Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPST, Aluminium Housing, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 908-3287
    • Mfr. Part No. WLCA12-Y-N
    Each
    R 1 942,26
    Better World
    Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU18 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 1NC, IP66, IP67, IP69
    • RS stock no. 874-2305
    • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1801-0NA00-2AC2
    Each
    R 1 721,18
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440N Series RFID Non-Contact Safety Switch, 24V dc, Stainless Steel Housing, 2NC, M12
    • RS stock no. 215-586
    • Mfr. Part No. 440N-Z21S17H
    Each
    R 5 288,47
    RS PRO Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPDT, Solder Terminal
    • RS stock no. 206-6977
    Each
    R 337,32
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Lever Limit Switch, 2NO/2NC, IP54, 4P, Zinc Alloy Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
    • RS stock no. 418-5947
    • Mfr. Part No. XCRE18
    Each
    R 7 659,48
    ZF Roller Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 6 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP6K7
    • RS stock no. 150-669
    • Mfr. Part No. DC1C-A1RC
    Each
    R 55,72
    RS PRO Illuminated Piezo Switch, Momentary (NO), SPST, IP69, Cable, 1A, -20 → +75°C Natural Aluminium
    • RS stock no. 259-1152
    Each
    R 1 980,66
    ABB ABB Modular Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
    • RS stock no. 757-8847
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611210R3006 M3SS1-30B
    Each
    R 320,59
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DP, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS stock no. 700-4327
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKJ5H29
    Each
    R 1 235,99
    Schmersal AZ16 Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC, Keyed, Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic
    • RS stock no. 625-0330
    • Mfr. Part No. AZ16-02ZVRK-M20
    Each
    R 1 264,52
    Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Tab Terminal, 16 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP40
    • RS stock no. 682-2594
    • Mfr. Part No. D3V-16G-1C5
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    R 31,924
    Bulgin Double Contact, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS stock no. 236-4080
    • Mfr. Part No. H8553VBNAC
    Each
    R 87,65
    NSF Rotary Switch Wafer 2-Position
    • RS stock no. 352-238
    • Mfr. Part No. 457845/1/MA
    Each
    R 736,65
    RS PRO Contact Block, 500V, 1NC
    • RS stock no. 205-2383
    Each
    R 66,04
    RS PRO General Purpose Momentary Foot Switch - Mild Steel Case Material, SP-CO, 3 A Contact Current, 250V Contact
    • RS stock no. 316-901
    Each
    R 1 301,00
    Telemecanique Sensors ZCE Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
    • RS stock no. 447-3727
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCE02
    Each
    R 457,45
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
    • RS stock no. 360-8534
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKY13
    Each
    R 281,07
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch
    • RS stock no. 360-8607
    • Mfr. Part No. ZCKD41
    Each
    R 716,46
    RS PRO SPST Through Hole Reed Switch, 500mA 200V
    • RS stock no. 265-2232
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    R 30,142
    Schmersal AZM 300 Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock, 24V dc
    • RS stock no. 880-1703
    • Mfr. Part No. AZM300Z-ST-1P2P
    Each
    R 14 172,23
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    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.
    Read more
    Article image
    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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