Recently searched

    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.

    46988 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    • RS Stock No. 905-8815
    • Mfr. Part No. 880175
    Each
    PHP6,242.49
    • RS Stock No. 188-1140
    Each
    PHP219.34
    • RS Stock No. 734-7154
    Each
    PHP205.09
    • RS Stock No. 905-8809
    • Mfr. Part No. 75920
    Each
    PHP3,558.97
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 330-8694
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD33
    Each
    PHP3,483.57
    • RS Stock No. 665-815
    • Mfr. Part No. SRL5JS2850
    Each
    PHP809.91
    • RS Stock No. 185-8229
    Each
    PHP281.96
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 331-0063
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW34
    Each
    PHP921.12
    • RS Stock No. 193-5733
    • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A048/GBA004.*FT2
    Each
    PHP1,840.98
    • RS Stock No. 174-4232
    • Mfr. Part No. A22NZ-A-B01Y
    Each
    PHP873.80
    • RS Stock No. 739-2921
    • Mfr. Part No. CK1048RS
    Each
    PHP230.12
    • RS Stock No. 276-2503
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA35
    Each
    PHP3,231.60
    • RS Stock No. 515-767
    • Mfr. Part No. V15H22-CZ100A06
    Each
    PHP374.38
    • RS Stock No. 168-2581
    • Mfr. Part No. YW1L-AF2E10Q4G
    Each
    PHP1,348.86
    • RS Stock No. 763-7949
    Each
    PHP450.61
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 330-8717
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BG03
    Each
    PHP3,821.71
    • RS Stock No. 763-7918
    Each
    PHP396.26
    • RS Stock No. 682-2660
    • Mfr. Part No. SS-5GL2
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP140.612
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 330-8638
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA31
    Each
    PHP2,274.23
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 372-9114
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW34B5
    Each
    PHP4,499.70
    Results per page