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
DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches
Domestic Installation Switches
Foot Switches & Components
Joysticks & Components
Key Switches & Selector Switches
Keyboard & Keypad Switches
Limit & Position Switches
Micro Switches & Detector Switches
Push Button Switches & Components
Rocker Switches & Components
Rope Pull Switches & Components
Rotary Switches & Components
Safety Enabling & Control Switches
Safety Interlock Switches & Components
Switch Disconnectors & Components
Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

55618 Products showing for Switches

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In Stock
RS PRO Plunger Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 16A, 250 V ac, 220 V dc, SPDT, IP40
  • RS stock no. 249-6846
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 67,32(exc. VAT)
R 67,32/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Flush Push Button Switch - 1 NO/1 NC, Polycarbonate, 2 Cutouts, Green, Red, START/STOP, IP65
  • RS stock no. 711-238
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 586,44(exc. VAT)
R 586,44/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-None-On, DPDT, Solder Lug Terminal
  • RS stock no. 209-9347
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 75,69(exc. VAT)
R 75,69/unit
In Stock
EAO 82 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button, Latching, Panel, 19 mm Cutout, SPDT, Blue LED, IP65, IP67, 240 V dc
  • RS stock no. 247-8870
  • Mfr. Part No. 82-5151.2124
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 400,36(exc. VAT)
R 400,36/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric ZB4 Series 3 Position Illuminated Selector Switch Head, 22 mm Cutout, Orange Handle, IP69
  • RS stock no. 211-8540
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BK15537
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 598,25(exc. VAT)
R 598,25/unit
In Stock
Carlo Gavazzi PS21L Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP66, Zinc Housing, 400V ac, 1.8A
  • RS stock no. 859-3147
  • Mfr. Part No. PS21L-NS11PR-M00
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 824,00(exc. VAT)
R 824,00/unit
In Stock
Siemens 3SE6 Series Magnetic Non-Contact Safety Switch, Plastic Housing, 100V dc, 4, 3 m Cable
  • RS stock no. 749-7729
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE6604-2BA
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 900,91(exc. VAT)
R 1 900,91/unit
In Stock
Eaton 3 Position 60 °, Toggle Actuator 20 A
  • RS stock no. 257-9570
  • Mfr. Part No. 78627326 T0-4-8213/E/EZ-P1(RS257-9570)
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 235,97(exc. VAT)
R 1 235,97/unit
In Stock
Eaton M22 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22 mm Cutout, Black Handle, IP66
  • RS stock no. 847-5358
  • Mfr. Part No. 216867 M22-WRK
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 329,90(exc. VAT)
R 329,90/unit
In Stock
Eaton 1-Pole Surface Isolator Switch -, IP65, 20A, 5.5 kW
  • RS stock no. 629-2019
  • Mfr. Part No. 70020074 T0-1-8200/I1H/SVB/K-CI-K1/2(RS629-2019)
Subtotal (1 box of 1 unit)
R 996,31(exc. VAT)
R 996,31/box
In Stock
Eaton LS-Titan Series Plunger Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP67, IP66, Plastic Housing, 415V ac, 6A
  • RS stock no. 308-272
  • Mfr. Part No. 266105 LS-11S
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 651,96(exc. VAT)
R 651,96/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Closes at 35 °C, +150 °C Max NO, Automatic Reset, 16 A, Fixed Mount
  • RS stock no. 222-8249
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 179,85(exc. VAT)
R 179,85/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Black Rotary Handle, 27 mm, TeSyS GS Series
  • RS stock no. 211-2522
  • Mfr. Part No. GS2AH550
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 2 435,36(exc. VAT)
R 2 435,36/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric ZB2 Series Contact Block, 600V, 1 NO
  • RS stock no. 815-1676
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB2BE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 121,00(exc. VAT)
R 121,00/unit
In Stock
Eaton 3-Pole Surface Mount Non-Fused Switch Disconnector -, IP65, 20A, 5.5 kW
  • RS stock no. 220-7522
  • Mfr. Part No. 207147 T0-2-1/I1/SVB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 038,15(exc. VAT)
R 1 038,15/unit
In Stock
Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd 8300 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 12.9 mm Cutout, DPDT, IP65 250 V ac
  • RS stock no. 749-2392
  • Mfr. Part No. H8351ABAAAB
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 88,31(exc. VAT)
R 88,31/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Coil Spring Limit Switch, 1 NO/1 NC, IP65, Fibreglass Reinforced Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac, 10A
  • RS stock no. 902-6884
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 397,69(exc. VAT)
R 397,69/unit
In Stock
Siemens Limit Switch Contact Block, 3SE5 Series, 2 NO/1 NC
  • RS stock no. 203-3888
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5000-0PA00
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 482,00(exc. VAT)
R 482,00/unit
In Stock
Lovato Electric 3-Pole Panel Isolator Switch -, IP65, 16A, 7.5 kW
  • RS stock no. 111-7855
  • Mfr. Part No. GAZ016
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 818,64(exc. VAT)
R 818,64/unit
In Stock
ABB OSSD Series Electronic Detection Non-Contact Safety Switch, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, 24V dc, M12
  • RS stock no. 917-6402
  • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA020051R5700 Adam OSSD-Info M12-8
Subtotal (1 unit)
R 1 883,31(exc. VAT)
R 1 883,31/unit
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