Food Industry Switches | McMaster-Carr

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52 Products

About Float Switches

About Pressure Switches

Choosing an Electrical Switch

Flush

Projecting

Mushroom

Actuate these switches with the push of a button. Their buttons are distinct colors to help you quickly spot switches without labels. Install them in a standard panel cutout. Rated NEMA 4X and NEMA 13, these switches withstand corrosion, washdowns, and oil/coolant spraying.

These switches include enough contact blocks to control the number of circuits listed. Additional contact blocks (sold separately) can be added to control more circuits, or replace the included contact block.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Switches													SPST-NO Contact Blocks		SPST-NC Contact Blocks		DPST-1NO/1NC Contact Blocks
No. of Circuits Controlled	Switch Starting Position	Switch Action	No. of Terminals	Industry Designation	Switching Current @ Voltage	Max. Voltage	Dia.	For Max. No. of Contact Blocks	Choose an Actuator Color	Environmental Rating		Each		Each		Each		Each
With Screw Terminals
Flush
1	1 Off (Normally Open)	Springs Back (Momentary)	2	SPST-NO	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	1"	6	Black, Green	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	00000000	000000	0000000	000000	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
1	1 On (Normally Closed)	Springs Back (Momentary)	2	SPST-NC	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	1"	6	Black, Red	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	00000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
Projecting
1	1 Off (Normally Open)	Springs Back (Momentary)	2	SPST-NO	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	1"	6	Black, Green	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	00000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
1	1 On (Normally Closed)	Springs Back (Momentary)	2	SPST-NC	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	1 1/4"	6	Red	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
Mushroom
1	1 Off (Normally Open)	Springs Back (Momentary)	2	SPST-NO	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	1 3/8"	6	Green, Red	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	00000000	000000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
1	1 On (Normally Closed)	Springs Back (Momentary)	2	SPST-NC	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	2 1/4"	6	Red	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	0000000	000000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
Mushroom with Turn Reset
2	1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	Stays Switched (Maintained)	4	DPST-1NO/1NC	10 A @ 120 V AC, 2.5 A @ 24 V DC	600V AC 600V DC	1 9/16"	6	Red	NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IP66	0000000	000000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000

Finger-Touch Switches

The light touch of a finger turns circuits on and off without pressing down a contact. Program these switches to fit your application—control their color, pattern, and sensitivity. Change the color to show different process statuses. For more visibility, change the intensity of the color or choose a light pattern. These switches can flash, rotate, and show other patterns, all at speeds you can control. To change how much force they need to actuate, alter the sensitivity. With a high sensitivity, they’ll actuate even if you’re wearing gloves. With a low sensitivity, they’re more resistant to accidental actuation.

To program your switch, download the free Banner Pro Editor Software. You’ll need a switch programming kit (sold separately) to connect your switch to the software.

Switches with a copolyester base are FDA compliant for incidental food contact once installed.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Switches

8-Pole Micro M12

Copolyester Plastic Base with 8-Pole Micro M12 Plug and NPN/PNP Output
	Dia.	Ht.	Switch Starting Position	Switch Action	Message (Actuator Color)	Signal Type	Configurable Light Settings	Current Output, mA	Input Voltage Range	Dp. Behind Panel	Environmental Rating		Each
For 22 mm Panel Cutout Dia.
A	7/8"	5/32"	1 Off (Normally Open)	Springs Back (Momentary)	Touch Activation Symbol (Amber, Blue, Cyan, Green, Lime Green, Magenta, Orange, Red, Rose, Sky Blue, Spring Green, Violet, White, Yellow)	Light	Color, Intensity, Pattern, Speed	150	10V DC-30V DC	1.72"	IP66, IP67, IP69K	00000000	0000000
A	7/8"	5/32"	1 Off (Normally Open)	Stays Switched (Maintained)	Touch Activation Symbol (Amber, Blue, Cyan, Green, Lime Green, Magenta, Orange, Red, Rose, Sky Blue, Spring Green, Violet, White, Yellow)	Light	Color, Intensity, Pattern, Speed	150	10V DC-30V DC	1.72"	IP66, IP67, IP69K	00000000	000000

Programming Kits

	USB
Input Voltage	Connection Type	Standard	Power Plug Type	Operating System Compatibility	Includes		Each
24V DC	A	2.0	Two Prong	Windows 7 or Later	Micro M12 Cords, Power Supply, Splitter, Wire Splicing Connectors	00000000	0000000

Sanitary Pressure Switches

3-A certified, these food-safe switches trigger automated controls and alarms when food-processing, pharmaceutical, and biotech lines reach a set pressure. These switches have many features that make them safe for sanitary environments because they reduce the space where bacteria could grow. A sleeve shields internal parts from water and other contaminants. Polished surfaces and smoothly welded seams make cleaning easier. Made of 316 stainless steel, they stand up to harsh cleaners and sanitizers without rusting. Rated IP67 and NEMA 6, they’re dust tight and withstand washdowns and temporary submersion.

