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.

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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

48199 Products showing for Switches

1 of 999+
Limited stock
Omron Z Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP00, SPDT, 500V ac Max, 15A Max
  • RS Stock No. 386-0423
  • Mfr. Part No. Z-15GW2-B
Each
PHP1,186.33(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66,
  • RS Stock No. 425-8449
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8445
Each
PHP3,992.97(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, SPDT, Green
  • RS Stock No. 372-9108
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW33B5
Each
PHP5,179.91(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Selector Switch, NO, Panel, 2 NO, IP69K, IP69, IP67, 250 V 240 V
  • RS Stock No. 330-8694
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD33
Each
PHP3,483.57(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric XB5 Series Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, 1 NO, IP66, IP67, 600 V 240 V
  • RS Stock No. 276-2537
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AA31C0
Each
PHP1,343.70(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric XB4 Series Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Panel, 22.5 mm Cutout, 1 NO/1 NC, IP66, IP67, IP69, 600
  • RS Stock No. 276-2503
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA35
Each
PHP3,231.60(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec YW Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 2NC, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 168-2546
  • Mfr. Part No. YW1B-V4E02R
Each
PHP1,604.59(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric XB5 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Panel, 22 mm Cutout, 1 NO/1 NC, IP69, IP67,
  • RS Stock No. 276-2617
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AW3445
Each
PHP10,409.67(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO Adjustable Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, DPST, Zinc Alloy Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
  • RS Stock No. 902-6896
Each
PHP2,072.11(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (2 NO) 22 mm Cutout Diameter 3 Positions
  • RS Stock No. 330-8701
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD53
Each
PHP3,759.34(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
PHP396.26(exc. VAT)
In Stock
RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
  • RS Stock No. 763-7946
Each
PHP422.36(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Proximity Switch, IP40, 0.1 A
  • RS Stock No. 214-7221
  • Mfr. Part No. GLS-1
Each
PHP1,723.15(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 331-0473
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
Each
PHP992.56(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Siemens 3SE5 Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP66, IP67, Metal Housing, 400V ac Max, 24 V 6A Max
  • RS Stock No. 684-2910
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SE5112-0CE01
Each
PHP9,088.73(exc. VAT)
In Stock
ABB, ABB Compact, Panel Mount Red LED Buzzer, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 835-2738
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA619600R6101 CB1-610R
Each
PHP3,617.06(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Schneider Electric - Easy Series XA2 Series Illuminated Illuminated Push Button, NO, 22 mm Cutout, 1 NO, Green LED, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 260-9943
  • Mfr. Part No. XA2EW33M1
Each
PHP1,913.12(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Omron Hinge Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5 A @ 125 V ac, SPDT, IP40
  • RS Stock No. 682-0866
  • Mfr. Part No. SS-5GL
Each (In a Pack of 5)
PHP105.884(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Idec Selector Switch - (DPDT) 22mm Cutout Diameter, Illuminated 3 Positions
  • RS Stock No. 168-2637
  • Mfr. Part No. YW1S-3E21
Each
PHP866.77(exc. VAT)
Limited stock
SICK i17 Safety Interlock Switch, 2NC/1NO, Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic
  • RS Stock No. 285-9590
  • Mfr. Part No. i17-SA213
Each
PHP3,954.43(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

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DIP Switches Guide
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