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

51813 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer 3 Position, Rotary Knob Actuator 10 A
  • RS Stock No. 340-291
  • Mfr. Part No. CG4.A210/GBA127.EF
Subtotal (1 unit)
€23.24(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPDT) 22 mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS Stock No. 330-8688
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD25
Subtotal (1 unit)
€24.31(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, LEDtec, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22 mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7918
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600 V ac, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Carling Technologies Illuminated SPST, On-Off On-None-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 881-5437
  • Mfr. Part No. V1D2GHNB-AAC00-000
Subtotal (1 unit)
€12.01(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric ZB4 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 22 mm Cutout
  • RS Stock No. 330-9164
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BG4
Subtotal (1 unit)
€37.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schurter TTS Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, SPST, Green, Red LED, IP67, 30 V dc
  • RS Stock No. 232-2864
  • Mfr. Part No. 3-131-894
Subtotal (1 unit)
€71.75(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, SPDT, IP67,
  • RS Stock No. 425-8449
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8445
Subtotal (1 unit)
€38.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec HS5L Safety Interlock Switch, Keyed Actuator Included, Solenoid Lock
  • RS Stock No. 179-4744
  • Mfr. Part No. HS5L-VA7Y4M-G
Subtotal (1 unit)
€169.51(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, SPDT, Blue
  • RS Stock No. 372-9136
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW36B5
Subtotal (1 unit)
€31.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Lovato for Use with Platinum 22 mm Series
  • RS Stock No. 790-3417
  • Mfr. Part No. LPXC10
Subtotal (1 unit)
€5.45(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Closes at 75 °C, 90 °C Max NO, Automatic Reset, 16 A, Fixed Mount
  • RS Stock No. 222-8256
Subtotal (1 unit)
€9.33(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Safety Interlock Switch, Plastic
  • RS Stock No. 179-7564
Subtotal (1 unit)
€35.73(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Assemtech Any Position Vibration Sensor 40 mA
  • RS Stock No. 331-7525
  • Mfr. Part No. S1430
Subtotal (1 unit)
€72.90(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 22 mm Cutout
  • RS Stock No. 330-9142
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BG2
Subtotal (1 unit)
€36.05(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton for Use with NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, N(S)1(-4) Series 500 V ac, 1 NO
  • RS Stock No. 399-3573
  • Mfr. Part No. 216376 M22-K10
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton for Use with NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, N(S)1(-4) Series 500 V ac, 1 NC
  • RS Stock No. 399-3551
  • Mfr. Part No. 216378 M22-K01
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 13 A 2 Gang Switched Fused Spur ASTA Approved, BS1363-4
  • RS Stock No. 135-1003
Subtotal (1 unit)
€14.46(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Limit Switch Operating Head for Use with XC Series
  • RS Stock No. 360-8528
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCKE05
Subtotal (1 unit)
€37.21(exc. VAT)
1
2
3
2591
Results per page

Guides & Articles

DIP Switches Guide
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
Touch Switches Guide
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.
Read more