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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

56136 Products showing for Switches

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36 of 999+
In Stock
Marquardt DPST, On-Off On-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 741-0861
  • Mfr. Part No. 1932.3112
Subtotal (1 unit)
£5.86(exc. VAT)
£5.86/unit
In Stock
Eaton FAK Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Spring Return, Panel, SPDT, IP69K
  • RS Stock No. 225-8150
  • Mfr. Part No. 229749 FAK-S/KC11/I
Subtotal (1 unit)
£91.90(exc. VAT)
£91.90/unit
In Stock
C & K Panel Slide Switch DPDT 12A Nylon
  • RS Stock No. 175-9703
  • Mfr. Part No. S602031SS03Q
Subtotal (1 unit)
£4.71(exc. VAT)
£4.71/unit
In Stock
Omron Detector Switch, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 254-3107P
  • Mfr. Part No. D3SH-A1R1
Subtotal 2 units (supplied on a continuous strip)
£2.38(exc. VAT)
£1.19/unit
In Stock
Bernstein AG Actuator for Use with SLM Safety Switches, SLK Safety Switches, ENM2-VTW Safety Switches, ENK-VTU Safety
  • RS Stock No. 177-9029
  • Mfr. Part No. 3911702230
Subtotal (1 unit)
£68.51(exc. VAT)
£68.51/unit
In Stock
Omron Grey Tactile Switch Plunger, 0.9 mm, SPST 50mA 24 V dc, Through Hole
  • RS Stock No. 686-6847
  • Mfr. Part No. B3F-1000
Subtotal (1 bag of 5 units)
£4.52(exc. VAT)
£0.904/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Siemens SIRIUS ACT 3SU10 Series, Twist Release, Emergency Stop Push Button Head
  • RS Stock No. 874-1730
  • Mfr. Part No. 3SU1000-1HB20-0AA0
Subtotal (1 unit)
£21.90(exc. VAT)
£21.90/unit
In Stock
EAO 84 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22 mm Cutout, 1 NC, IP65, IP67
  • RS Stock No. 194-2037
  • Mfr. Part No. 84-5320.0020
Subtotal (1 unit)
£32.15(exc. VAT)
£32.15/unit
In Stock
Omron Detector Switch, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 254-3107
  • Mfr. Part No. D3SH-A1R1
Subtotal (1 tape of 2 units)
£2.38(exc. VAT)
£1.19/unit
In Stock
Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd DPST, On-Off On-Off Rocker Switch Panel
  • RS Stock No. 228-4581
  • Mfr. Part No. H8550VBACA
Subtotal (1 unit)
£4.50(exc. VAT)
£4.50/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Harmony XAC Series Green Front Mounting Push Button Head, 22 mm Cutout, IP69
  • RS Stock No. 610-1137
  • Mfr. Part No. XACA9413
Subtotal (1 unit)
£4.51(exc. VAT)
£4.51/unit
Being discontinued
ABB Terminal Shroud Switch Disconnector Terminal Shroud, OT Series
  • RS Stock No. 727-1515
  • Mfr. Part No. OTS40T3 1SCA105317R1001
Subtotal (1 unit)
£4.30(exc. VAT)
£4.30/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off-On, SPDT, Solder Terminal, 26 V dc, 250 V ac
  • RS Stock No. 734-7000
Subtotal (1 unit)
£5.89(exc. VAT)
£5.89/unit
In Stock
ABUS Security-Center Reed Switch 24V ac, 0.2A
  • RS Stock No. 524-5589
  • Mfr. Part No. FU7350W
Subtotal (1 unit)
£8.65(exc. VAT)
£8.65/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Red, Yellow Rotary Handle, 90 mm, TeSyS Vario Series
  • RS Stock No. 608-8961
  • Mfr. Part No. KCF3PZ
Subtotal (1 unit)
£58.25(exc. VAT)
£58.25/unit
In Stock
Allen Bradley Guardmaster 3 Position 45 ° 12 A
  • RS Stock No. 183-4362
  • Mfr. Part No. 194L-E12-3253
Subtotal (1 unit)
£28.19(exc. VAT)
£28.19/unit
In Stock
Schneider Electric Anthracite, 2 Way 2, 2 Gang, Unica
  • RS Stock No. 287-6023
  • Mfr. Part No. NU321354
Subtotal (1 unit)
£13.27(exc. VAT)
£13.27/unit
In Stock
RS Better World
Schneider Electric 3-Pole Fixed Isolator Switch -, IP40, 22A, 22 kW
  • RS Stock No. 280-8171
  • Mfr. Part No. 28900
Subtotal (1 unit)
£92.90(exc. VAT)
£92.90/unit
In Stock
APEM 8000 Series Miniature Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 6.5 mm Cutout, SPDT, 125 V 125 V ac
  • RS Stock No. 103-5732
  • Mfr. Part No. 8632A
Subtotal (1 unit)
£9.06(exc. VAT)
£9.06/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel, 16 mm Cutout, SPST RGB LED, IP67, 36 V dc
  • RS Stock No. 175-9658
Subtotal (1 unit)
£16.48(exc. VAT)
£16.48/unit
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Guides & Articles

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
Our guide focuses on rocker switches, explaining how to use them and exploring the different types available.
Read more
Reed Switches Guide
Our guide focuses on reed switches, explaining their applications, how they work, and so much more.
Read more
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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