Choose an actuator and contact block to make your own switch. Actuators are rated NEMA 3S, 4X and 13 for protection from dust, outdoor environments, corrosion, oil, and washdowns. They mount into standard panel cutouts. Use legend plates (not included) to label switches. BACO Controls switches are only compatible with BACO manufactured legend plates.

Contact blocks with mounting latch accept additional contact blocks to control more circuits.

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.

IP67 rated switches protect against temporary submersion.

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 C has a key entry on two opposite sides of the switch.

Quickly and safely mount these relays on 35 mm DIN rail (also known as DIN 3). IP20 rated, they have recessed terminals that prevent fingers and other objects from touching live circuits.

Relays that control 3 and 4 circuits are built to IEC dimensional standards and are often called IEC contactors. Auxiliary contacts (sold separately) allow you to add a signaling device or control another relay. You can add one auxiliary contact to all of these relays. For relays with 12 terminals, you can add two side-mount auxiliary contacts.

Use replacement coils to swap out a broken coil or change the input voltage of a relay. They are only compatible with relays that have 12 terminals. The full load current of the relay must match the full load current range of the coil.

Use the screw terminals to hardwire these relays. The built-in enclosure protects contacts from dust and dirt. These relays accept voltage drops up to 50% of the rated voltage without switching. They’re often used with industrial automation systems, security and emergency lighting, and small motors. Also known as power relays.

Receive signals from safety monitoring relays or controllers to switch devices off and on because of a system failure. Also known as force-guided or mechanically linked contacts, the interlocking opposing contacts on these relays cannot be open or closed at the same time. To keep your system from receiving false switching signals, the interlocking opposing contact must remain open even if a contact welds closed.

IP20 rated, they have recessed terminals that prevent fingers and other objects from touching live circuits. These relays have been tested to safety standards that can help you achieve your system's PL (performance level) and SIL (safety integrity level). Choose a relay with a PL and SIL rating to meet the needs of your system. Higher ratings indicate greater safety protection. As your system becomes more complex, you generally require a higher safety protection level. Mount them to 35mm DIN rail (also known as DIN 3 Rail).

Relays that meet SIL2 are tested for applications with a probability of failure of 0.1% to 1%. They’re often used for emergency shutdowns, and fire, gas, and overpressure detection.

Reduce connection errors on circuit boards that control machine guards and other safety devices. Also known as force-guided contact relays, they have contact pairs that won’t close at the same time, even if contacts stick or weld shut. These relays take up less space on a board than those with electrical wiring because their solder pin terminals mount directly through circuit board holes. Use them to control high-power components, such as fans and heaters, from a low-power circuit.

Relays with surge suppression coverage protect sensitive electronics from damage and malfunction by eliminating voltage spikes. Switching off a relay can generate surges of 300 to 500 volts, but a diode within these relays suppresses these surges. An LED indicator on these relays lights up when they’re on, so you know at a glance if they’re wired correctly.