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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.

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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

    46988 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    Littelfuse Battery Isolator Switch -, IP67, IP69K
    • RS Stock No. 905-8815
    • Mfr. Part No. 880175
    Each
    PHP6,242.49
    RS PRO Green Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 188-1140
    Each
    PHP219.34
    RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, SPST, Solder Terminal, 28V dc
    • RS Stock No. 734-7154
    Each
    PHP205.09
    Cole Hersee Threaded Battery Isolator Switch -, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 905-8809
    • Mfr. Part No. 75920
    Each
    PHP3,558.97
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (2NO) 3 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8694
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD33
    Each
    PHP3,483.57
    Lorlin Key Switch, DP-CO, 1 A @ 24V ac dc / 115V ac 2-Way Common-Key
    • RS Stock No. 665-815
    • Mfr. Part No. SRL5JS2850
    Each
    PHP809.91
    RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch
    • RS Stock No. 185-8229
    Each
    PHP281.96
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Red Illuminated Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
    • RS Stock No. 331-0063
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW34
    Each
    PHP921.12
    Kraus & Naimer, SP 4 Position 45° Ammeter Cam Switch, 20A
    • RS Stock No. 193-5733
    • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A048/GBA004.*FT2
    Each
    PHP1,840.98
    Omron Yellow Plastic A22N Push Button Enclosure - 1 Hole 22mm Diameter
    • RS Stock No. 174-4232
    • Mfr. Part No. A22NZ-A-B01Y
    Each
    PHP873.80
    Lorlin, 12 Position SP12T Rotary Switch, 150 mA @ 250 V ac, Through Hole
    • RS Stock No. 739-2921
    • Mfr. Part No. CK1048RS
    Each
    PHP230.12
    Schneider Electric XB4 Series Push Button, 22mm Cutout, 1NO + 1NC, 600V, IP66, IP67, IP69
    • RS Stock No. 276-2503
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA35
    Each
    PHP3,231.60
    Honeywell Roller Lever Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 22 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 515-767
    • Mfr. Part No. V15H22-CZ100A06
    Each
    PHP374.38
    Idec YW Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 168-2581
    • Mfr. Part No. YW1L-AF2E10Q4G
    Each
    PHP1,348.86
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS Stock No. 763-7949
    Each
    PHP450.61
    Better World
    Schneider Electric IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K) Key Switch, 2NO 3-Way
    • RS Stock No. 330-8717
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BG03
    Each
    PHP3,821.71
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 763-7918
    Each
    PHP396.26
    Omron Roller Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 5 A @ 125 V ac, SPDT, IP40
    • RS Stock No. 682-2660
    • Mfr. Part No. SS-5GL2
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    PHP140.612
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67, IP69, IP69K
    • RS Stock No. 330-8638
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA31
    Each
    PHP2,274.23
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
    • RS Stock No. 372-9114
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW34B5
    Each
    PHP4,499.70
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    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
    Article image
    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

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