Matching Flow Diagrams to Replace an Air Directional Control Valve
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Choosing an Air Directional Control Valve
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Choosing an Electrical Switch
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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 rod actuator use a rod extending out of the body to actuate, so they’ll activate even if an object is far away.
Styles E and F let you adjust the actuator’s height to align it with your target.
Switches rated NEMA 13 are protected against dirt and oil/coolant spraying. Switches rated IP67 are protected against dust and 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 | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Trade Size | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Rod Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.5 A @ 380 V AC, 220 V DC | 380V AC 220V DC | -4° to 158° | 1.5"-5" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1" | Zinc | __ | NEMA 13, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 24 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 10° to 250° | 0.5"-4.3" | 1.9" | 4.5" | 1.8" | Zinc | 1/2 | NEMA 6P, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 00000000 | 000000 |
F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 24 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | 14° to 176° | 1.4"-5.9" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
F | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 5 A @ 240 V AC, 24 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 10° to 250° | 0.5"-11.8" | 1.9" | 4.5" | 1.8" | Zinc | 1/2 | NEMA 6P, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 00000000 | 000000 |
Build-Your-Own Limit Switches
Combine an actuator and a switch to assemble the exact limit switch you need. These switches have the rapid-closing action of a snap-acting switch, but have a larger actuator for large objects. When an object in motion comes into contact with the actuator, it sends a signal to open or close a circuit. They’re often used for conveyor systems and elevators. Each actuator style is compatible with all housing styles and vice versa.
Rod actuators open or close circuits when material pushes against the rod. The rod extends from the body of the actuator, so these switches are ideal when objects actuating the switch are further away.
An adapter is required to mount styles F, G, H, and J to a switch body.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Wireless Self-Powered Limit Switches
Install these limit switches where changing a battery or routing wires might be difficult—they power themselves when a moving object contacts the actuator. Place them up to 330 ft. away from the receiver (sold separately). These switches have the rapid-closing action of a snap-acting switch, but with a larger actuator.
Rod actuators open or close circuits when material pushes against the rod. The rod extends from the body of the actuator, so these switches are ideal when objects actuating the switch are further away.
Use an antenna (sold separately) to increase the maximum transmission range to 984 ft. They also strengthen the signal if there are obstacles between your switch and receiver.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Housing | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Circuits Controlled | Max. Transmission Distance, ft. | Transmission Frequency | Switch Action | Actuator Material | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Height | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Specifications Met | Each | ||
Rod Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
E | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Plastic | -13° to 131° | 3" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 0000000 |

No. of Outputs | Max. Transmission Distance, ft. | Transmission Frequency | Max. Switching Current @ Voltage | Input Voltage | Signal Output Type | Mounting Location | For DIN Rail Size | Wd. | Ht. | Dp. | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | |
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | 200 mA @ 24 V DC | 24V DC | PNP | DIN Rail | 35 mm | 1 7/16" | 4 1/4" | 2 15/16" | IP20 | CE Marked, IEC 60947-1, IEC 60947-5-1, EN 60947-5-1, EN 60947-1 | 0000000 | 0000000 |

Max. Transmission Distance, ft. | Transmission Frequency | Input Voltage | Cable Lg., ft. | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | |
With Wire Leads | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
984 | 2,405 MHz | 24V AC-240V AC, 24V DC-240V DC | 16 | IP65 | UL Listed, CSA Certified, CE Marked | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Compact Safety Limit Switches

Shorter and thinner than other safety limit switches, these are sized to fit tight spaces. They protect machinery and ensure the safety of personnel. Positive-force contacts open the circuit when actuated, even if a spring fails or the contacts stick. They send a signal to your circuit when an object hits the actuator—for instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor. They open and close circuits as fast as snap-acting switches, but they have a bigger actuator for large objects. All are NEMA and IP rated for protection from washdowns.
Switches with a rod actuator have a large actuation area with a rod extending out of the actuator’s body. They’re best where the object actuating the switch is far away.
Styles E and F have an actuator that allows you to adjust its height, making it easier to align the switch with the target during installation.
NEMA 13 and IP67 rated switches are protected from oil/coolant spraying and temporary submersion.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Rod Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 600 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 0.6"-5.8" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 00000000 | 000000 |
Safety Limit Switches

