Choosing an Electrical Switch
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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.
Style J switches have extra safety controls to prevent you from getting trapped next to running machinery. They actuate with the turn of a portable key. Bring the key when you enter an enclosure to ensure machinery won’t start while you’re inside, even if the door closes behind you. As an added fail-safe, a rear release button lets you cut power from inside of enclosures if needed. These switches have light-up indicators that show when they're properly installed and whether they're actuated.
IP67 rated switches protect against temporary submersion.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
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 | 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 | __ | 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 |
Screw Terminal Connection with Rear Release Button, Portable Key, and LED Status Indicator | |||||||||||||||||
| J | 6 | 2 Off (Normally Open) and 4 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 12 | 6PST-2NO/4NC | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 2.5 A @ 250 V DC | 240V AC 250V DC | 5.2" | 4.6" | 2.2" | __ | M20 | Metric | Yes | IP67 | 000000000 | 000000 |
O'all | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angle Range | Adjustability | Lg. | Wd. | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | ||
Straight Keys | |||||||
| For Style F | __ | __ | 53.7 mm | 52.4 mm | No | 000000000 | 000000 |
| For Style J | __ | __ | 61.5 mm | 40 mm | No | 000000000 | 00000 |
90° Angle Keys | |||||||
| For Style J | __ | __ | 45 mm | 40 mm | No | 000000000 | 00000 |
Flexible Keys | |||||||
| For Style F | 0°-18° | Left/Right | 80.7 mm | 40 mm | No | 000000000 | 00000 |
| For Style J | 0°-18° | Left/Right | 70 mm | 40 mm | No | 000000000 | 00000 |
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 4-pole micro M12 plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.
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.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Switches | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | Cables with Socket | ||||||||||||||||
| 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 | Each | ||
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 250 V AC, 250 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | -22° to 158° | 0.8" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1.2" | Plastic | IP67 | 00000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 250 V AC, 250 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | -22° to 158° | 1.2" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1.2" | Plastic | IP67 | 00000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 250 V AC, 250 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | -22° to 158° | 1.5" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1.2" | Plastic | IP67 | 00000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 250 V AC, 250 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | -22° to 158° | 1.5"-3.3" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1.2" | Plastic | IP67 | 00000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
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.
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 | 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 |
Enclosed Wet-Location Snap-Acting Switches
Rated IP67, these switches have an enclosure that shields their interior during temporary submersion. They open and close circuits in a snap—their quick actuation limits arcing and keeps contacts from sticking. These switches are often used to indicate an open appliance or enclosure door. You can also use them inside limit, pressure, and temperature switches. Switches with a plunger actuator require a push to actuate, similar to a button.
Switches with a roller plunger actuator have a roller that moves parallel to the body length when an object pushes the actuator. This reduces friction to limit wear and tear on your switch.
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 | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Wire Leads | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Specifications Met | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
With 39" Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | 15° to 175° | 0.45" | 3 | 2.76" | 1.61" | 0.85" | UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Plunger Actuator Style for 9/16" Panel Cutout Dia. | ||||||||||||||
With 39" Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | 15° to 175° | 0.68" | 3 | 2.76" | 1.61" | 0.85" | UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style for 9/16" Panel Cutout Dia. | ||||||||||||||
With 39" Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | 15° to 175° | 1.04" | 3 | 2.76" | 1.61" | 0.85" | UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
With 108" Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | 15° to 175° | 1.04" | 3 | 2.76" | 1.61" | 0.85" | UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
Safety Relays with Diagnostic Capabilities
Control and diagnose issues with safety-critical circuits. These relays have a microprocessor that monitors safety components, such as emergency stops and light curtains, and sends a signal to stop the operation if a failure is detected and restart when the issue is resolved. They also help with diagnostic tasks because of their feedback circuit, which allows basic relays to communicate their status back to the safety relay. These relays have a duplicate set of input and output signals, so they’ll still stop the controlled device if one of the inputs fails.
IP20 rated, they have recessed terminals which prevent fingers and other objects from touching live circuits. These relays have been tested to multiple safety standards and can help achieve PL, SIL, or CAT system ratings. They also meet ISO and IEC standards for machine safety.
Mount them to 35 mm DIN rail (also known as DIN 3 Rail) for fast installation.
Auxiliary contact blocks (sold separately) allow you to control more components, such as signaling devices or basic relays.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | For Use With | Max. System Safety Rating | Features | Each | |
2 Circuits Controlled | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Off (Normally Open) | |||||||||||
| 14 | 24V DC | 2 A @ 240 V AC 1.5 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC | 4.9" | 0.69" | 4.3" | Emergency Stops, Light Curtains | PLe, SIL3, CAT 4, 250V | Auxiliary PNP Output, LED Indicator | 0000000 | 0000000 |
4 Circuits Controlled | |||||||||||
4 Off (Normally Open) | |||||||||||
| 18 | 24V DC | 2 A @ 240 V AC 1.5 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC | 4.9" | 0.89" | 4.3" | Emergency Stops, Light Curtains | PLe, SIL3, CAT 4, 250V | Auxiliary PNP Output, LED Indicator | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Features | Each | |
5 Safety Outputs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 24V AC, 24V DC | 2.5 A @ 24 V DC 3 A @ 240 V AC | 250V AC, 250V DC | 3.9" | 0.9" | 4.5" | __ | 0000000 | 0000000 |
4 Delayed Safety Outputs | |||||||||
| 16 | 24V DC | 3 A @ 240 V AC 3 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC, 250V DC | 3.9" | 0.9" | 4.5" | Time Delay | 0000000 | 000000 |