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

56142 Products showing for Switches

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In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.19(exc. VAT)
€6.19/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, 1 NC, IP67, IP66,
  • RS Stock No. 795-1306
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8442
Subtotal (1 unit)
€41.26(exc. VAT)
€41.26/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 4-Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch -, IP65, 125A, 55 kW
  • RS Stock No. 466-132
Subtotal (1 unit)
€125.50(exc. VAT)
€125.50/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.19(exc. VAT)
€6.19/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, Harmony XB4, 22 mm Cutout, 24 V ac, 24V dc, IP66, IP67, IP69K,
  • RS Stock No. 330-8919
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB3
Subtotal (1 unit)
€22.36(exc. VAT)
€22.36/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPST) 22 mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
  • RS Stock No. 330-8672
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD21
Subtotal (1 unit)
€25.31(exc. VAT)
€25.31/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 3-Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch -, IP65, 32A, 11 kW
  • RS Stock No. 466-172
Subtotal (1 unit)
€33.84(exc. VAT)
€33.84/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button, Panel Mount, 22.5 Cutout Green, 1 NO/1 NC,
  • RS Stock No. 759-488
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW33B55
Subtotal (1 unit)
€45.00(exc. VAT)
€45.00/unit
In Stock
RS PRO IP40 Key Switch, SPDT, 5A 2-Way Common-Key
  • RS Stock No. 877-1999
Subtotal (1 unit)
€19.28(exc. VAT)
€19.28/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Grey Polycarbonate XALD Empty Control Station - 1 Hole 22 mm Diameter
  • RS Stock No. 276-2488
  • Mfr. Part No. XALD01
Subtotal (1 unit)
€18.52(exc. VAT)
€18.52/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 3-Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 25A, 11 kW
  • RS Stock No. 466-148
Subtotal (1 unit)
€22.70(exc. VAT)
€22.70/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 3+N-Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 40A, 18.5 kW
  • RS Stock No. 860-9535
Subtotal (1 unit)
€37.57(exc. VAT)
€37.57/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 40 mm Cutout, 1 NC, IP69K,
  • RS Stock No. 795-1295
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK178
Subtotal (1 unit)
€53.89(exc. VAT)
€53.89/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric for XALD-XALK-XB4-XB5 Series
  • RS Stock No. 609-3200
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBG455
Subtotal (1 unit)
€15.76(exc. VAT)
€15.76/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Light Block, 24V, White Light
  • RS Stock No. 610-2815
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVB1
Subtotal (1 unit)
€10.69(exc. VAT)
€10.69/unit
Limited stock
Telemecanique Sensors ZCP Series Limit Switch Body, 1 NO/1 NC, IP66, IP67, Plastic Housing, 240V ac, 1.5A
  • RS Stock No. 447-3575
  • Mfr. Part No. ZCP21
Subtotal (1 unit)
€18.48(exc. VAT)
€18.48/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated DPDT, On-Off On-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 180-390
Subtotal (1 unit)
€4.18(exc. VAT)
€4.18/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440K Safety Interlock Switch, Keyed Actuator Included, Fibreglass Reinforced Polybutylene
  • RS Stock No. 792-3082
  • Mfr. Part No. 440K-T11467
Subtotal (1 unit)
€66.73(exc. VAT)
€66.73/unit
In Stock
RS PRO 3-Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch -, IP65, 80A, 37 kW
  • RS Stock No. 860-9548
Subtotal (1 unit)
€56.64(exc. VAT)
€56.64/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley 440G-T Series Solenoid Interlock Switch, Power to Unlock
  • RS Stock No. 351-3852
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-T27121
Subtotal (1 unit)
€299.09(exc. VAT)
€299.09/unit
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Guides & Articles

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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