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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.

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    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

    47729 Products showing for Switches

    3 of 999+
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Orange Pilot Light Head, 22mm Cutout Harmony XB5 Series
    • RS Stock No. 331-0350
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AV053
    Each
    HK$47.20
    RS PRO Rectangular Reed Switch, NO, 200V, 500mA, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 361-4911
    Each
    HK$42.50
    Eaton 2P Pole Panel Mount Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 6.5kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 257-9384
    • Mfr. Part No. 091078 T0-1-102/EA/SVB
    Each
    HK$386.50
    EAO 82 Series Push Button Switch, Momentary, Panel Mount, 19mm Cutout, SPDT, 240V, IP65, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 811-4021
    • Mfr. Part No. 82-5552.1000
    Each
    HK$201.40
    Omron D4N Series Roller Lever Limit Switch, 1NC/1NO, IP67, SPST, Plastic Housing, 240V ac Max, 10A Max
    • RS Stock No. 214-7532
    • Mfr. Part No. D4N-1A20
    Each
    HK$346.70
    EAO Push Button Switch
    • RS Stock No. 248-5318
    • Mfr. Part No. 31-453.036
    Each
    HK$248.80
    Assemtech SPST Reed Switch, 3A 1000V ac/dc
    • RS Stock No. 362-2552
    • Mfr. Part No. 2202-1513-060
    Each
    HK$40.40
    RS PRO 4P Pole DIN Rail Isolator Switch - 20A Maximum Current, 7.5kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 466-249
    Each
    HK$222.70
    MK Electric Grey 1 Gang Frame
    • RS Stock No. 222-8165
    • Mfr. Part No. K2200
    Each
    HK$27.50
    NKK Switches Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-On, DPDT, Screw Terminal, 250V ac
    • RS Stock No. 181-3651
    • Mfr. Part No. S422T
    Each
    HK$144.70
    RS PRO Rectangular Reed Switch, NO, 160Vac, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 268-4858
    Each
    HK$51.50
    Nidec Components 16 Way Surface Mount Rotary Switch, Rotary Coded Actuator
    • RS Stock No. 903-9767
    • Mfr. Part No. SA-7070B
    Each (In a Bag of 10)
    HK$34.72
    RS PRO, Panel Mount Green LED Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout, IP65, Round, 230V ac
    • RS Stock No. 271-7484
    Each (In a Pack of 5)
    HK$30.78
    Saia-Burgess Short Roller Lever Micro Switch, Pre-wired Terminal, 5 A @ 250 V ac, SPDT, IP67
    • RS Stock No. 173-9302
    • Mfr. Part No. V3SYR-UL
    Each (In a Bag of 50)
    HK$209.124
    Socomec 8P Pole Wall Mount Switch Disconnector - 32A Maximum Current, 13kW Power Rating, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 252-3435
    • Mfr. Part No. 21158403
    Each
    HK$1,475.44
    Honeywell Roller Lever Micro Switch, Screw Terminal, 15 A @ 125 V ac, SPDT
    • RS Stock No. 198-8434
    • Mfr. Part No. BZ-2RW826-A2
    Each
    HK$316.90
    APEM A01ES-D Series Twist Release Emergency Stop Push Button, Panel Mount, 16mm Cutout, 2NC, IP40, IP65
    • RS Stock No. 137-0014
    • Mfr. Part No. A01ES-D+A0154B-D+A01YL1
    1 Pack of 1
    HK$219.50
    Alps Alpine Black Stem Tactile Switch, SPST 50 mA @ 12 V dc 4.3mm Surface Mount
    • RS Stock No. 758-1922
    • Mfr. Part No. SKHHAJA010
    Each (In a Box of 20)
    HK$2.97
    Arcolectric (Bulgin) Ltd Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel Mount
    • RS Stock No. 377-9759
    • Mfr. Part No. C6053ALNAE
    Each
    HK$66.80
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Yellow Pilot Light, 22mm Cutout Harmony XB5 Series
    • RS Stock No. 125-4418
    • Mfr. Part No. ZB5AV083
    Each
    HK$48.60
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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