Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Rotary Limit Switches
Start or stop equipment after a set number of rotations to avoid over-rotation. For example, if attached to a crane spool, these switches will stop winding or unwinding cable after a certain number of rotations, preventing damage to equipment. Use their shaft to attach them to rotational equipment. They open and close circuits as fast as snap-acting switches.
Gear speed ratio determines when these switches actuate. A gear speed ratio of 5:1 means they actuate after 5 rotations.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | Shaft | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gear Speed Ratio | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage  | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Type | Lg. | Dia. | Conduit Trade Size | Environmental Rating | Each | |
With Screw Terminals | |||||||||||||||||
| 5:1 | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.25 A @ 250 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 3 | 6" | 2.8" | 4.5" | Keyed | 1 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2 | NEMA 4 | 0000000 | 000000000 |
| 20:1 | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.25 A @ 250 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 3 | 6" | 2.8" | 4.5" | Keyed | 1 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2 | NEMA 4 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 40:1 | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.25 A @ 250 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 3 | 6" | 2.8" | 4.5" | Keyed | 1 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2 | NEMA 4 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 100:1 | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.25 A @ 250 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 3 | 6" | 2.8" | 4.5" | Keyed | 1 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2 | NEMA 4 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
Low-Profile Wet-Location Limit Switches
Stack these slim switches together, or fit them into tight spaces. They're rated IP67 for protection from temporary submersion. 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 on conveyor systems and elevators.
Switches with powder-coated zinc and plastic housings are rated NEMA 4 and 13 for protection from washdowns and oil/coolant spraying.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 0.2" | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Powder-Coated Zinc | 0000000 | 000000 |
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 0.2" | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Plastic | 0000000 | 00000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 0.6" | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Powder-Coated Zinc | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 0.6" | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Plastic | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) and 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 0.6" | 8 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Powder-Coated Zinc | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) and 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 0.6" | 8 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Plastic | 0000000 | 00000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 2.1" | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Powder-Coated Zinc | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 2.1" | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Plastic | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) and 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 2.1" | 8 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Powder-Coated Zinc | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) and 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -13° to 158° | 2.1" | 8 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Plastic | 0000000 | 00000 |
Sealed Wet-Location Limit Switches
Sealed actuators prevent these switches from jamming, even when exposed to sand, mud, or dirt. They're rated IP67 for temporary submersion. They have a slim design and can be stacked together or fit into narrow spaces. 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 on conveyor systems and elevators.
Switches with powder-coated zinc and plastic housings are rated NEMA 4 and 13 for protection from washdowns and oil/coolant spraying.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No. of Wire Leads | Cable Lead Lg., ft. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Each | ||
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 240V AC 250V DC | -13° to 158° | 1.3" | Wire Leads | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Powder-Coated Zinc | 0000000 | 000000 |
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.55 A @ 125 V DC | 240V AC 250V DC | -13° to 158° | 1.3" | Wire Leads | 4 | 3 | 1.2" | 2.2" | 0.7" | Plastic | 0000000 | 00000 |
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. They’re often used on conveyor systems and bin filling operations. All are NEMA and IP rated for protection from washdowns.
Styles E and F have an actuator that allows you to adjust its height, making it easier to align 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 | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| A | 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 | -13° to 185° | 1.3" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 3.2" | 1.7" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP67 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| B | 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 | -13° to 185° | 1.8" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 3.2" | 1.7" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| D | 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° | 2.5" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 3.2" | 1.7" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| E | 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° | 0.9"-3" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 3.2" | 1.7" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
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 plunger actuator require a push to activate, similar to a button.
Switches with a roller plunger actuator have a roller that moves parallel to the mounting direction when an object pushes the actuator. This reduces friction during actuation to limit wear and tear.
Switches with a roller lever actuator use a lever with a roller at the end to activate. This allows parts to glide across the actuation surface with minimal friction, limiting wear and tear.
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 | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 4 A @ 24 V DC | 240V AC 24V DC | -22° to 176° | 0.5" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP65 | 00000000 | 000000 |
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 0.7" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 4 A @ 24 V DC | 240V AC 24V DC | -22° to 176° | 1.2" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP65 | 00000000 | 000000 |
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 1.1" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 4 A @ 24 V DC | 240V AC 24V DC | -22° to 176° | 1.1" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP65 | 00000000 | 000000 |
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 2.1" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 300V AC 250V DC | -40° to 185° | 0.9"-3" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP66, IP67 | 0000000 | 00000 |
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 | 00000 |
Enclosed Washdown Snap-Acting Switches
Rated NEMA 4 and IP66, these enclosed switches have a sealed actuator for protection from washdowns. They open and close circuits quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Horsepower @ Switching Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Conduit Trade Size | Lever Lg. | Each | ||
Side Mount | ||||||||||||||||||
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 1" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | __ | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 1.6" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | __ | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 2.3" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | 1.8" | 0000000 | 000000 |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| E | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 5.1" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | __ | 0000000 | 000000 |
Cross Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 1.6" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | __ | 0000000 | 000000 |
Bottom Mount | ||||||||||||||||||
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 1" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | __ | 0000000 | 000000 |
Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| G | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 2.1" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | 6" | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| H | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 2.3" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | 1.8" | 0000000 | 000000 |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
| J | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -25° to 160° | 5.1" | Screw Terminals | 3 | 1" | 1.75" | 3.04" | 1/2 | __ | 0000000 | 000000 |
Tilt Switches
Often used as position indicators, pump level controls, and machine limit switches, these switches actuate when tilted to a certain angle. They mount horizontally and activate when tilted downward, and deactivate when tilted up. Differential angle is the total angle from the point of activation to the point of deactivation. All combine electromechanical and solid state technologies for reliability and long life.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Differential Angle | No. of Wire Leads | Dia. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Each | ||
With Ring Terminals | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 120 V AC, 0.25 A @ 24 V DC | 60V DC/120V AC | 15° | 2 | 0.53" | 1.88" | __ | __ | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
With Spade Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 2.5 A @ 120 V AC | 280V AC | 15° | 2 | 0.53" | 1.88" | __ | __ | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 20 A @ 24 V DC | 40V DC | 10° | 2 | 0.75" | 2" | __ | __ | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
| C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 10 A @ 12 V DC | 18V DC | 30° | 2 | __ | 1.22" | 1.07" | 0.8" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | 120V AC | 15° | 3 | __ | 3" | 1.5" | 2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
| D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 220 V AC | 220V AC | 15° | 3 | __ | 3" | 1.5" | 2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
| E | 1 | 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPST-NC | 2 A @ 120 V AC | 220V AC | 25° | 2 | __ | 1.5" | 0.8" | 1.3" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
| E | 1 | 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPST-NC | 2 A @ 120 V AC | 220V AC | 40° | 2 | __ | 1.5" | 0.8" | 1.3" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |