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

49749 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
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
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Green Spring Return Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP69K, IP66, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 331-0041
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW33
Subtotal (1 unit)
€8.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 800F Series Light Block, 24V
  • RS Stock No. 511-8437
  • Mfr. Part No. 800F-PN3W
Subtotal (1 unit)
€10.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Kraus & Naimer, SP 3 Position Double Throw Cam Switch, 10A
  • RS Stock No. 340-291
  • Mfr. Part No. CG4.A210/GBA127.EF
Subtotal (1 unit)
€23.24(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)
Limited stock
Legrand Black Manual Switch ON-Auto, Pulse operated latching relay, 1 Pole, Automatic Staircase Time Lag Switch, 2 Pole
  • RS Stock No. 511-6116
  • Mfr. Part No. 0 401 94
Subtotal (1 unit)
€8.97(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
RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off On-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 185-8229
Subtotal (1 unit)
€3.78(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
Subtotal (1 unit)
€12.68(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Eaton FAK Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Spring Return, Panel, SPDT, IP69K
  • RS Stock No. 225-8166
  • Mfr. Part No. 229746 FAK-R/KC11/I
Subtotal (1 unit)
€108.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPST) 22 mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS Stock No. 330-8672
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD21
Subtotal (1 unit)
€18.69(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Clear Push Button Cap for Use with XB4 Series, XB5 Series
  • RS Stock No. 342-2920
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBP0
Subtotal (1 unit)
€1.83(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Blue Spring Return Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP66, IP69K, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 331-0108
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW36
Subtotal (1 unit)
€9.58(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Light Block, 24V, White Light
  • RS Stock No. 610-2815
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVB1
Subtotal (1 unit)
€10.41(exc. VAT)
In Stock
TE Connectivity Short Lever Snap Action Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 20A, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 274-8441
  • Mfr. Part No. HCP20DTD1H04
Subtotal (1 unit)
€3.85(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Green Momentary Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP69K, IP67, IP66
  • RS Stock No. 330-8975
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BA3
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.67(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
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
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)
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