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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

    46712 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    Pilz PSENrope Rope Pull Switch, 75m, NO/NC, Straight
    • RS Stock No. 744-8718
    • Mfr. Part No. 570300
    Each
    PHP13,570.82
    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
    PHP894.29
    Schneider Electric White Key Card Switch, 10A, New Unica Series
    • RS Stock No. 276-2156
    • Mfr. Part No. NU328318
    Each
    PHP5,021.18
    Allen Bradley for Use with 800FM Series, 1NO
    • RS Stock No. 511-8358
    • Mfr. Part No. 800F-X10
    Each
    PHP836.41
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XAL Series Contact Block, 600V, 1NO
    • RS Stock No. 331-0574
    • Mfr. Part No. ZENL1111
    Each
    PHP975.78
    Telemecanique Sensors OsiSense XC Series Rod Limit Switch, 2NC/2NC, IP66, 4P, Metal Housing, 240V ac Max, 3A Max
    • RS Stock No. 179-9869
    • Mfr. Part No. XCKMR54D1
    Each
    PHP13,732.87
    RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, SPST, 36V dc, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 175-9606
    Each
    PHP588.44
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Push Button Control Station - 1NO/1NC, Polycarbonate, 2 Cutouts, Red/Green, START/STOP, IP66
    • RS Stock No. 211-8437
    • Mfr. Part No. XALD225
    Each
    PHP6,128.13
    Omron WL Series Roller Plunger Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP67, SPST, 500V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS Stock No. 908-3275
    • Mfr. Part No. WLD28-G-N
    Each
    PHP7,170.66
    Eaton 3P Pole Flush Mount Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 13kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 176-9753
    • Mfr. Part No. 070194 P1-25/EA/SVB-SW/HI11
    Each
    PHP5,108.60
    Eaton Control Station Switch - SP-CO, IP66
    • RS Stock No. 323-381
    • Mfr. Part No. GHG2736000R0003
    Each
    PHP13,971.98
    Better World
    Schneider Electric 3P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 100A Maximum Current, IP20
    • RS Stock No. 790-7466
    • Mfr. Part No. A9S65391
    Each
    PHP5,047.72
    Honeywell Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP67, SPDT, Die Cast Zinc Housing, 300V ac ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS Stock No. 217-7136
    • Mfr. Part No. GLCC01D
    Each
    PHP7,606.64
    Eaton Isolator Switch - 10A Maximum Current, IP66
    • RS Stock No. 202-3847
    • Mfr. Part No. GHG2610005R0005
    Each
    PHP32,437.51
    ABB 3 Pole Base Mounting Changeover Switch - 63A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP20
    • RS Stock No. 231-9228
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA105338R1001 OT63F3C
    Each
    PHP6,936.12
    Telemecanique Sensors Turnbuckle
    • RS Stock No. 609-2005
    • Mfr. Part No. XY2CZ404
    Each
    PHP991.60
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Push Button, Spring Return, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP66, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 815-1838
    • Mfr. Part No. XB5AP31
    Each
    PHP775.20
    Better World
    Schneider Electric - Easy Series XA2 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, NC, 1 NC Slow-break, Red LED, 240V, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 260-9833
    • Mfr. Part No. XA2EA42
    Each
    PHP579.98
    Better World
    Schneider Electric DPDT Push Button Pendant Station, 10A
    • RS Stock No. 305-1376
    • Mfr. Part No. XACA2713
    Each
    PHP7,530.76
    Pilz 541153 Series Flush Transponder Safety Switch, 24V dc, Polybutylene Terephthalate Housing, M12
    • RS Stock No. 340-331
    • Mfr. Part No. 541153
    Each
    PHP13,204.03
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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.
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