Choosing an Electrical Switch
More
Sequenced Latching Relays
These relays switch through a series of different circuit configurations every time they receive an input voltage. The input voltage latches them in position, so they don’t require a constant voltage to stay switched. Use them to control motors, pumps, and lighting. The covered terminals prevent contact with live connections. Mount to 35 mm DIN rail. Also known as step relays.
| Switch Starting Position | Input Voltage  | Control Power | Switching Current @ 120V AC | Max. Switching Voltage | hp @ Switching Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Each | |
2 Circuits Controlled—DPST-1NO/1NC | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
With 6 Terminals | ||||||||||
| 1st Signal—1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) 2nd Signal—1 On (Normally Closed) and 1 Off (Normally Open) | 24V AC | 6.5VA | 16A | 277V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC | 3.3" | 0.7" | 2.4" | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 1st Signal—1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) 2nd Signal—1 On (Normally Closed) and 1 Off (Normally Open) | 120V AC | 6.5VA | 16A | 277V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC | 3.3" | 0.7" | 2.4" | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1st Signal—1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) 2nd Signal—1 On (Normally Closed) and 1 Off (Normally Open) | 240V AC | 6.5VA | 16A | 277V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC | 3.3" | 0.7" | 2.4" | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1st Signal—1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) 2nd Signal—1 On (Normally Closed) and 1 Off (Normally Open) | 12V DC | 5W | 16A | 277V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC | 3.3" | 0.7" | 2.4" | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1st Signal—1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) 2nd Signal—1 On (Normally Closed) and 1 Off (Normally Open) | 24V DC | 5W | 16A | 277V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC | 3.3" | 0.7" | 2.4" | 00000000 | 00000 |
Safety 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. Relays that meet SIL3 are tested for applications with a probability of failure of 0.01% to 0.1% and are used for preventing fires, explosions, or toxic releases. Relays that meet CAT 4 withstand circuit surges in electrical applications up to 600V.
When a failure is detected, relays with self-monitoring circuitry signal the controller to remove power and prevent restarting until the issue is resolved.
Relays with nondetachable contacts have auxiliary contacts that won’t separate from the relay if there is shock or vibration. Relays with mirror auxiliary contacts have contacts that are normally closed and cannot be open at the same time as a normally open main contact.
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Control Current, mA | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Features | Each | |
With Screw Terminals—DIN-Rail Mount | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Circuits Controlled with 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)—DPST-1NO/1NC | ||||||||||
| 8 | 120V AC | 9 | 6 A @ 240 V AC | 250V AC | 3.4" | 0.9" | 3.9" | Interlocked Opposing Contacts, Recessed Terminals, LED Indicator | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 8 | 24V DC | 38 | 6 A @ 240 V AC | 250V AC | 3.4" | 0.9" | 3.9" | Interlocked Opposing Contacts, Recessed Terminals, LED Indicator | 00000000 | 00000 |
hp @ Switching Voltage | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Control Current, mA | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Single Phase | Three Phase | Auxiliary Contact Switch Starting Position | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Features | Each | |
With Screw Terminals—DIN-Rail and Surface Mount | |||||||||||||
3 Circuits Controlled with 3 Off (Normally Open)—3PST-NO | |||||||||||||
| 18 | 24V DC | 18 | 9 A @ 400 V AC | 600V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC 1 1/2 hp @ 240 V AC | 3 hp @ 240 V AC 5 hp @ 480 V AC 7 1/2 hp @ 600 V AC | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 3 On (Normally Closed) | 2.7" | 1.8" | 4.6" | Interlocked Opposing Contacts, Recessed Terminals, Self-Monitoring Circuitry, Nondetachable Auxiliary Contacts, Mirror Auxiliary Contacts, Inspection Window | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Interface Safety Relays
These relays pair the transmission reliability of an interface relay with the fail-safe operation of a safety relay. Use them to communicate signals to devices like motors or sensors. They have interlocking contacts—also known as force-guided or mechanically linked contacts—so opposing contacts won't close at the same time. This minimizes the chance of arcing, so electricity won't jump across the contacts and interfere with your relay or system. They also have an interface that isolates input and output circuits to prevent damage from voltage spikes, reduce signal interference, and amplify signal. Mount them on 35 mm DIN rail (also known as DIN 3 rail). The relays disconnect from the socket for quick replacement.
Relays with LED indicator light up when the relay is on, so you’ll know it’s wired correctly and can tell at a glance whether it’s on or off.
Relays | Replacement Relays | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Control Current, mA | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Mechanical Life Cycles | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Features | Each | Each | ||
2 Circuits Controlled with 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)—DPST-1NO/1NC | |||||||||||||
| 6 | 12V DC | 63 | 3 A @ 240 V AC/24 V DC | 250V AC, 125V DC | 10,000,000 | 1.1" | 0.5" | 1.1" | Interlocked Opposing Contacts, LED Indicator | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Two-Hand Safety Switches
It takes two hands to activate these switches, minimizing the risk of accidental equipment start up. They have an emergency stop push-button to immediately cut power. They’re rated IP65 for protection from low-pressure washdowns.
