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

51223 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout Black, SPST, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 145-0612
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.87 20 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated SPST, Off-On On-None-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 273-003
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.34 05 (exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS Stock No. 609-3884
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCY15
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.42 75 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.56 74 (exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCP Series Limit Switch, 2NC, IP66, IP67, DP, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 1.5A Max
  • RS Stock No. 700-4185
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCP29
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.271 53 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM 2-Axis USB Thumbstick Button, Spring Return, IP68, IP69K
  • RS Stock No. 123-5676
  • Mfr. Part No. TS6A1S01A
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.1 452 28 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric ZB5 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS Stock No. 331-0265
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AD2
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.156 04 (exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Marquardt SPDT, On-Off-On On-None-On Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 741-0873
  • Mfr. Part No. 1838.1402
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.106 52 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Yellow LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7915
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.57 97 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO White, 2 Way Rocker, 2 Gang, RS White
  • RS Stock No. 775-8100
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.60 92 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Solder Lug Terminal, 30V dc
  • RS Stock No. 123-2416
  • Mfr. Part No. 5646A17
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.118 77 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 12mm Cutout, IP40, IP65, Round, 24V dc
  • RS Stock No. 609-1800
  • Mfr. Part No. XVLA334
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.213 81 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 12mm Cutout, IP40, IP65, Round, 24V dc
  • RS Stock No. 609-1793
  • Mfr. Part No. XVLA333
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.213 81 (exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
ABB 2P Pole Surface Mount Switch Disconnector - 25A Maximum Current, 3.7kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 237-3337
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CMA142401R1000 BW 225 W DP
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.443 46 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout Yellow, SPST, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 145-0610
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.87 20 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), SPDT, Solder Lug Terminal, 125, 250V ac
  • RS Stock No. 186-254
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.61 20 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
APEM Toggle Switch Boot for use with Toggle Switch
  • RS Stock No. 190-0709
  • Mfr. Part No. U851
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.45 60 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), Round, 24V
  • RS Stock No. 330-8919
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB3
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.257 06 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS Stock No. 330-9041
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BD2
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.157 76 (exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3P+N Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 518-7304
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD2022-1TL13
Subtotal (1 unit)
Kr.559 23 (exc. VAT)
1
2
3
2562
Results per page

Related links