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

51111 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
Each
€4.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton Isolator Switch - 10A Maximum Current, IP66
  • RS Stock No. 202-3847
  • Mfr. Part No. GHG2610005R0005
Each
€444.42(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, SPST, Red LED
  • RS Stock No. 815-4120
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AA4322
Each
€13.47(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton 3P Pole Surface Mount Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 13kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 103-8461
  • Mfr. Part No. 207297 P1-25/I2/SVB/HI11
Each
€78.66(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPDT) 22mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS Stock No. 330-8688
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD25
Each
€24.31(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Crouzet Button Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 6 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 219-3794
  • Mfr. Part No. 83186003
Each
€12.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Light Block, 230V, White Light
  • RS Stock No. 610-2938
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVM1
Each
€19.28(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU14 Series Contact Block, 5 → 500V ac/dc, 1NC
  • RS Stock No. 874-2229
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1400-1AA10-1CA0
Each
€5.71(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
Each
€7.27(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
Each
€38.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Thermoplastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS Stock No. 902-6865
Each
€19.48(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens Fuse Switch Disconnector, 2-Pole, 63 A, 63 A
  • RS Stock No. 203-9644
  • Mfr. Part No. 5SG7123
Each
€145.56(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Marking Accessory for Use with Pushbuttons, Off-On
  • RS Stock No. 357-231
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBYP2367
1 Pack of 10
€19.14(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Honeywell Roller Lever Micro Switch, Tab Terminal, 16 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO
  • RS Stock No. 515-690
  • Mfr. Part No. V15T16-EZ100A06
Each
€4.64(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Marquardt Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5 A @ 250 V ac, SP-CO, IP00, IP40
  • RS Stock No. 741-0754
  • Mfr. Part No. 1050.5202
Each
€5.25(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 3 A @ 125 V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS Stock No. 682-1541
  • Mfr. Part No. D2F-L-D3
Each (In a Pack of 5)
€1.57(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 3P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 466-273
Each
€30.18(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7909
Each
€4.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Pin Plunger Subminiature Micro Switch, PCB Terminal, 100 mA, SPST, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 174-8252
  • Mfr. Part No. D2AW-A002D R
Each (In a Pack of 10)
€2.329(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB Grey Aluminium Modular Metal Push Button Enclosure - 2 Hole
  • RS Stock No. 250-4284
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA170842R3002
Each
€75.08(exc. VAT)
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