Switches with push-button actuators require a safety relay (sold separately) for a complete system.
Switches with finger-touch actuators turn circuits on and off with a light touch, even when wearing gloves. An infrared sensor detects the lightest finger contact, and an indicator lights up to confirm when they are activated. Because they don't require you to press down a button to operate, they meet ANSI B11.TR1 standards to reduce hand, wrist, and arm fatigue. You'll need a relay or controller to complete your system—upgrade to a controller if you plan to operate additional devices beyond your switch.
Safety controller expansion modules can be added to safety controllers to increase the number of inputs.
Telescoping stands can be added to switches with finger-touch actuators to mount them away from a wall. The stands telescope to adjust the height of the switch and tilt to adjust the angle of the switch.
Actuator | Mounting | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Material | Color | Switching Current @ Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | No. of Holes | Hole Dia. | Mounting Fasteners Included | Features | Each | |
Push-Button Actuators | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | Plastic | Black | 8 A @ 250 V AC, 5 A @ 24 V DC | 7 5/16" | 18 1/2" | 5 7/16" | 2 | 29/64" | No | Emergency Stop Button | 00000000 | 0000000 |
Finger-Touch Actuators | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | Plastic | Black | 0.15 A @ 24 V DC | 3 7/16" | 18 11/16" | 5 1/2" | 4 | 5/16" | No | Emergency Stop Button, Output Indicator, Power Indicator | 00000000 | 000000 |
| Input Voltage | No. of Terminals | Switching Current @ Voltage | For DIN Rail Ht., mm | Wire Connection Type | Features | Each | |
2 Circuits Contolled with 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)—DPST-1NO/1NC | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V DC | 12 | 5.5 A @ 24 V DC | 35 | Screw Terminals | Self-Monitoring Circuitry | 00000000 | 0000000 |
hp @ Switching Voltage | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage | No. of Terminals | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Single Phase | Three Phase | Auxiliary Contact Switch Starting Position (No. of Contacts) | For DIN Rail Size, mm | Wire Connection Type | Features | Max. System Safety Rating | Auxiliary Contact Switch Starting Position | Each | |
3 3 Off (Normally Open)—3PST-NO | |||||||||||||
| 24V DC | 18 | 9 A @ 400 V AC | 600V AC | 1/2 hp @ 120 V AC 1 1/2 hp @ 240 V AC | 3 hp @ 240 V AC 5 hp @ 480 V AC 7 1/2 hp @ 600 V AC | 1 Off (Normally Open) (2) 1 On (Normally Closed) (3) | 35 | Screw Terminals | Inspection Window, Interlocked Opposing Contacts, Mirror Auxiliary Contacts, Nondetachable Auxiliary Contacts, Recessed Terminals, Self-Monitoring Circuitry | PLe, SIL3, CAT 4, 600V | 2 Off (Normally Open) and 3 On (Normally Closed) | 0000000 | 0000000 |
USB Connection | Ethernet Connection | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Inputs | Input Voltage | Signal Output Type | Type | Standard | Gender | Type | Gender | Communication Protocol | For Max. No. of Expansion Modules | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Display Type | Each | |
USB Connection | |||||||||||||||
| 26 | 24V DC | PNP | Micro B | 2.0 | Female | __ | __ | __ | 8 | 4 5/16" | 1 3/4" | 5 1/16" | LCD | 00000000 | 000000000 |
USB and Ethernet Connection | |||||||||||||||
| 26 | 24V DC | PNP | Micro B | 2.0 | Female | RJ45 | Female | Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet | 8 | 4 5/16" | 1 3/4" | 5 1/16" | __ | 00000000 | 00000000 |
| Input Voltage | No. of Outputs | Signal Output Type | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Each | |
| 24V DC | 4 | PNP | 4 5/16" | 1" | 5 1/16" | 00000000 | 0000000 |
Base Mounting Holes | Head Mounting Holes | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Head Movement | Tilt Range of Motion | Material | No. of | Dia. | No. of | Dia. | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | |
| 31 1/2"-48 1/2" | 24 1/16" | 24" | Tilt | 30° | Steel | 4 | 29/64" | 2 | 5/16" | Yes | 00000000 | 0000000 |
Mounting | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Material | No. of Holes | Hole Dia. | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | |
| 5 15/16" | 10 1/4" | 3/8" | Steel | 4 | 3/8" | Yes | 00000000 | 000000 |
Wire Leads | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage | Signal Output Type | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Thread Size | Cable Lg., ft. | No. of | Lg., ft. | Features | Each | |
| 10V DC-30V DC | PNP | 2 5/16" | 2 3/8" | 1 11/16" | M30 × 1.5 mm | 1 | 5 | 1 | Output Indicator, Power Indicator | 00000000 | 0000000 |