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    Switches

    Switches are commonly used in electronic circuits. These power switches enable control of the circuit by switching it on/off or controlling a range of other features.

    How do electrical switches work?

    Electrical 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 mechanical terminals which connect to metal contacts. When the terminal and contact are touching, the electric 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 and Throws?

    The number of circuits controlled by a power 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 electric 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 electric switch types:

    Detector

    DIP/SIP

    Foot

    Hall Effect

    Joystick

    Key

    Keyboard/Keypad

    Piezo

    Microswitches

    Rotary

    Push Button

    Toggle

    Shop RS range of electric switches with ease of mind and convenience. As a global parts supplier, we have a one-stop shop approach for an extensive range of mechanical electrical switches and more, available in stock and fast, reliable service and support.

    With our global delivery network and online ordering system, you can manage, track and update your orders easily with an RS Online Account. Register for your RS Online Account to access a host of additional features that streamline your sourcing and purchasing processes.

    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

    46400 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 331-0473
    • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
    Each
    TWD538.00
    EICHOFF Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, DPDT, 230V
    • RS Stock No. 398-5229
    • Mfr. Part No. 3251-21-01/52
    Each
    TWD580.00
    ABB 1P Pole Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current
    • RS Stock No. 175-5077
    • Mfr. Part No. 2CDD281101R0016 SD201/16
    Each
    TWD486.00
    Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd 8300 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, DPDT, 250V ac, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 749-2392
    • Mfr. Part No. H8351ABAAAB
    Each
    TWD123.00
    APEM 2-Axis Joystick Switch IP67
    • RS Stock No. 287-3617
    • Mfr. Part No. 1D27F1500
    Each
    TWD2,498.00
    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
    TWD795.00
    EAO 04 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 30.5mm Cutout, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 860-9204
    • Mfr. Part No. 704.032.618
    Each
    TWD1,416.00
    ABB OT Pole Base Mounting Switch Disconnector - 800A Maximum Current, 800kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 231-9107
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022718R9410 OT800E03P
    Each
    TWD34,585.00
    Lorlin, 2 Position DPST Rotary Switch, 4 A @ 250 V ac, Solder
    • RS Stock No. 316-800
    • Mfr. Part No. RMS1016
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    TWD158.80
    Schneider Electric, 2P 2 Position 90° Changeover Cam Switch, 690V ac, 12A, Knob Actuator
    • RS Stock No. 276-1629
    • Mfr. Part No. K1D012UCH
    Each
    TWD1,958.00
    RS PRO Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS Stock No. 902-6890
    Each
    TWD363.00
    Honeywell Bi-Metallic Thermostat, Opens at +100°C, Closes at 85°C, +150°C Max, NC, Automatic Reset, Through Hole Mount
    • RS Stock No. 339-314
    • Mfr. Part No. 2455R 82-191 L100C
    Each
    TWD1,942.00
    RS PRO, 1P 4 Position Multi Step Cam Switch, 690 V, 20A
    • RS Stock No. 208-3907
    Each
    TWD895.00
    Lorlin Key Switch, SP-CO, 1 A @ 24V ac dc / 115V ac 3-Way Common-Key
    • RS Stock No. 711-8347
    • Mfr. Part No. SRL-5-F-S-2
    Each
    TWD375.00
    Herga Push Button Switch
    • RS Stock No. 472-9957
    • Mfr. Part No. 6450-0001
    Each
    TWD1,800.00
    Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, SPDT, Tab Terminal
    • RS Stock No. 350-226
    • Mfr. Part No. C1720HOAAG
    Each
    TWD102.00
    Omron WL Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Aluminium Housing, 600V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS Stock No. 342-382
    • Mfr. Part No. WLD2-G
    Each
    TWD1,929.00
    Assemtech SPST Reed Switch, 1A 230V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 362-2530
    • Mfr. Part No. 2502-2722-020
    Each
    TWD44.00
    Honeywell 14CE Series Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 250V ac Max, 5A
    • RS Stock No. 246-3065
    • Mfr. Part No. 14CE3-3
    Each
    TWD7,447.00
    APEM Toggle Switch, PCB Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPST, PC Terminal Terminal, 20V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 692-5312
    • Mfr. Part No. 5247CDB
    Each
    TWD370.00
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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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