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.

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. NEMA 6 rated switches protect against both temporary submersion and washdowns.

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

Delay access to hazardous areas until conditions are safe; use these switches with machines that take time to stop after they are turned off. Mount the switch to the door frame and mount the key to the door so that the key is inserted into the switch when the door is closed. When the door is pulled, the key is held in place with 225 lbs. of force until the switch receives a signal from a time-delay relay, motion sensor, or position sensor (not included) that the machine’s motion has stopped. After the motion has stopped, the key can be removed from the switch, releasing the access door. They’re often used with machine guards. All 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. They’re rated for protection from washdowns and temporary submersion.

Style A and B have a key entry on the top and side of the switch.

Emergency override keys (sold separately) bypass the access delay feature.

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

A built-in relay produces AC voltage output. These switches are often used with older programmable logic controllers (PLCs). They detect the presence or absence of an object moving at high speeds with a light beam.

Direct sensing switches detect objects when light reflects back from the object. The transmitter and receiver are in the same housing, so they fit in confined spaces.

NEMA 6 and IP67 rated switches withstand washdowns and temporary submersion.

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

Detect objects as thin as a freshly sharpened pencil tip. These switches are best for tight spaces because they have a smaller light beam and can detect smaller objects than standard photoelectric switches. They produce PNP or NPN signal output. To determine the signal output of a switch you are replacing, use Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches (not included). All are rated IP67 for protection from dust and temporary submersion. Some also meet NEMA 6 for protection from washdowns.

Direct sensing switches detect objects when light reflects back from the object. The transmitter and receiver are in the same housing, so they fit in confined spaces. Style A direct sensing switches have an adjustable maximum sensing distance, ranging from 6" down to 1.2". Set a shorter sensing distance to minimize false triggers caused by objects in the background.

Adjustable switches can increase the intensity of the light beam to better detect shiny or translucent objects.

Reflector switches detect an object when it passes between the switch and the reflector, interrupting the beam. They have a shorter sensing distance than receiver switches but are quicker to wire. They have a longer sensing distance than direct-sensing switches.

Switches with PNP/NPN signal output automatically produce the type of signal output that is needed based on the device they are connected to.

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

Detect objects and liquid or material levels to set off actions in your system—regardless of size, shape, or surface finish. These switches send out high-frequency sound waves that target small areas, so the surface and structure of your object won't affect results like photoelectric sensors, which sense using light. This makes them great for materials with uneven surfaces, such as granules and powder. They also sense objects when obscured by smoke, dust, debris, or water, but they don't work as well where there's wind, since it could disrupt their sound waves. Once an object is detected or a set level is reached, the digital output sends a signal to your controller to turn components in your system on or off. Use their plug to quickly connect and disconnect to cables with a socket (sold separately). UL listed, C-UL listed, and CE marked, all meet American, Canadian, and European safety standards.

Switches with two outputs let you set a minimum level on one output and a maximum on the other—for example, you can keep liquid levels constant by turning on a pump when the level drops too low and turning off the pump when it reaches the maximum.

Switches with PNP/NPN signal output automatically produce the signal you need based on the connected device.

90° elbow switches are compact to fit in tight spaces. They’re best for conveyors.

Rated IP67, all of these switches seal out dust and water if briefly submersed. NEMA 6 rated switches also stand up to weather and washdowns.

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

These switches actuate when a magnet comes within sensing distance, and reset when the magnet moves away. They’re often used to detect when a door or window opens. Mount the switch in a stationary position, such as a door frame, and mount the magnet to a movable object, such as the door. They do not include a safety relay and cannot be used with safety-guard doors found on machinery.

Switches with a plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.

NEMA 6 rated switches are protected from temporary submersion. IP67 rated switches protect against temporary submersion, as well as dust and dirt.

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

Wire contacts to an alarm system to alert when doors or windows are opened. Mount the magnet to the door or window and mount the switch to the frame. The alarm will activate when the magnet is pulled away by the opening door or window.

SPDT switches connect to an alarm system and to another device, such as a motion detector.

Rated NEMA 13, these potentiometers protect against debris and splashing oil and coolant. Also known as variable output switches, they vary electrical flow to control speed, volume, and light intensity.

NEMA 6 potentiometers seal out water from temporary submersion as well as weather and washdowns.

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

With a round body that’s at least one-third thinner than traditional pressure switches, these fit in tight, cramped spaces. They’re often built into pumps and hydraulic systems with limited space in order to turn equipment on and off, activate automated controls, or signal alarms when they reach a set pressure. These switches are single pole, double throw (SPDT) and can either turn one device from off to on (normally open) or on to off (normally closed). They also meet at least one American, Canadian, or European safety standard.

Switches with an external setpoint adjustment have an external ring, so you can set the pressure quickly by hand. Switches with an internal setpoint adjustment have a sliding cover to prevent accidental setting changes.

NEMA 6 and IP67 rated switches seal out dust and water from washdowns and temporary submersion.

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.

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.

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 a traceable lot number and material test report.

Designed to use the properties of conductive liquid for operation, these switches actuate when conductive liquid reaches the probes on the tip to close the circuit. They can be used with dirty fluid and liquid with high solid content, but are not for use with flammable liquids. Mount them horizontally or vertically. All are rated NEMA 6 for protection from washdowns.

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