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    Switches

    Switches are commonly used in electronic circuits. They enable control of the circuit by switching it on/off or controlling a range of other features.

    How do they work?

    Electronic 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 terminals which connect to metal contacts. When the terminal and contact are touching, the 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 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)
    • DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw)

    What types of switches are there?

    The type of 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 switch types:

    • Detector
    • DIP/SIP
    • Foot
    • Hall Effect
    • Joystick
    • Key
    • Keyboard/Keypad
    • Piezo
    • Microswitches
    • Rotary
    • Push Button
    • Toggle
    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

    48177 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPDT) 22mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8688
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD25
    Each
    £23.66
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB Series Contact Block, 600V, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 331-0473
    • Mfr. Part No. ZBE101
    Each
    £4.87
    Schneider Electric Mounting Bracket for use with Harmony XB4 XB5 push buttons and indicator lights, A9A15151
    • RS Stock No. 776-2708
    • Mfr. Part No. A9A15151
    Each
    £6.54
    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
    £13.34
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series 2 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
    • RS Stock No. 330-9041
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BD2
    Each
    £11.46
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Illuminated Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, SPDT, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
    • RS Stock No. 372-9108
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW33B5
    Each
    £31.21
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Standard Handle Green Selector Switch - 2 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 609-5458
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BK123B5
    Each
    £45.58
    RS PRO Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch
    • RS Stock No. 185-8229
    Each
    £3.06
    RS PRO 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
    • RS Stock No. 205-2374
    Each
    £8.01
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XALK Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Surface Mount, 40mm Cutout, 2NC, IP66,
    • RS Stock No. 330-8587
    • Mfr. Part No. XALK178F
    Each
    £47.05
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66, IP67, IP69(IP69K)
    • RS Stock No. 330-8644
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BA42
    Each
    £13.34
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (2NO) 22mm Cutout Diameter 3 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8701
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD53
    Each
    £24.37
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 2NC, IP66,
    • RS Stock No. 122-2311
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8444
    Each
    £37.78
    RS PRO Medium Duty Snap Action Foot Switch - Thermoplastic Case Material, NO + NC, 6 A Contact Current, 24V Contact
    • RS Stock No. 238-0555
    Each
    £58.93
    RS PRO Rope Pull Switch Cable, 15m
    • RS Stock No. 239-6779
    Each
    £110.64
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (2NO) 3 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8694
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD33
    Each
    £24.31
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Knob Selector Switch - (SPST) 22mm Cutout Diameter 2 Positions
    • RS Stock No. 330-8672
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BD21
    Each
    £18.65
    JKL Components LED Dimmer
    • RS Stock No. 769-3189
    • Mfr. Part No. ZDM-01
    Each
    £17.28
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440E Cable Switch, 75m, 2NO/2NC, Straight
    • RS Stock No. 792-3115
    • Mfr. Part No. 440E-L13137
    Each
    £132.35
    Allen Bradley Guardmaster 440E Rope Pull Switch, 30m, 2NO/2NC, Straight
    • RS Stock No. 427-1155
    • Mfr. Part No. 440E-D13118
    Each
    £89.54
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    Push Button Switches Guide
    Our guide explains how push button switches work, their uses, the different types, and key brands available.
    Read more
    Article image
    Rocker Switches Guide
    Our guide focuses on rocker switches, explaining how to use them and exploring the different types available.
    Read more
    Article image
    Reed Switches Guide
    Our guide focuses on reed switches, explaining their applications, how they work, and so much more.
    Read more
    Article image
    DIP Switches Guide
    Our complete guide explains what DIP switches are and how they work, before exploring the different types available.
    Read more

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