Connect them to your line with the same quick-clamp fittings (also known as tri-clamp fittings) that are common on sanitary lines since they’re easy to take apart for cleaning. The quick-clamp end has a diaphragm that protects the switches from corrosive material and covers threads to keep them clean. The diaphragm is filled with 99.5% pure USP food-grade glycerin, which keeps the switch clean if the diaphragm fails. It’s also laser etched with the serial number to reduce crevices.

Twist the adjustable setpoint ring to make quick changes. These switches are single pole, double throw (SPDT) and can be installed to turn one circuit from off to on (normally open) or from on to off (normally closed).

All have a certificate with traceable lot number and material test report.

Wire Leads
Setpoint, psi	Approximate Difference Between Setpoint and Reset Point, psi	Max. Continuous Pressure, psi	Max. Short-Term Pressure, psi	Accuracy	Max. Switching Current	Process Temp. Range, °F	Connection Material	Width	For Use With	Specifications Met		Each
1 1/2" Tube OD Quick-Clamp Connection
6 to 30	3	30	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	0000000
8 to 60	5	60	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000
10 to 100	4	100	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000
20 to 200	16	200	1,000	±5%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000
2" Tube OD Quick-Clamp Connection
6 to 30	3	30	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2 1/2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000
8 to 60	6	60	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2 1/2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000
10 to 100	4	100	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2 1/2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000
20 to 200	16	200	1,000	±5%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	2 1/2"	Beverage, Food	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000

Sanitary Pressure and Vacuum Switches

When these 3-A certified switches reach a set pressure or vacuum, they trigger controls and alarms in food-processing, pharmaceutical, and biotech lines. They have a sleeve to shield internal parts from water and contaminants. Their surfaces are polished and their seams are continuously welded, so cleaning is easy and there’s little room for bacteria to grow. Made of 316 stainless steel, these switches stand up to harsh cleaners and sanitizers without rusting. Rated IP67 and NEMA 6, they’re dust tight and protected from washdowns and temporary submersion.

They connect using the same quick-clamp fittings (also known as tri-clamp fittings) that are common in sanitary lines, because they’re easy to take apart for cleaning. This end has a diaphragm that protects from corrosion and covers threads to keep them clean. The diaphragm is filled with 99.5% pure USP food-grade glycerin, reducing the risk of contamination if the diaphragm fails. The serial number is laser etched on the diaphragm to reduce crevices.

All have a certificate with a traceable lot number and material test report.

Setpoint
Pressure, psi	Vacuum, in. of Hg	Approximate Difference Between Setpoint and Reset Point, psi	Maximum Continuous Pressure, psi	Maximum Short-Term Pressure, psi	Accuracy	Maximum Switching Current	Process Temp. Range, °F	Connection Material	For Use With	Specifications Met		Each
Wire Leads
1 1/2" Tube OD Quick-Clamp Connection
0-15	30-0	3	15	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	Argon, Beverage, Diesel Fuel, Food, Gasoline, Hydraulic Fluid, Inert Gas, Natural Gas, Nitrogen, Oil, Oxygen, Water	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	0000000
2" Tube OD Quick-Clamp Connection
0-15	30-0	3	15	1,000	±2%	5 A @ 125 V AC 5 A @ 250 V AC 3 A @ 28 V DC	-40° to 212°	316 Stainless Steel	Argon, Beverage, Diesel Fuel, Food, Gasoline, Hydraulic Fluid, Inert Gas, Natural Gas, Nitrogen, Oil, Oxygen, Water	3-A Certified 74-07, UL Listed	00000000	000000

Hazardous Location Float Switches for Chemicals

Designed for use in areas where flammable substances are present, these switches are CSA certified for hazardous locations. Mount them through a tank wall.

