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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

    47684 Products showing for Switches

    1 / 999+
    Better World
    Schneider Electric 3 Pole Isolator Switch - 100A Maximum Current
    • RS Stock No. 212-0292
    • Mfr. Part No. VBF5GEN
    Each
    MYR1,717.77
    Omron A4EG Series Safety Enabling Switch, 3 Position, 2 NO + 1 NC, IP66
    • RS Stock No. 746-7188
    • Mfr. Part No. A4EG-C000041
    Each
    MYR1,921.70
    TE Connectivity Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, (On)-Off-(On), DPDT, Tab Terminal
    • RS Stock No. 199-318
    • Mfr. Part No. AWTS1504
    Each
    MYR149.08
    Eaton RMQ Titan 3-position Key Switch Head, Momentary, 22mm Cutout
    • RS Stock No. 847-5370
    • Mfr. Part No. 216894 M22-WS3
    Each
    MYR288.60
    Schneider Electric Push Button Pendant Station, 10A
    • RS Stock No. 340-695
    • Mfr. Part No. XACA06SPEC0280
    Each
    MYR1,713.07
    Schneider Electric 3 Pole Isolator Switch - 1250A Maximum Current
    • RS Stock No. 247-1810
    • Mfr. Part No. 33456
    Each
    MYR28,392.14
    RS PRO Roller Lever Limit Switch, NO/NC, IP65, DPST, Plastic Housing, 400V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS Stock No. 153-3965
    Each
    MYR157.31
    ABB 3 + N Pole Wall Mount Isolator Switch - 100A Maximum Current
    • RS Stock No. 762-2452
    • Mfr. Part No. OS100TPN-A
    Each
    MYR3,532.73
    IDEM KP Safety Interlock Switch, 4NC, Keyed Actuator Included, Polyester
    • RS Stock No. 826-3925
    • Mfr. Part No. 200013F
    Each
    MYR179.83
    Idec TW Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 831-7889
    • Mfr. Part No. AVW401-R
    Each
    MYR194.08
    ABB 2 Pole Isolator Switch - 16A Maximum Current, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 259-9840
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA125126R1001
    Each
    MYR438.47
    ABB Fuse Switch Disconnector, 4 Pole, 63A Max Current, 63A Fuse Current
    • RS Stock No. 259-9770
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA115230R1001
    Each
    MYR1,684.23
    ABB, Compact, Panel Mount Red LED Buzzer, 22mm Cutout, Round, 230V
    • RS Stock No. 835-2766
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA619600R6131 CB1-613R
    Each
    MYR249.49
    Better World
    Schneider Electric, XB4, Flush Mount White Universal LED Pilot Light, 30mm Cutout, Round, 19.2 → 30 V dc, 21.6
    • RS Stock No. 185-3663
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4FVB1
    Each
    MYR97.10
    Craig & Derricott 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 25A Maximum Current, 11kW Power Rating
    • RS Stock No. 810-0757
    • Mfr. Part No. SDDG253EBZ22
    Each
    MYR1,153.33
    Idec YW Series Illuminated Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPST, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 168-2593
    • Mfr. Part No. YW1L-M2E10Q4G
    Each
    MYR83.08
    Eaton Non Fused Isolator Switch - 63A Maximum Current, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 229-9389
    • Mfr. Part No. 207343 P3-63/I4/SVB
    Each
    MYR774.01
    APEM 2-Axis Joystick Switch Knob, Dual Axis Potentiometric, Momentary, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 440-7922
    • Mfr. Part No. 7SA10SBL2588
    Each
    MYR539.82
    Telemecanique Sensors XY2CJ Rope Pull Switch, 20m, NO/NC, , Dual Direction
    • RS Stock No. 837-1101
    • Mfr. Part No. XY2CJS15
    Each
    MYR591.39
    Eaton 3P+N Pole Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 6.5kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 499-7188
    • Mfr. Part No. 207405 T0-2-8900/V/SVB
    Each
    MYR297.36
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