Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Sanitary Photoelectric Switches
Maintain sanitary standards—these switches have smooth surfaces without crevices, so they prevent bacteria from building up and are easy to clean. You’ll find them in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. Made of stainless steel, they won’t corrode from frequent cleanings. All are IP68 and IP69K rated for protection against temporary submersion and high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. Because they’re photoelectric, they don’t make contact with items like other actuators do. Instead, they use light to detect objects that are moving quickly. These switches have a plug, which connects to cables with a socket (sold separately), so you can quickly connect and disconnect the switch. Install them with brackets, clamps, extension tubes, or mounting adapters (all sold separately).
Direct-sensing switches project light onto an object and then detect the reflection to actuate. The transmitter and receiver are in the same housing, so these switches fit in tight spaces.
Receiver switches detect an object when it passes between the switch and the included reflector, interrupting the beam. They have a longer sensing distance than direct-sensing switches.
| Light Beam Switch Operation | Light Beam Ht. | Max. Sensing Distance | Input Voltage  | Current Output | Signal Output Type | OD, mm | Ht., mm | Housing Material | Temperature Range, °F | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | |
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adjustable Direct Sensing Switch with Visible Light Beam | |||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 1/4" | 4" | 10V DC-30V DC | 200mA | PNP | 20 | 107 | 316L Stainless Steel | -10° to 140° | IP68, IP69K | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Adjustable Receiver Switch with Visible Light Beam | |||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent | 1/4" | 13ft. | 10V DC-30V DC | 200mA | PNP | 20 | 107 | 316L Stainless Steel | -10° to 140° | IP68, IP69K | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
Brackets mount the switch to a panel vertically without a gap or exposed threads. They have an O-ring made of fluoroelastomer rubber that creates a seal with the panel to maintain sanitary ratings and withstand washdowns.
| For OD, mm | For Hole Dia., mm | For Max. Wall Thick., mm | Material | O-Ring Material | Each | |
| 20 | 25 | 22 | 316L Stainless Steel | Fluoroelastomer Rubber | 0000000 | 000000 |
Leveling brackets mount the switch to a panel when the panel is at an angle. They permit up to 10 degrees of angle compensation using an FDA-approved PTFE ball joint. An O-ring made of fluoroelastomer rubber creates a seal with the panel to maintain sanitary ratings and withstand washdowns.
| For OD, mm | For Hole Dia., mm | For Max. Wall Thick., mm | Max. Angle of Correction | Material | O-Ring Material | Each | |
| 20 | 45 | 20 | 10° | 316L Stainless Steel | Fluoroelastomer Rubber | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Clamps fix switches or mounting tubes to surfaces without a panel cutout. They come with hygienic screws.
| For OD, mm | For Max. Wall Thick., mm | Material | Mounting Screw Size | Each | |
| 20 | 6.5 | 316L Stainless Steel | M6 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Extension tubes position the switch further from the panel. They can also be used to cover cable and connectors behind the panel. They fit inside the mounting brackets. Those with a height of 119 mm have a threaded cable gland which matches the size of the switch cable sealing the system. This helps maintain the sanitary ratings and withstands washdowns.
Mounting adapters help you create your own mounting tube. You can glue, press fit, or weld them. They have the same connection as the switches and mounting tubes.
| OD, mm | Material | Each | |
| 18 | 316L Stainless Steel | 0000000 | 000000 |
| No. of Poles | Coding | Face Dia. | Voltage | Current | Wire Lead Ga. | Cable OD | Cable Lead Lg., ft. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | |
| 4 | A | 0.3" | 250V AC/250V DC | 4A | 22 | 0.25" | 12 | PVC Plastic | IP67 | CSA Certified, UL Recognized Component | 0000000 | 000000 |
Sanitary Finger-Touch Switches
With just a light touch, these switches turn circuits on and off in sanitary areas—even when you're wearing gloves. They're ideal for environments that require frequent cleaning, such as food and pharmaceutical plants. Their smooth, crevice-free surfaces are easy to clean and prevent bacteria buildup. Rated IP69K, they withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. They help you comply with European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) sanitary standards.
These switches use IO Link, so you can change settings, view outputs, and receive error messages from a connected programmable logic controller (PLC) or computer. Commonly used on production lines, they alert your team to equipment issues as soon as they occur.
Message Color | Light Color | Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Message (Actuator Color) | When Off | When On | When Off | When On | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Signal Output Type | Current Output, mA | Input Voltage Range | Dp. Behind Panel | No. of | Lg. | Communication Protocol | Dia. | Ht. | Environmental Rating | Each | |
316L Stainless Steel Base with Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||||
For 22 mm Panel Cutout Dia. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Blank (White) | __ | __ | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 0.65" | 5 | 7 1/2" | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 000000 |
316L Stainless Steel Base with 5-Pole Micro M12 Plug | ||||||||||||||||||
For 22 mm Panel Cutout Dia. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Blank (White) | __ | __ | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| On/Off (White) | Green/Red | Green/Red | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Power Symbol (Black) | Green | Red | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Power Symbol (White) | Black | Black | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Start (Black) | Green | Red | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Start (White) | Black | Black | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Start (White) | Green | Green | Green | Red | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Stop (Black) | Red | Green | Red | Green | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Stop (White) | Red | Red | Red | Green | 1 Off (Normally Open), 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary), Stays Switched (Maintained) | PNP/NPN | 200 | 8.4V DC-32V DC | 1.02" | __ | __ | IO Link | 1 1/4" | 5/32" | IP69K | 0000000 | 00000 |
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.
| 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 | |
8V DC/36V DC Input Voltage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | IP67 IP69K | 0000000 | 0000000 |
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 |