Style A meets Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class II, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups E, F, and G; and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

	Pipe												Conduit
Style	Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Float Material	Electrical Connection	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage
316 Stainless Steel Body
A	1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	300 psi @ 70° F	0° to 390°	4 5/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	1/4	NPT	Male	00000000	0000000
A	1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	300 psi @ 70° F	0° to 390°	4 5/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	1/2	NPT	Male	00000000	000000
A	1	NPT	Male	0.7	300 psi @ 70° F	0° to 390°	4 5/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	1/2	NPT	Male	00000000	000000

Sanitary Level Switches

Detect when oil rises on water, foam forms on beer, and tanks empty, triggering pumps and valves in food and sanitary lines. These switches are 3-A and European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) certified since they’re easy to keep clean. Highly polished, they prevent bacteria from growing. They also stand up to hot spraying water, chemicals, and cleaners common to food plants, thanks to their PEEK probe, stainless steel body, BSPP threads, and IP ratings. Their IP67 rating also means they won’t fail if under water temporarily.

To connect to automated systems and remote displays, these switches work with IO Link and 4-20 mA analog output, making them good for hard-to-reach areas. Program the colors on the LED indicator to tell you what the switch is sensing.

USP Class tested, the plastic in these switches won’t leach chemicals. They’re also C-UL listed and CE marked to meet Canadian and European safety standards.

Use quick-clamp adapters to connect these switches to quick-clamp sanitary tube fittings.

Note: Solids and liquids must have a dielectric constant of at least 1.5 to detect them.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Switches

Switch

8V DC/36V DC Input Voltage
Pipe Size	Thread Type	Gender	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Output Current, mA	Output	Overall Lg.	Electrical Connection	Environmental Rating		Each
316 Stainless Steel Body
1/2	BSPP	Male	145 psi @ 70° F	-40° to 230°	9/16"	1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	SPDT	100	NPN, PNP	3 13/16"	M12-A 4-pin	IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA IP67 IP69K	0000000	0000000

Quick-Clamp Adapters

Quick-Clamp Adapter

Tube Connection		Pipe Connection
For Tube OD	Flange OD	Pipe Size	Thread Type	Gender	Material	Max. Pressure	Specifications Met		Each
1 1/8"	1.988"	1/2	BSPP	Female	316 Stainless Steel	550 psi @ 70° F	3-A Certified 74-07, CE Marked, EHEDG Certified	0000000	0000000

Through-Wall Horizontal-Mount Float Switches for Food and Beverage

Mount this switch through an unthreaded hole in your tank wall and secure with a nut from inside the tank. Often used in food-processing applications, they meet NSF/ANSI Standard 169.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Float Switches													Replacement Floats
For Hole Dia.	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Float Material	Electrical Connection	Includes		Each		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage
316 Stainless Steel Body
3/8"	0.8	300 psi @ 70° F	35° to 390°	2 3/16"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	Mounting Nut	00000000	000000	0000000	000000

Replacement Clip

0000000

Each

00000

Horizontal-Mount Float Switches for Food and Beverage

Install these switches into a threaded connection in your tank wall from outside the tank. Often used in food-processing applications, they meet NSF/ANSI Standard 169.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Pipe												Conduit
Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Float Material	Electrical Connection	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage
Polypropylene Plastic Body
1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35° to 220°	2 3/4"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	Polypropylene Plastic	Wire Leads	__	__	__	00000000	000000
1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35° to 220°	2 3/4"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	Polypropylene Plastic	Wire Leads	1/2	NPT	Male	00000000	00000

