Choosing an Electrical Switch
More
Hazardous Location 30 mm Panel-Mount Push-Button Switches
Actuate these switches with a quick push. A housing seals in anything that could ignite flammable material, so you can use them where ignitable gas and dust may be present. You’ll know they’re safe because they meet NEC Class I Div. 2, Groups B, C, D for hazardous locations. Install them in a standard panel cutout.
Mushroom switches have a button that sticks out from the panel. Because they’re easy to identify and actuate, these switches are often used to stop equipment. They have a twist reset, so they’ll return to their starting position when you rotate the button.
Switches come with a contact block for each number of circuits they control. Additional contact blocks (sold separately) can be added to control more circuits, or to replace the included contact block.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Actuator Color | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage  | Dia. | For Max. Panel Thick. | Dp. Behind Panel | For Max. No. of Contact Blocks | Each | |
Plastic Base with Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mushroom with Twist Reset | |||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 2 | SPST-NC | Red | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 1.1 A @ 120 V DC | 255V DC 690V AC | 1 5/8" | 1/4" | 2 9/16" | 2 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 3 | SPDT | Red | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 1.1 A @ 120 V DC | 255V DC 690V AC | 1 5/8" | 1/4" | 2 9/16" | 2 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-NO | Red | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 1.1 A @ 120 V DC | 255V DC 690V AC | 1 5/8" | 1/4" | 2 9/16" | 2 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 2 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-NC | Red | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 1.1 A @ 120 V DC | 255V DC 690V AC | 1 5/8" | 1/4" | 2 9/16" | 2 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| For Push-Button Style | Material | For Panel Cutout Dia. | For Panel Cutout Dia. | Each | |
| Mushroom | Plastic | 30 mm | 1 3/16" | 0000000 | 000000 |
8 mm Panel-Mount Push-Button Switches
Install in 8 mm dia. cutouts. A quick push is all it takes to actuate these switches. For an easy way to tell different switches apart, choose a different actuator color for each.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Dia. | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. Behind Panel | Choose an Actuator Color | Specifications Met | Each | |
Plastic Base with Tab Terminals | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Round (IP40) | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 3 | SPDT | 0.5 A @ 240 V AC, 0.1 A @ 120 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | 11/32" | __ | __ | 1 1/8" | UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified | 0000000 | 00000 | |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 3 | SPDT | 0.5 A @ 240 V AC, 0.1 A @ 120 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | 11/32" | __ | __ | 1 1/8" | UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified | 0000000 | 00000 | |
Square (IP40) | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 3 | SPDT | 0.5 A @ 240 V AC, 0.1 A @ 120 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | __ | 11/32" | 11/32" | 1 1/8" | UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified | 0000000 | 0000 | |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 3 | SPDT | 0.5 A @ 240 V AC, 0.1 A @ 120 V DC | 250V AC 250V DC | __ | 11/32" | 11/32" | 1 1/8" | UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified | 0000000 | 00000 | |
Plastic Enclosed Push-Button Switches
A protective plastic enclosure resists dents, chips, and cracks, so you can install these switches outside of panels. Mount them on a wall, for example, or tether them to a cord at your workstation. They actuate with a push for quick stops and starts. All are NEMA and IP rated to protect against corrosion, washdowns, and oil/coolant spraying. All have knockouts or integrated conduit connections to make it easy to attach conduit or add cord grips.
Flush buttons are easy to clean and difficult to damage because they mount flat.
Switches rated IP67 can also be submerged. Switches rated IP69K can also withstand high-pressure washdowns.
Conduit | Mounting | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuator Color (Industry Designation) | No. of Circuits Controlled per Button | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals per Button | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Knockout Size | Fasteners Included | No. of Holes | Hole Dia. | Environmental Rating | Each | |
With Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||
2 Flush Buttons | |||||||||||||
| 1 Green Button with Start (SPST-NO), 1 Red Button with Stop (SPST-NC) | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 0.55 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | PG-13.5 | No | 2 | 3/16" | NEMA 4X, NEMA 13, IK03, IP69K, IP67, IP66, IP20 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Outlet-Box-Mount Push-Button Switches
Also known as palm-button switches, these have a large button that makes them easy to use even while wearing gloves. They're rated NEMA 13 and IP65 for protection from oil/coolant spraying and washdowns.
Switches with positive force contacts will open a circuit when actuated even if a spring fails or the contacts stick.
Ring guards (sold separately) protect the actuator and reduce the chance of accidental actuation.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Actuator Color | Cover Color | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Dia. | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Metal Actuator with Screw Terminals and Positive Force Contacts | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | Chrome | Black | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Plastic Actuator with Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||
| 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | DPST-NO | Black | Black | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Plastic Actuator with Screw Terminals and Positive Force Contacts | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NC | Red | Yellow | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NC | Yellow | Black | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | Black | Black | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | Green | Black | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | Red | Yellow | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | Yellow | Black | 6 A @ 120 V AC, 2.2 A @ 120 V DC | 250V DC 600V AC | 2 1/4" | NEMA 13, IP65 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Heavy Duty Limit Switches
Rugged enough for mining operations, these limit switches require a high actuation force, like heavy rocks moving on a conveyor. They open and close a circuit as quickly as a snap-acting switch but have a larger actuator for larger objects. The roller on the end of the lever arm reduces friction to prevent wear and tear on the switch. Rated NEMA 4 and 13 as well as IP67, these switches are protected from dirt, oil spraying, and temporary submersion.
To determine if you need a right or left actuation direction, stand facing where you'll put the switch. If objects will be passing to the right, you'll need a right actuation direction. If they'll be passing to the left, you'll need a left actuation direction.
Housing | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Direction | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Actuation Force | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | For Max. Cable OD | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Each | |
Aluminum Housing with Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| Left | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-NO | 20 A @ 120 V AC, 5 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 150 in.-oz. | -10° to 185° | 5.7" | 1/2" | 2.3" | 5" | 3.4" | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| Left | 2 | 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-NC | 20 A @ 120 V AC, 5 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 150 in.-oz. | -10° to 185° | 5.7" | 1/2" | 2.3" | 5" | 3.4" | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Right | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-NO | 20 A @ 120 V AC, 5 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 150 in.-oz. | -10° to 185° | 5.7" | 1/2" | 2.3" | 5" | 2" | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Right | 2 | 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-NC | 20 A @ 120 V AC, 5 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 150 in.-oz. | -10° to 185° | 5.7" | 1/2" | 2.3" | 5" | 2" | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Right | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 20 A @ 120 V AC, 5 A @ 120 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 150 in.-oz. | -10° to 185° | 5.7" | 1/2" | 2.3" | 5" | 2" | 0000000 | 000000 |
Tamper-Resistant Magnetically Actuated Switches
Prevent unauthorized use—these switches require coded magnets (sold separately) to actuate, and cannot be bypassed using ordinary magnets. They actuate when a magnet comes within sensing distance, and reset when the magnet moves away. 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’re often used to detect when a door or window opens, and can be used with movable machine guards. All are rated IP67 for protection from temporary submersion.
Coded magnets include tamper-resistant one-way screws for mounting. To remove screws, see one-way bits and drivers.
Safety relays are required in safety applications with switches that control two or three circuits.
Switches | Coded Magnets | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Input Voltage | Max. Sensing Distance | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Environmental Rating | Each | Each | |||
Plastic Housing with Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
| B | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | DPST-1NO/1NC | 0.5 A @ 120 V AC/120 V DC | 120V AC 120V DC | 120V AC 120V DC | 0.2" | 3.5" | 1" | 0.5" | IP67 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |