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

28801 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 425-8449
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8445
Subtotal (1 unit)
€28.30(exc. VAT)
€28.30/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 330-9041
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BD2
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.98(exc. VAT)
€7.98/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 331-0489
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE102
Subtotal (1 unit)
€3.49(exc. VAT)
€3.49/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 339-752
Subtotal (1 unit)
€16.97(exc. VAT)
€16.97/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 763-7918
Subtotal (1 unit)
€2.85(exc. VAT)
€2.85/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 330-8694
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD33
Subtotal (1 unit)
€17.84(exc. VAT)
€17.84/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 331-0473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
Subtotal (1 unit)
€3.49(exc. VAT)
€3.49/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 733-4723
Subtotal (1 unit)
€22.10(exc. VAT)
€22.10/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 330-9142
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BG2
Subtotal (1 unit)
€21.59(exc. VAT)
€21.59/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 427-1155
  • Mfr. Part No. 440E-D13118
Subtotal (1 unit)
€85.40(exc. VAT)
€85.40/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 330-8688
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD25
Subtotal (1 unit)
€17.15(exc. VAT)
€17.15/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 795-1295
  • Mfr. Part No. XALK178
Subtotal (1 unit)
€32.78(exc. VAT)
€32.78/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 330-8723
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BG21
Subtotal (1 unit)
€28.72(exc. VAT)
€28.72/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 727-1546
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA108226R1001 - OXP6X400
Subtotal (1 unit)
€7.33(exc. VAT)
€7.33/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 357-9212
  • Mfr. Part No. 440G-T27134
Subtotal (1 unit)
€224.00(exc. VAT)
€224.00/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
  • RS Stock No. 330-9473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BV043
Subtotal (1 unit)
€3.19(exc. VAT)
€3.19/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 792-3082
  • Mfr. Part No. 440K-T11467
Subtotal (1 unit)
€53.00(exc. VAT)
€53.00/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 466-150
Subtotal (1 unit)
€17.50(exc. VAT)
€17.50/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 330-8701
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD53
Subtotal (1 unit)
€17.62(exc. VAT)
€17.62/unit
In Stock
  • RS Stock No. 489-4887
  • Mfr. Part No. 440K-E33041
Subtotal (1 unit)
€34.10(exc. VAT)
€34.10/unit
Results per page

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.
Read more
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.
Read more

Be the first to know about our latest products and offers

Email address

The personal information you provide to us when signing up to this mailing list will be processed in line with the Privacy Policy