Switches

Switches are electromechanical components used to control the flow of electricity in both electrical and electronic circuits. They allow users to turn circuits on or off or switch between different operational states.

Most switches are binary devices that operate by opening or closing a set of internal contacts. When the contacts are closed, current flows through the circuit (ON state); when the contacts are open, the circuit is broken and current cannot flow (OFF state).

Switches typically feature terminals that connect to wires or PCB traces, and an internal mechanism that actuates the contacts based on user input — such as a button press, toggle, or rotary motion.

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:

Switches By Actuation Method:

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Switches By Sensing or Input Technology:

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**Switches By Application/Form Factor: **

Explore RS’s extensive range of industrial switches, available** **with Fast Delivery to keep your operations running smoothly. Choose from leading brands like Siemens, Eaton, Schneider Electric, and RS PRO, known for their reliability and performance in demanding environments.

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

51688 Products showing for Switches

1637 of 999+
EAO Pushbutton Actuator for Use with Switching Devices
  • RS Stock No. 444-017
  • Mfr. Part No. 51-153.0252F
Each
£52.21(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity 14 Way Service Distribution Board DIP & SIP Switch
  • RS Stock No. 508-953
  • Mfr. Part No. 4-1571552-2
1 Pack of 200
£243.65(exc. VAT)
ABB Fuse Switch Disconnector, 4 Pole, 800A Fuse Current
  • RS Stock No. 235-2041
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA022837R3710
Each
£2,363.40(exc. VAT)
Eaton, 3P + N Rotary Cam Switch, 690V ac, 315A, Door Coupling Rotary Drive Actuator
  • RS Stock No. 258-490
  • Mfr. Part No. 280952 P5-315/EA/SVB/N
Each
£641.16(exc. VAT)
Sensata Airpax Bi-Metallic Thermostat, 120°C Max, Open On Rise, Automatic Reset, Surface Mount
  • RS Stock No. 275-0100
  • Mfr. Part No. 66L080
1 Tube of 50
£478.31(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens Insert label, Close
  • RS Stock No. 193-2405
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1900-0AB71-0DX0
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£1.321(exc. VAT)
Telemecanique Sensors XCS Safety Hinge Switch, NO/NC
  • RS Stock No. 305-2004
  • Mfr. Part No. XCSPL561
Each
£61.41(exc. VAT)
Switch Disconnector, 4 Pole, 400A Max Current
  • RS Stock No. 262-246
  • Mfr. Part No. 6094971 DMV-400/4/M4/P-R
Each
£352.89(exc. VAT)
EAO Series 09 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 30mm Cutout, 1 NO, 12 → 48V dc, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 665-222
  • Mfr. Part No. 09-RS.1101.6000.M000
Each
£24.81(exc. VAT)
Eaton, 6P 2 Position 90° On-Off Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 32A, Short Thumb Grip Actuator
  • RS Stock No. 271-4975
  • Mfr. Part No. 023869 T3-4-15682/E
Each
£83.17(exc. VAT)
C & K D6R Series Push Button Switch, Off On, PCB, SPDT, IP40
  • RS Stock No. 257-0616
  • Mfr. Part No. D6R40F2LFS
Each (In a Pack of 2)
£1.175(exc. VAT)
ABB Fuse Switch Disconnector, 3 Pole, 160A Fuse Current
  • RS Stock No. 231-9284
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SCA125468R1001 OS200GB03P
Each
£353.66(exc. VAT)
Bulgin Push Button Switch, On-On, Panel Mount, 12.7mm Cutout, SPDT, 250V
  • RS Stock No. 204-8053
  • Mfr. Part No. C0911KBAAL
Each (In a Box of 500)
£5.387(exc. VAT)
Omron Pin Plunger Micro Switch, Solder Lug Terminal, 2 A @ 30 V dc, SP-CO, IP6X
  • RS Stock No. 765-0343
  • Mfr. Part No. D2FD-2L0-1H
Each
£1.72(exc. VAT)
Schneider Electric Legend Holder for Use with Push Button, MARCHE
  • RS Stock No. 578-331
  • Mfr. Part No. ZBYF2103C0
1 Pack of 10
£34.74(exc. VAT)
Better World
Siemens Labeling plate, II
  • RS Stock No. 193-2536
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1900-0AC81-0QC0
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£1.321(exc. VAT)
Eaton, 3P 4 Position 60° Multi Speed Cam Switch, 690V (Volts), 32A, Short Thumb Grip Actuator
  • RS Stock No. 271-4034
  • Mfr. Part No. 004453 T3-6-8455/EZ
Each
£115.52(exc. VAT)
Omron Hinge Lever Subminiature Micro Switch, Quick Connect Terminal, 1 mA, SPST -NC, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 241-5004
  • Mfr. Part No. D2GW-A1L2F
Each (In a Tray of 500)
£2.065(exc. VAT)
TE Connectivity PCB Slide Switch 4PDT Latching 300 mA @ 115 V dc Slide
  • RS Stock No. 162-505P
  • Mfr. Part No. ASE4204
Each (Supplied in a Tube)
£8.34(exc. VAT)
RS PRO Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 22.2mm Cutout, DPDT, 250V ac, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 175-8893
1 Pack of 1
£11.63(exc. VAT)
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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
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Rocker Switches Guide
Our guide focuses on rocker switches, explaining how to use them and exploring the different types available.
Read more
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Reed Switches Guide
Our guide focuses on reed switches, explaining their applications, how they work, and so much more.
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DIP Switches Guide
Our complete guide explains what DIP switches are and how they work, before exploring the different types available.
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