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

51296 Products showing for Switches

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Better World
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block, 600V ac, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Each
€4.92(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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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
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Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, 600V, IP66, IP67,
  • RS Stock No. 330-8638
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA31
Each
€13.46(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
RS PRO 3P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 32A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 466-172
Each
€31.93(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, On-On, SPDT, Through Hole Terminal
  • RS Stock No. 734-7090
Each
€2.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, 600V, IP66, IP67,
  • RS Stock No. 330-8644
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA42
Each
€13.33(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Light Block, 24V, White Light
  • RS Stock No. 610-2815
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBVB1
Each
€10.41(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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Schneider Electric Harmony XALK Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 40mm Cutout, 2NC, IP66,
  • RS Stock No. 330-8587
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK178F
Each
€50.71(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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Schneider Electric Clear Push Button Cap for Use with XB4 Series, XB5 Series
  • RS Stock No. 342-2920
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBP0
Each
€1.83(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Better World
Schneider Electric IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K) Key Switch, 1NO 2-Way
  • RS Stock No. 330-8751
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BG61
Each
€54.12(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
Schmersal Standard Actuator for Use with AZ 15 Safety Switch
  • RS Stock No. 623-3234
  • Mfr. Part No. AZ 15/16-B1
Each
€11.37(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
Each
€6.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch
  • RS Stock No. 185-8229
Each
€3.78(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Capillary Thermostat, +90°C Max, SPDT, Automatic Reset, Panel Mount
  • RS Stock No. 733-4723
Each
€37.57(exc. VAT)
In Stock
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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)
In Stock
Allen Bradley 440K Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Keyed Actuator Included, Glass Filled PBT
  • RS Stock No. 178-181
  • Mfr. Part No. 440K-T11090
Each
€55.86(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO 4P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 466-249
Each
€25.08(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Better World
Schneider Electric, Harmony XB4, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K), Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 330-8925
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVB4
Each
€17.20(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 763-7918
Each
€4.82(exc. VAT)
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