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

189 Products showing for Switches

1 of 10
In Stock
Schneider Electric Clear Push Button Cap for Use with Push Button
  • RS Stock No. 654-240
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001KU37
Subtotal (1 unit)
€17.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Grey Die Cast Zinc Harmony XAP Push Button Control Station Enclosure - 2 Hole 22 mm Diameter
  • RS Stock No. 654-193
  • Mfr. Part No. XAPG29502
Subtotal (1 unit)
€102.28(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block for Use with Pushbutton Head, 250V, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 654-222
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BZ1024
Subtotal (1 unit)
€12.50(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
TE Connectivity Alcoswitch, 2 Position 2 NO/2 NC Rotary Switch, 10 A, Solder Lug
  • RS Stock No. 697-810
  • Mfr. Part No. ISE222SN2
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Variohm Group E1117 Series Limit Switch Accessory for Use with Door Switch, Door Interlock
  • RS Stock No. 698-105
  • Mfr. Part No. E1117-560
Subtotal (1 unit)
€45.12(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Siemens 1 Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 0.7W Power Rating
  • RS Stock No. 613-355
  • Mfr. Part No. 5TE8103
Subtotal (1 unit)
€117.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric, XB4, Panel Mount Blue LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230 → 240V ac
  • RS Stock No. 654-256
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BVM6EX
Subtotal (1 unit)
€88.69(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Legrand Black Blind & Roller Control Switch 6 A 6000 Series
  • RS Stock No. 687-967
  • Mfr. Part No. 600021
Subtotal (1 unit)
€29.62(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Switch Disconnector & Isolator, 3-Pole, 63 A
  • RS Stock No. 655-496
  • Mfr. Part No. R9S64363
Subtotal (1 unit)
€38.60(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XALE Series Turn to Release Push Button Complete Unit, Surface Mount, 22mm Cutout, DPST, IP54
  • RS Stock No. 654-766
  • Mfr. Part No. XALEK178F
Subtotal (1 unit)
€41.78(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Variohm Group E1092 Series Limit Switch Accessory for Use with Door Interlock, Door Switch
  • RS Stock No. 698-104
  • Mfr. Part No. E1092-576
Subtotal (1 unit)
€41.88(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric, XB7, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP20, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 654-251
  • Mfr. Part No. XB7EV04BP3
Subtotal (1 unit)
€17.30(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Momentary Push Button Control Station, Polypropylene, 8 Cutouts, White, Black, Red, Yes, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 654-825
  • Mfr. Part No. XACA881H29
Subtotal (1 unit)
€306.80(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Lorlin
  • RS Stock No. 690-498
  • Mfr. Part No. KEY901 SPARE
Subtotal (1 unit)
€5.52(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Door Interlock Microswitch Plunger, DPDT 12 A IP40, 85 °C, -37 °C
  • RS Stock No. 101-957
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.77(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Door Interlock Microswitch Plunger, DPDT 12 A IP40, 85 °C, -37 °C
  • RS Stock No. 101-962
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.81(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Legrand White, 1 Gang, 6000
  • RS Stock No. 687-897
  • Mfr. Part No. 600004
Subtotal (1 unit)
€9.87(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Lever Micro Switch, Screw Terminal, 15A, CO, IP40
  • RS Stock No. 241-249
Subtotal (1 unit)
€14.51(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
TE Connectivity Alcoswitch Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 22.5 mm Cutout, 1 NO/1 NC, White
  • RS Stock No. 697-809
  • Mfr. Part No. IPE22FLILWH
Subtotal (1 unit)
€3.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Legrand White, 2 Way Push Button, 1 Gang, 6000
  • RS Stock No. 687-891
  • Mfr. Part No. 600001
Subtotal (1 unit)
€6.58(exc. VAT)
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DIP Switches Guide
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