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 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 roller lever actuator use a lever with a roller at the end to activate. This allows parts to glide across the actuation surface with minimal friction, limiting wear and tear on your switch.
Switches with a rod actuator use a rod extending out of the body to actuate, so they’ll activate even if an object is far away.
Switches with a wobble stick actuator have an arm that rotates 360°, so you don’t need to align it in a specific direction. Since the actuator is flexible, it won’t snap if pushed backward. That makes these switches a great choice for systems that get jammed often.
Styles E and F let you adjust the actuator’s height to align it with your target.
Switches rated IP67 are protected against dust and temporary submersion.
Housing | Conduit | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trade Size  | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 1.1" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 1.6" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 2.2" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 1.7"-4.2" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Rod Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 1.4"-5.9" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| H | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 5.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Compact Safety Limit Switches
Shorter and thinner than other safety limit switches, these are sized to fit tight spaces. They protect machinery and ensure the safety of personnel. Positive-force contacts open the circuit when actuated, even if a spring fails or the contacts stick. They send a signal to your circuit when an object hits the actuator—for instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor. They open and close circuits as fast as snap-acting switches, but they have a bigger actuator for large objects. All are NEMA and IP rated for protection from washdowns.
Switches with a plunger actuator require a push to activate, similar to a button.
Switches with a roller plunger actuator have a roller that moves parallel to the mounting direction when an object pushes the actuator. This reduces friction during actuation to limit wear and tear.
Switches with a roller lever actuator use a lever with a roller at the end to activate. This allows parts to glide across the actuation surface with minimal friction, limiting wear and tear.
Styles E and F have an actuator that allows you to adjust its height, making it easier to align the switch with the target during installation.
NEMA 13 and IP67 rated switches are protected from oil/coolant spraying 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. | Wire Connection Type | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 0.7" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 1.1" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 2.1" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 0.9"-3" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |