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

51784 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 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 XAL Series Contact Block for Use with XAPS Control Station, XB5 Ø 22 mm Control and
  • RS Stock No. 331-0574
  • Mfr. Part No. ZENL1111
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series Light Block, 24V
  • RS Stock No. 511-8437
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-PN3W
Subtotal (1 unit)
€11.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7918
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7909
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0445
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AZ101
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XAL Series Contact Block for Use with XAPS Control Station, XB5 Ø 22 mm Control and
  • RS Stock No. 331-0580
  • Mfr. Part No. ZENL1121
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66,
  • RS Stock No. 425-8449
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8445
Subtotal (1 unit)
€38.77(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 Capillary Thermostat, +90°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS Stock No. 733-4723
Subtotal (1 unit)
€37.57(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton M22 Series Contact Block for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, 500V, 1 NO
  • RS Stock No. 399-3573
  • Mfr. Part No. 216376 M22-K10
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton M22 Series Contact Block for Use with N(S)1(-4) Series, NZM1(-4) Series, PN1(-4) Series, 500V, 1NC
  • RS Stock No. 399-3551
  • Mfr. Part No. 216378 M22-K01
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.27(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB6 Series Contact Block, 250V, 1NC
  • RS Stock No. 422-8858
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB6E2B
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.14(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
SICK
  • RS Stock No. 285-9596
  • Mfr. Part No. iE10-S4
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.95(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric ZB2 Series Contact Block for Use with XACA, XAPS2, XB4, XB5 Series, 600V, 1NO
  • RS Stock No. 815-1676
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB2BE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount White LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7905
Subtotal (1 unit)
€5.48(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)
€12.54(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley for Use with 800FM Series, 1NO
  • RS Stock No. 511-8358
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-X10
Subtotal (1 unit)
€5.23(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Legend Plate for Use with Ptec Push Button
  • RS Stock No. 175-3965
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
€3.61(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series Contact Block, 24V, 1NO
  • RS Stock No. 134-8244
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-MX10
Subtotal (1 unit)
€8.21(exc. VAT)
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