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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

    47597 Products showing for Switches

    4 / 999+
    Eaton Control Station Switch - SP-CO, IP66
    • RS Stock No. 323-381
    • Mfr. Part No. GHG2736000R0003
    Each
    MYR995.50
    Better World
    Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 2-position Key Switch Head, Latching, 22mm Cutout
    • RS Stock No. 193-3593
    • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1000-4CF01-0AA0
    Each
    MYR293.79
    Honeywell Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Screw Terminal
    • RS Stock No. 842-4757
    • Mfr. Part No. 2TL1-3D
    Each
    MYR343.61
    MK Electric 13A 1 Gang Fused Spur
    • RS Stock No. 787-1177
    • Mfr. Part No. K983ALM
    Each
    MYR138.28
    Eaton Red Rotary Handle
    • RS Stock No. 805-5673
    • Mfr. Part No. 172840 SVB-P1/M
    Each
    MYR79.44
    Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 278-9828
    • Mfr. Part No. C1350ALAAF
    Each
    MYR34.26
    Kraus & Naimer, 3P Double Throw Cam Switch, 690 V, 20A
    • RS Stock No. 236-338
    • Mfr. Part No. CA10.A212/GBA001.*FT
    Each
    MYR97.69
    Kraus & Naimer 4P Pole Isolator Switch - 80A Maximum Current, 22kW Power Rating, IP66, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 828-5293
    • Mfr. Part No. KG80.T204/GBA490.*KL1V
    Each
    MYR740.72
    ABB Black Rotary Handle
    • RS Stock No. 727-5854
    • Mfr. Part No. OHB125J12 1SCA022381R1560
    Each
    MYR374.19
    Better World
    Schneider Electric, Harmony XB5, Panel Mount Red Universal LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K),
    • RS Stock No. 609-6259
    • Mfr. Part No. XB5AVB4
    Each
    MYR69.21
    RS PRO Rope Pull Switch Cable, 15m
    • RS Stock No. 239-6779
    Each
    MYR684.31
    Lovato 3P Pole Isolator Switch - 63A Maximum Current, 45kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 111-7847
    • Mfr. Part No. GA063A
    Each
    MYR259.12
    Omron Yellow Plastic A22N Push Button Enclosure - 1 Hole 22mm Diameter
    • RS Stock No. 174-4232
    • Mfr. Part No. A22NZ-A-B01Y
    Each
    MYR50.91
    Schneider Electric White Blind & Roller Control Switch,6A, New Unica Series
    • RS Stock No. 276-2146
    • Mfr. Part No. NU320820
    Each
    MYR223.39
    Honeywell BZ Series Plunger Limit Switch, SPDT, Plastic Housing, 250V ac Max, 15A Max
    • RS Stock No. 691-7229
    • Mfr. Part No. BZ-R-A2
    Each
    MYR78.81
    Herga Foot Switch Changeover Foot Switch - Thermoplastic Case Material, Double Pole Normally Open (Cherry)
    • RS Stock No. 283-7806
    • Mfr. Part No. 6226-BCBB-ZAZZ
    Each
    MYR430.59
    RS PRO, 2P 2 Position Changeover Cam Switch, 690 V, 20A
    • RS Stock No. 208-3914
    Each
    MYR156.75
    Better World
    Schneider Electric, Harmony XB6, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 16mm Cutout, IP65, 24V dc
    • RS Stock No. 610-1323
    • Mfr. Part No. XB6EAV3BP
    Each
    MYR115.65
    Better World
    Schneider Electric - Easy Series, XA2, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 24V
    • RS Stock No. 260-9871
    • Mfr. Part No. XA2EVB3LC
    Each (In a Pack of 10)
    MYR33.737
    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
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