Although switches may seem universal due to their ubiquity, their proper selection is quite important. Depending on the application, these components differ not only in mechanical design but also in electrical parameters, durability, ergonomics, and resistance to environmental conditions.
Universal, durable, and reliable
Switches are among the most basic yet crucial elements in the world of technology. They represent the simplest form of operating machines and devices. Although switches may seem universal due to their ubiquity, their proper selection is quite important. Depending on the application, these components differ not only in mechanical design but also in electrical parameters, durability, ergonomics, and resistance to environmental conditions.
An improperly selected switch can lead to device malfunctions, faster wear, and, in extreme cases, even the failure of the entire system. Conversely, a properly chosen component not only increases reliability but also improves user comfort and work safety. One of the manufacturers widely used in the switch industry is E-switch. This company is part of the American Stein Industries, Inc., which has been providing services in various industrial sectors since 1907. In this article, we will look at selected types of switches available in TME's offer.
Vandal-resistant switches
Wherever durability is needed, so-called vandal-resistant switches work perfectly. As the name suggests, they are designed with durability in mind, especially in places where they may be particularly exposed to mechanical damage. This naturally refers to public spaces, which require reliability and exceptional durability. Durability is also important in the industrial sector, where specific buttons on production lines can be pressed hundreds, if not thousands, of times a day. These must be extremely durable components to minimize the risk of failure and potentially costly downtime. In such applications, the manufacturer recommends the PV6 button series, which also includes components dedicated to safety systems.
This category includes round switches suited for mounting holes with diameters of Ø12mm or Ø16mm and lengths depending on the specific model. The button can be flat or convex. Most contacts are designed for soldering, but there are also those dedicated to special connectors or with ready-made wires. Button terminals are available in SPST or SPST-ON configurations, with current ratings of 2A at 24V DC or 36V DC, depending on the model. It is also worth mentioning that illuminated buttons in the form of a point light or glowing ring are available, with the light color being configurable. The vandal-resistant buttons section also highlights the durability level of up to 10 million presses. Components feature an IP65 or IP67 protection class. Panel mount button with one stable position.
Micro switches
Micro switches are mainly known to electronics hobbyists from various development modules, where they serve not only as universal user buttons but also, for example, as reset signal activators. It is worth noting, however, that micro switches are commonly found in household devices, usually hidden behind the device panel. They can also be found in almost every electronic device, especially those characterized by small dimensions. This switch has a mechanical durability up to 100,000 cycles.
As their name implies, micro switches are small. Among the smallest elements found in the E-switch portfolio are switches measuring 6mm x 6mm with a height of 3.6mm, although, naturally, there is also a wide range of larger components. Micro switches are designed for PCB mounting, either surface-mount or through-hole. Most are momentary switches with SPST-ON contact configurations, with a relatively low current rating of 50mA at 12V DC or 50V DC depending on the model, which is not a major issue as these buttons usually transmit only control signals. While durability was extremely important for vandal-resistant buttons, mechanical durability described by the number of presses is an order of magnitude less for micro switches, reaching up to about a million cycles.
Classic buttons
Classic switches include all kinds of components used both in industry and household equipment. This refers not to control buttons for operating devices, but to the main power switch hidden on the rear panel. These, although used much less frequently than micro switches, also form an integral part of all kinds of electronic devices.
These types of switches come in round push button form as well as rocker type in various colors. Their terminals are designed for soldering, but push-in connectors can also be used, and some models may have factory-prepared wires. The current rating for this type of design is about 125mA at 125V AC, with contacts available in SPST and SPST-ON configurations. Some models offered by E-switch may also be equipped with illumination in various colors. The durability of classic buttons is estimated at about 500,000 presses, and the protection class is IP67. Thanks to a high IP rating, RP8100 series buttons can be used in water equipment.
Discussion (0 comments)