Protect machinery and ensure the safety of personnel—these switches have positive-force contacts that will open the circuit when actuated even if a spring fails or the contacts stick. 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 rod actuator use a rod extending out of the body to actuate, so they’ll activate even if an object is far away.
Styles D, E, and F have an actuator that allows you to adjust its height, making it easier to align switch with the target during installation.
Switches with a steel actuator are more durable than switches with a plastic actuator. They also handle higher loads.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Actuator Material | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Rod Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Steel | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 1.5 A @ 24 V DC | 240V AC 24V DC | -22° to 165° | 0.5"-8" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 2.9" | 1.6" | Plastic | NEMA 4X, IP66, IP67 | 00000000 | 0000000 |
Washdown Limit Switches

Rated NEMA 3S and IP69K, these switches can handle washdowns with high pressures and temperatures. They’re also protected from oil/coolant spraying, precipitation, and temporary submersion. When an object in motion contacts 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 rod actuator use a rod extending out of the body to actuate, so they’ll activate even if an object is far away.
Styles D, E, and F let you adjust the actuator’s height to align it with your target.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Style | 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 | Cable Lead Lg., ft. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Each | |
Rod Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 1 A @ 250 V DC | 240V AC 250V DC | 10° to 200° | 0"-5.5" | 5 | 8 | 1.5" | 4.6" | 1.6" | Zinc | 00000000 | 0000000 |
E | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 1 A @ 250 V DC | 240V AC 250V DC | 10° to 200° | 0"-5.5" | 5 | 8 | 1.5" | 4.6" | 1.6" | Zinc | 00000000 | 000000 |
Single-Action Mechanically Operated Air Directional Control Valves

A simple automation solution that requires no programming, these valves are activated when an object, such as a box rolling on a conveyor, pushes the actuator. Also known as 3-way and 3/2 valves, they create one action, such as extending a cylinder. Valves direct airflow from the inlet to your equipment and exhaust return airflow to create motion. Return actuation is by spring, so they go back to their starting position as soon as the actuator is released. In the off position, they exhaust air pressure from the system, allowing equipment to reset so the action can be repeated.
Normally closed valves block airflow until actuated.
Valves with a two-direction actuator are activated by objects from both sides.
Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve. When selecting between valves with the same port size, choose the valve with the higher flow coefficient to ensure it provides enough airflow to operate your system.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

O'all | For Panel Cutout | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Actuation Force, lbs. | No. of Flow Ports | Inlet Size | Outlet Size | Exhaust Connection Type | Max. Flow Rate, scfm @ 100 psi | Flow Coefficient (Cv) | Pressure Range, psi | Vacuum Rating, in. of Hg | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Dia. | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | ||
Two-Direction Actuator | ||||||||||||||||
M | 1.57 | 3 | 1/8 BSPP | 1/8 BSPP | Threaded | 4.23 | 0.12 | 53-120 | Not Rated | 36mm | 18mm | 220mm | 19mm | No | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Two-Speed Two-Action Mechanically Operated Air Directional Control Valves

Often used to extend and then retract a cylinder at different speeds, these valves create two actions and have two exhaust ports, which allows you to control the speed of each action by attaching a flow control valve to each exhaust port. A simple automation solution that requires no programming, they activate when an object, such as a box rolling on a conveyor, pushes the actuator. They direct airflow from the inlet to your equipment and exhaust return airflow to create motion. Return actuation is by spring, so they go back to their original position as soon the actuator is released. Also known as 4-way and 5/2 valves.
Valves with a two-direction actuator are activated by objects from both sides.
NPTF (Dryseal) threads are compatible with NPT threads.
Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Overall | For Panel Cutout | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Actuation Force, lbs. | No. of Flow Ports | Inlet Size | Outlet Size | Exhaust Connection Type | Max. Flow Rate, scfm @ 100 psi | Flow Coefficient (Cv) | Pressure Range, psi | Vacuum Rating, in. of Hg | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Lg. | Wd. | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | ||
Threaded Female Inlet × Threaded Female Outlet | |||||||||||||||||
Two-Direction Actuator | |||||||||||||||||
K | 0.3 | 5 | 1/8 NPTF | 1/8 NPTF | Threaded | 14 | 0.24 | 25-125 | Not Rated | 6 1/4" | 3/4" | 3 7/8" | 1 1/4" | 3/4" | No | 00000000 | 0000000 |