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:

Switches By Sensing or Input Technology:

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

173 Products showing for Switches

3 of 9
In Stock
RS PRO Door Interlock Microswitch Plunger, SPDT 1.2 A IP40, 85 °C, -37 °C
  • RS Stock No. 101-961
Subtotal (1 unit)
£4.55(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Push Button Switch, Turn to Release, Front, 22 mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69, IP69K
  • RS Stock No. 654-777
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BS56
Subtotal (1 unit)
£30.65(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Legrand White Push Button, 6003
  • RS Stock No. 687-898
  • Mfr. Part No. 600323
Subtotal (1 unit)
£5.06(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric, XB7, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP20, IP65, Round, 24V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 654-251
  • Mfr. Part No. XB7EV04BP3
Subtotal (1 unit)
£14.56(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Variohm Group E1264 Series Limit Switch Accessory for Use with Door Switch, Door Interlock
  • RS Stock No. 698-107
  • Mfr. Part No. E1264-508
Subtotal (1 unit)
£50.47(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Contact Block for Use with Pushbutton Head, 250V, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 654-222
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BZ1024
Subtotal (1 unit)
£10.52(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony 9001K Series Push Button Switch, Spring Return, Screw, 30 mm Cutout
  • RS Stock No. 654-772
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001KR2GH13
Subtotal (1 unit)
£25.03(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider Electric, XB4, Panel Mount Green Universal LED Pilot Light, 22.5mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K, Round, 4400
  • RS Stock No. 654-780
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BV8B3
Subtotal (1 unit)
£49.19(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Turn to Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, DPST, IP65
  • RS Stock No. 654-767
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8444GEX
Subtotal (1 unit)
£228.61(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
TE Connectivity White Push Button LEDs for Use with Push Button
  • RS Stock No. 697-813
  • Mfr. Part No. LHEWH24
Subtotal (1 unit)
£4.78(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
TE Connectivity Alcoswitch, 2 Position 2 NO/2 NC Rotary Switch, 10 A, Solder Lug
  • RS Stock No. 697-810
  • Mfr. Part No. ISE222SN2
Subtotal (1 unit)
£5.82(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Variohm Group E1134 Series Limit Switch Accessory for Use with Door Switch, Door Interlock
  • RS Stock No. 698-106
  • Mfr. Part No. E1134-508
Subtotal (1 unit)
£48.98(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Trigger Action Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout
  • RS Stock No. 654-828
  • Mfr. Part No. XBAD83453166M1
Subtotal (1 unit)
£76.20(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric, XB4, Panel Mount Green Universal LED Pilot Light, 22.5mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K, Round, 110
  • RS Stock No. 654-826
  • Mfr. Part No. XB4BW23G5
Subtotal (1 unit)
£53.77(exc. VAT)
Stocked by manufacturer
Siemens White Push Button LEDs
  • RS Stock No. 665-087
  • Mfr. Part No. 5TG8057-0
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
£16.96(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Schneider ElectricPush Button Legend Sheet for Use with Push Button, Pre-printed "White START
  • RS Stock No. 654-216
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001KN301
Subtotal (1 unit)
£7.63(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
TE Connectivity Alcoswitch Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 22.5 mm Cutout, 2 NO, Blue, Green, White,
  • RS Stock No. 704-303
  • Mfr. Part No. IPE22EXRD
Subtotal (1 box of 400 units)
£1,049.55(exc. VAT)
Currently unavailable
Schneider ElectricPush Button Legend Sheet for Use with Push Button, Pre-printed "White OPEN-CLOSE on Black Background
  • RS Stock No. 654-237
  • Mfr. Part No. 9001KN246
Subtotal (1 unit)
£6.98(exc. VAT)
In Stock
Legrand White, 2 Way Push Button, 2 Gang, 6000
  • RS Stock No. 687-896
  • Mfr. Part No. 600002
Subtotal (1 unit)
£13.70(exc. VAT)
Temporarily out of stock
Schneider Electric ZB4 Series 3 Position Selector Switch Head, 22mm Cutout, Black Handle
  • RS Stock No. 654-829
  • Mfr. Part No. ZB4BG7K
Subtotal (1 unit)
£96.13(exc. VAT)
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Guides & Articles

Push Button Switches Guide
Push Button Switches Guide
Our guide explains how push button switches work, their uses, the different types, and key brands available.
Read more
Rocker Switches Guide
Rocker Switches Guide
Our guide focuses on rocker switches, explaining how to use them and exploring the different types available.
Read more
Reed Switches Guide
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
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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