Choosing an Electrical Switch
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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 plunger actuator require a push to actuate, similar to a button.
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.
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. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Each | ||
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | ||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 1 A @ 30 V DC | 30V DC | 14° to 158° | 0.6" | 1.6" | 2.2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | 14° to 158° | 0.6" | 1.6" | 2.2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 00000000 | 000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | ||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 1 A @ 30 V DC | 30V DC | 14° to 158° | 1" | 1.6" | 2.2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 00000000 | 000000 |
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | 14° to 158° | 1" | 1.6" | 2.2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 00000000 | 000000 |
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
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 |
Frame-Mounted Safety Switches
Also known as interlock switches, these ensure the safety of personnel by automatically shutting off power to machinery when an access door opens. Mount the switch to the door frame and mount a key to the door so that the key is inserted into the switch when the door is closed. When the door opens, the key is removed from the switch and the machine shuts down. They’re often used with machine guards for large robots.
All switches require an actuator key, but not all include one—check whether you need to pick out a separate actuator key. For some switch styles, you can also select the mounting orientation of the key. Flexible keys pivot at least 15°, making them easier to align with switches during installation.
Style A-G switches have positive-force, normally closed contacts that will open a circuit when the switch is actuated even if a spring fails or the contacts stick.
IP67 rated switches protect against temporary submersion.
Housing | Conduit | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Trade Size | Thread Size | Thread Type | Key Included | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Screw Terminal Connection with Positive-Force Normally Closed Contacts | |||||||||||||||||
| F | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | __ | M20 | Metric | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 0000000 |
| F | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | 1/2 | __ | BSPP | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| F | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | 1/2 | __ | NPT | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| F | 2 | 2 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | __ | M20 | Metric | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| F | 2 | 2 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | 1/2 | __ | BSPP | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| F | 2 | 2 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-NC | 2 A @ 400 V AC | 400V AC | 4.4" | 1.6" | 1.6" | 1/2 | __ | NPT | No | IP67 | 000000000 | 000000 |
