Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Frame-Mounted Safety Switches
Also known as interlock switches, these ensure the safety of personnel by automatically shutting off power to machinery when an access door opens. Mount the switch to the door frame and mount a key to the door so that the key is inserted into the switch when the door is closed. When the door opens, the key is removed from the switch and the machine shuts down. They’re often used with machine guards for large robots.
All switches require an actuator key, but not all include one—check whether you need to pick out a separate actuator key. For some switch styles, you can also select the mounting orientation of the key.
Style A-G switches have positive-force, normally closed contacts that will open a circuit when the switch is actuated even if a spring fails or the contacts stick.
IP67 rated switches protect against temporary submersion. NEMA 6 rated switches protect against both temporary submersion and washdowns.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | Conduit | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Trade Size  | Thread Type | Key Included | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Screw Terminal Connection with Positive-Force Normally Closed Contacts | ||||||||||||||||
| B | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 4 | DPST-1NO/1NC | 5 A @ 120 V AC, 2 A @ 24 V DC | 500V AC 250V DC | 3" | 1" | 1.1" | 1/2 | NPT | Yes | IP67, NEMA 6 | 00000000 | 0000000 |
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.
Plunger actuators open or close circuits when objects push against them.
Roller-plunger actuators open or close circuits when an object pushes against the roller, which moves the plunger. The roller moves parallel to the mounting direction, so it helps push the plunger even if the force isn’t straight on. The roller also reduces friction during actuation which prevents wear and tear over time.
Roller-lever actuators open or close circuits when material moves across the switch. The roller reduces friction during actuation which prevents wear and tear over time.
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 | ||
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Zinc | -13° to 131° | 0.4" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Roller Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
| B | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Steel | -13° to 131° | 0.8" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
| C | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Plastic | -13° to 131° | 1.7" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| C | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Steel | -13° to 131° | 1.7" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| D | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Plastic | -13° to 131° | 1.7"-3.6" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| D | 1 | 330 | 2,405 MHz | Springs Back (Momentary) | Plastic | -13° to 131° | 2.5"-4.3" | 1.2" | 2 1/2" | 0.6" | Plastic | CE Marked, IEC 60947-5, EN 60947-5 | 0000000 | 000000 |
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 | 000000 |
| 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 |