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

51779 Products showing for Switches

107 of 999+
  • RS Stock No. 271-5809
  • Mfr. Part No. 076074 T3-6-8348/Z
Each
£118.26
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 123-8158
  • Mfr. Part No. XB5AK125M5
Each
£51.65
  • RS Stock No. 686-6834
  • Mfr. Part No. SS-01GL
Each
£3.65
  • RS Stock No. 215-1667
  • Mfr. Part No. Z-15GM-B
Each
£10.05
  • RS Stock No. 206-5785
  • Mfr. Part No. 101163544
Each
£28.28
  • RS Stock No. 211-8485
  • Mfr. Part No. XD2EL1111
Each
£236.11
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 746-9125
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BW13
Each
£11.35
  • RS Stock No. 278-1256
  • Mfr. Part No. A01FG1
Each
£6.22
  • RS Stock No. 269-9722
  • Mfr. Part No. 218979 T0-2-8324/I1/SVB-SW
Each
£48.01
  • RS Stock No. 225-5880
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611621R1051 MLBL-05R
Each
£12.99
  • RS Stock No. 344-3602
  • Mfr. Part No. SSCEB31D
Each
£193.00
  • RS Stock No. 180-372
Each
£3.93
  • RS Stock No. 123-2417
  • Mfr. Part No. 5647A17
Each
£10.30
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 746-9153
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AA333
Each
£7.95
  • RS Stock No. 274-8415
  • Mfr. Part No. HCP10DTD5L04
Each
£3.85
  • RS Stock No. 757-9257
  • Mfr. Part No. F3S-TGR-NMPC-21-M1J8
Each
£121.10
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 874-2279
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1401-2BB60-1AA0
Each
£7.73
  • RS Stock No. 243-4320
  • Mfr. Part No. 3LD5020-0TK13
Each
£72.52
  • RS Stock No. 832-5720
  • Mfr. Part No. CW4L-M1E10Q4G
Each
£24.83
  • RS Stock No. 137-805
Each
£47.23
Results per page