Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Limit Switches
When a moving object contacts the actuator on these switches, they open or close a circuit. They have the rapid-closing action of a snap-acting switch, but with a larger actuator. This makes them a good choice for use with large objects—for instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor.
Switches with a roller plunger or cross roller plunger actuator have a roller that moves when an object pushes the actuator. This reduces friction during actuation to limit wear and tear on your switch. On cross roller plungers, the roller moves perpendicular to the mounting direction.
Switches rated NEMA 13 are protected against dirt and oil/coolant spraying. Switches rated IP67 are protected against dust and temporary submersion.
Housing | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.5 A @ 380 V AC, 220 V DC | 380V AC 220V DC | -4° to 158° | 1.5" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1" | Zinc | NEMA 13, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
Low-Profile Limit Switches
Stack these slim switches together, or fit them into tight spaces. They're rated IP67 for protection from temporary submersion. When an object in motion comes into contact with the actuator, it sends a signal to open or close a circuit. These switches have the rapid-closing action of a snap-acting switch, but have a larger actuator for large objects. They’re often used on conveyor systems and elevators.
Cross roller plunger actuators open or close circuits when an object pushes against the roller, which moves the plunger. The roller moves perpendicular to the mounting direction and reduces friction during actuation which prevents wear and tear over time.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Wire Leads | Cable Lead Lg., ft. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Each | ||
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 250 V AC, 4 A @ 30 V DC | 250V DC 250V AC | 14° to 158° | 0.6" | 4 | 9.5 | 1.6" | 2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Sealed Low-Profile Limit Switches
A sealed actuator prevents these switches from jamming, even when exposed to sand, mud, or dirt. They're also rated IP67 for temporary submersion. With a slim design, you can stack them or fit them in tight spaces. When an object in motion comes into contact with the actuator, it sends a signal to open or close a circuit. These switches have the rapid-closing action of a snap-acting switch, but with a larger actuator. This makes them a good choice for use with large objects. For instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor.
Switches with a roller plunger or cross roller plunger actuator have a roller that moves when an object pushes the actuator. This reduces friction during actuation to limit wear and tear on your switch. On cross roller plungers, the roller moves perpendicular to the mounting direction.
Switches with a 4-pole micro M12 plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Wire Leads | Cable Lead Lg., ft. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Each | ||
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 250 V AC, 4 A @ 30 V DC | 250V DC 250V AC | 14° to 158° | 1" | 4 | 9.5 | 1.3" | 1.9" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 0000000 | 0000000 |
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | ||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | 14° to 158° | 0.9" | __ | __ | 1.6" | 2.2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 00000000 | 000000 |
| Cable with Socket for Switches with 4-Pole Micro M12 Plugs | 0000000 | Each | 000000 |
Snap-Acting Switches
Open and close circuits in a snap. These switches actuate quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used to indicate that an appliance or enclosure door is open. You can also use them inside limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a roller plunger or cross roller plunger actuator have a roller that moves when an object pushes the actuator. This reduces friction to limit wear and tear on your switch. On cross roller plungers, the roller moves perpendicular to the housing.
Plastic covers (sold separately) are compatible with switches with screw terminals. They fit over the bottom of the switch to prevent contact with live terminals.
Switches | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | Plastic Covers | ||||||||||||||||
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Horsepower @ Switching Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Each | Each | |||
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style for 1/2" Panel Cutout Dia. | |||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||||
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -67° to 185° | 1.4" | 3 | 1.94" | 0.95" | 0.69" | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 20 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 2 hp @ 250 V AC | -67° to 250° | 1.4" | 3 | 1.94" | 0.95" | 0.69" | 0000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | |||||||||||||||||
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 15 A @ 8 V DC | 500V AC 250V DC | __ | -13° to 176° | 1.3" | 3 | 1.94" | 0.95" | 0.69" | 0000000 | 00000 | 000000 | 00 |
Enclosed Washdown Snap-Acting Switches
Rated NEMA 4 and IP66, these enclosed switches have a sealed actuator for protection from washdowns. They open and close circuits quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Horsepower @ Switching Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Conduit Trade Size | Each | ||
Side Mount | |||||||||||||||||
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 1.6" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Enclosed Snap-Acting Switches
Enclosures protect these snap-acting switches from the environment. They open and close circuits quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used as door-open indicators on appliances and enclosures or as an internal component in limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a roller plunger, cross roller plunger, or roller lever actuator allow parts to glide across the actuation surface with less friction than standard plungers or levers. This prevents wear and tear over time.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Horsepower @ Switching Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Conduit Trade Size | Each | ||
Side Mount | |||||||||||||||||
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 1.2" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 3.04" | 1.75" | 1" | 1/2 | 0000000 | 0000000 |