Vertical-Mount Float Switches for Food and Beverage

Mount these switches into a threaded connection at the top or bottom of your tank. Often used in food-processing applications, they meet NSF/ANSI Standard 169.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Float Switches															Replacement Floats
	Pipe Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Float Ht.	O'all Dia.		Each		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage—Wire Leads
Polypropylene Plastic Float
A	1/8	NPT	Male	0.9	100 psi @ 70° F	35° to 220°	1 7/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	1"	1"	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
A	1/4	NPT	Male	0.87	100 psi @ 70° F	35° to 220°	2 7/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.5 A @ 120 V AC	2"	1 1/2"	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
PVDF Plastic Float
A	1/8	NPT	Male	0.85	15 psi @ 70° F	35° to 220°	1 7/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	1"	1"	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
316 Stainless Steel Float
B	1/8	NPT	Male	0.8	300 psi @ 70° F	35° to 390°	1 7/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.28 A @ 120 V AC	1 3/16"	1 1/8"	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
B	1/4	NPT	Male	0.65	200 psi @ 70° F	35° to 390°	2 15/16"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.5 A @ 120 V AC	2 1/8"	2 1/8"	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
B	1/4	NPT	Male	0.65	200 psi @ 70° F	35° to 480°	2 15/16"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.5 A @ 120 V AC	2 1/8"	2 1/8"	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
C	1/4	NPT	Male	0.8	500 psi @ 70° F	35° to 390°	2 7/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	1 A @ 120 V AC	2 1/16"	2 1/16"	0000000	000000	0000000	00000
C	1/4	NPT	Male	0.8	750 psi @ 70° F	35° to 300°	2 7/8"	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.83 A @ 120 V AC	2 1/16"	2 1/16"	0000000	000000	0000000	00000

Replacement Clip for 1/4 Pipe Size Floats	0000000	Each	00000
Replacement Clip for 1/8 Pipe Size Polypropylene Plastic Floats	00000000	Each	0000
Replacement Clip for 1/8 Pipe Size 316 Stainless Steel Floats	0000000	Each	0000
Replacement Clip for PVDF Plastic Floats	00000000	Each	0000

Sanitary Electronic Insertion Flow Switches

Easy to clean and install, these flow switches are 3-A certified to meet sanitary design standards and insert into your line with a quick-clamp mounting adapter (sold separately). They have a smooth probe, and unlike flow switches that measure with a paddle or turbine, these don’t have moving parts for contaminants to get stuck in. Rated IP67 and IP69K, they withstand temporary submersion and high-temperature, high-pressure washdowns. The mounting adapter attaches to a quick-clamp tube tee or outlet (often called tri-clamp fittings) in your large-diameter tubing system using a gasket and clamp (not included), so you don't need to disassemble your line for inline installation. This mounting adapter is also easy to remove and clean.

They send digital signals to your programmable logic controller (PLC) to activate automated controls or alarms when they reach a set flow rate. To calculate the flow rate, they generate a small amount of heat, then measure the cooling effect your liquid or gas has on it. This makes them ideal in applications with fluctuating temperatures. Use the buttons on the display to adjust the set point and other settings. They’re accurate in any mounting orientation.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Flow Switches

	Set Point Range
For Tube OD	For Liquids, gpm	For Gases, scfm	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Max. Switching Current @ Voltage	Body Ht.	Environmental Rating	Specifications Met		Each
13/16" Probe Lg.
316 Stainless Steel Body
One Digital PNP Signal Output
1 1/2" 2"	0.55 to 54.21 0.97 to 96.37	4.84 to 72.47 8.59 to 128.84	430 psi @ 70° F	-10° to 200°	250 mA @ 19 V DC, 250 mA @ 36 V DC	3 5/16"	IP67, IP69K	3-A Certified 74-07, C-UL Listed, CE Marked, FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2415, UL Listed	0000000	0000000
1 13/16" Probe Lg.
316 Stainless Steel Body
One Digital PNP Signal Output
1 1/2" 2"	0.55 to 54.21 0.97 to 96.37	4.84 to 72.47 8.59 to 128.84	430 psi @ 70° F	-10° to 200°	250 mA @ 19 V DC, 250 mA @ 36 V DC	3 5/16"	IP67, IP69K	3-A Certified 74-07, C-UL Listed, CE Marked, FDA Compliant 21 CFR 177.2415, UL Listed	0000000	000000

Mounting Adapters

Quick Clamp Connection
For Tube OD	Flange OD	Gender	Lg.	Material		Each
1 1/2"	1.988"	Male	11/16"	316 Stainless Steel	0000000	000000
2"	2.52"	Male	11/16"	316 Stainless Steel	0000000	00000

Email Us

About Float Switches

About Pressure Switches

Choosing an Electrical Switch

Plastic 30 mm Panel-Mount Push-Button Switches

Finger-Touch Switches

Sanitary Pressure Switches

Sanitary Pressure and Vacuum Switches

Hazardous Location Float Switches for Chemicals

Sanitary Level Switches

Through-Wall Horizontal-Mount Float Switches for Food and Beverage

Horizontal-Mount Float Switches for Food and Beverage

Vertical-Mount Float Switches for Food and Beverage

Sanitary Electronic Insertion Flow Switches