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    Switches

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

    How do electrical switches work?

    Electrical 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 mechanical terminals which connect to metal contacts. When the terminal and contact are touching, the electric 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 power 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)
    • DPST (Double Pole Double Throw)

    What types of switches are there?

    The type of electric 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 electric switch types:

    Detector

    DIP/SIP

    Foot

    Hall Effect

    Joystick

    Key

    Keyboard/Keypad

    Piezo

    Microswitches

    Rotary

    Push Button

    Toggle

    Shop RS range of electric switches with ease of mind and convenience. As a global parts supplier, we have a one-stop shop approach for an extensive range of mechanical electrical switches and more, available in stock and fast, reliable service and support.

    With our global delivery network and online ordering system, you can manage, track and update your orders easily with an RS Online Account. Register for your RS Online Account to access a host of additional features that streamline your sourcing and purchasing processes.

    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

    50081 Products showing for Switches

    1 of 999+
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS Stock No. 763-7949
    Each
    SGD8.40
    RS PRO, Panel Mount White LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS Stock No. 763-7937
    Each
    SGD9.09
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Red LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS Stock No. 763-7946
    Each
    SGD9.09
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1NC, IP66,
    • RS Stock No. 795-1306
    • Mfr. Part No. XB4BS8442
    Each
    SGD179.33
    ABB ABB Modular Series Contact Block, 690V, 1NO
    • RS Stock No. 757-8929
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SFA611610R1001 MCB-10
    Each
    SGD24.90
    Panasonic Simulated Roller Lever Micro Switch, Solder Terminal, 2 A @ 30 V dc, SP-CO, IP50
    • RS Stock No. 173-8257
    • Mfr. Part No. ABS141450
    Each (In a Box of 100)
    SGD6.573
    BG Electrical Grey Outdoor Light Switch, 2 Way, 1 Gang, Storm
    • RS Stock No. 699-7076
    • Mfr. Part No. WP12-02
    Each
    SGD17.28
    Omron A22NZ Series Contact Block, Blue Light, 1NO
    • RS Stock No. 214-7820
    • Mfr. Part No. A22NZ-S-G1A
    Each
    SGD9.13
    Panasonic Black Side Tactile Switch, SPST 10 μA → 50 mA 0.65mm Surface Mount
    • RS Stock No. 178-9272
    • Mfr. Part No. EVQP7A01P
    Each (In a Pack of 20)
    SGD0.388
    Bulgin MPI005 Series Illuminated Push Button Switch, Latching, Panel Mount, 19.2mm Cutout, SPST, Green LED, 12V, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 208-8038
    • Mfr. Part No. MPI005R28LSGN12
    Each
    SGD65.73
    BACO Series Blue Spring Return Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66
    • RS Stock No. 769-3703
    • Mfr. Part No. L21AH60
    Each
    SGD16.08
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB5 Series Red Maintained Push Button Head, 22mm Cutout, IP66, IP67, IP69K
    • RS Stock No. 746-8554
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AH04
    Each
    SGD30.49
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony XB5R Series Push Button Transmitter, Push-Push, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, Green LED, 240V
    • RS Stock No. 276-9448
    • Mfr. Part No. XB5RFA02
    Each
    SGD675.31
    BACO BACO Series Contact Block, 600V, 1NC
    • RS Stock No. 260-227
    • Mfr. Part No. 33S01
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    SGD8.256
    Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-Off, SPST, Tab Terminal, 250V ac
    • RS Stock No. 861-0270
    • Mfr. Part No. C3900BAAAA
    Each
    SGD8.58
    Lorlin Key Switch, DPDT, 1 A @ 24V ac dc / 115V ac 2-Way Random-Key
    • RS Stock No. 319-815
    • Mfr. Part No. SRL5LD2
    Each
    SGD12.23
    RS PRO Push Button Complete Unit, Panel Mount, 22mm Cutout, 1 NC, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 145-0609
    Each
    SGD11.34
    Allen Bradley for Use with 800FM Series, 1NC
    • RS Stock No. 511-8342
    • Mfr. Part No. 800F-NX-X01
    Each
    SGD25.21
    Omron Roller Lever Micro Switch, Pre-wired Terminal, 3 A @ 30 V dc, SPDT, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 616-0596
    • Mfr. Part No. D2SW-3L2M
    Each
    SGD13.82
    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
    SGD59.44
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    DIP Switches Guide
    In this complete guide we look at what DIP switches are, how they work, as well as the different types available on the market.
    Read more
    Article image
    Touch Switches Guide
    In this complete guide, we look at what touch switches are, how they work and the different types available on the market.
    Read more

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