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    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

    50307 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch
    • RS Stock No. 185-8229
    Each
    €3.55
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69, IP69K
    • RS Stock No. 330-8638
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA31
    Each
    €13.33
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPDT) 22mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8688
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD25
    Each
    €24.07
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 331-0489
    • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
    Each
    €4.87
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66,
    • RS Stock No. 795-1306
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8442
    Each
    €30.60
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 331-0473
    • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
    Each
    €4.87
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 763-7918
    Each
    €4.52
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (2NO) 22mm Cutout Diameter 3 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8701
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD53
    Each
    €25.15
    RS PRO 3P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 466-172
    Each
    €29.96
    Better World
    Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), 24V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 330-8919
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB3
    Each
    €17.03
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440K Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed Actuator Included, Glass Filled PBT
    • RS Stock No. 792-3082
    • Mfr. Part No. 440K-T11467
    Each
    €63.40
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
    • RS Stock No. 372-9108
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW33B5
    Each
    €37.78
    Better World
    Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), 24V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 330-8925
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB4
    Each
    €17.03
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Red Pilot Light Head, 22mm Cutout Harmony XB4 Series
    • RS Stock No. 330-9473
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BV043
    Each
    €5.67
    Honeywell Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 25 A, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 842-1783
    • Mfr. Part No. V7-1Z29E9
    Each
    €5.31
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XALK Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 40mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66,
    • RS Stock No. 795-1295
    • Mfr. Part No. XALK178
    Each
    €42.56
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
    • RS Stock No. 330-8644
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA42
    Each
    €13.20
    RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +90°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 733-4723
    Each
    €35.26
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Selector Switch - (2 NO) 3 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 609-6041
    • Mfr. Part No. XB5AD33
    Each
    €21.64
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Blue Illuminated Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
    • RS Stock No. 331-0114
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW363
    Each
    €9.27
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    Guides & Articles

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    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.
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    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.
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