Choosing an Electrical Switch
More
Snap-Acting Switches
Open and close circuits in a snap. These switches actuate quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used to indicate that an appliance or enclosure door is open. You can also use them inside limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a wobble stick actuator have a flexible arm that can actuate from any direction.
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. | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Each | ||
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
| J | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -67° to 185° | 2.93" | 2 | 1.94" | 1.38" | 0.69" | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| J | 1 | 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NC | 15 A @ 250 V AC, 0.5 A @ 125 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -67° to 185° | 3.93" | 2 | 1.94" | 1.38" | 0.69" | 00000000 | 000000 |
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 | Each | ||
Side Mount | |||||||||||||||||
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 | 0000000 |
Bottom Mount | |||||||||||||||||
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 |
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 a 4-pole micro M12 plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.
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 | ||
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| G | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 250 V AC, 4 A @ 30 V DC | 250V DC 250V AC | 14° to 158° | 3.6" | 4 | 9.5 | 1.6" | 1.9" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 0000000 | 0000000 |
With 4-Pole Micro M12 | ||||||||||||||||
| G | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | 14° to 158° | 3.6" | __ | __ | 1.6" | 2.2" | 0.6" | Aluminum | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Cable with Socket for Switches with 4-pole Micro M12 Plugs | 0000000 | Each | 000000 |
Corrosion-Resistant Washdown Limit Switches
Rated NEMA 6P, 13, and IP67, these switches are protected from corrosion, oil/coolant spraying, washdowns, and 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 bin filling operations.
Switches with wire leads are rated NEMA 3S and IP69K and protected from rain, snow and sleet, and from high temperature, high pressure jets of water.
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 | No. of Terminals | No. of Wire Leads | Cable Lead Lg., ft. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Conduit Trade Size | Each | |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||||
| F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 1 A @ 125 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 14° to 221° | 13.6" | Wire Leads | __ | 5 | 8 | 1.5" | 3.1" | 1.6" | Zinc | __ | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 240 V AC, 10 A @ 24 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 10° to 200° | 4.5" | Screw Terminals | 4 | __ | __ | 1.9" | 4.5" | 1.8" | Zinc | 1/2 | 00000000 | 000000 |
| F | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 5 A @ 240 V AC, 10 A @ 24 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | 10° to 200° | 4.5" | Screw Terminals | 8 | __ | __ | 1.9" | 4.5" | 1.8" | Zinc | 1/2 | 00000000 | 000000 |
Wet-Location Limit Switches
Rated IP67, these switches are protected 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.
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 | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Conduit Trade Size | Each | |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 300 V AC, 6 A @ 24 V DC | 300V AC/250V DC | 14° to 176° | 5.3" | Screw Terminals | 4 | 1.6" | 2.7" | 1.6" | Aluminum | 1/2 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Limit Switches
Often used on conveyor systems and bin filling operations, 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. All are rated IP67 and NEMA 13 for protection from corrosion, 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 | No. of Terminals | For Max. Cable OD | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Each | |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| F | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 380 V AC, 220 V DC | 380V AC 220V DC | -4° to 158° | 3.8" | Screw Terminals | 4 | 0.25" | 1.1" | 2.5" | 1" | Zinc | 000000 | 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 wobble stick actuator have an arm that rotates 360°, so you don’t need to align it in a specific direction. The actuator won’t snap if pushed backward, such as if there’s a jam in your system.
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 | |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| G | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 240 V AC, 0.27 A @ 250 V DC | 250V DC 240V AC | -40° to 185° | 4.9" | Screw Terminals | 1.2" | 2.4" | 1.2" | Plastic | NEMA 4X, 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 wobble stick actuator have an arm that rotates 360°, so you don’t need to align it in a specific direction. Since the actuator is flexible, it won’t snap if pushed backward. That makes these switches a great choice for systems that get jammed often.
Switches with a steel actuator are more durable than switches with a plastic actuator. They also handle higher loads.
Switches with a plastic actuator limit wear and tear on passing objects better than switches with a steel actuator.
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 | |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||||
| H | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Plastic | 10 A @ 600 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | -13° to 185° | 5.7" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 3.2" | 1.7" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP67 | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| H | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Steel | 10 A @ 600 V AC, 10 A @ 250 V DC | 600V AC 250V DC | -13° to 185° | 5.3" | Screw Terminals | 1.7" | 3.2" | 1.7" | Zinc | NEMA 4, NEMA 13, IP67 | 00000000 | 000000 |
Hazardous Location Limit Switches
Safely open or close a circuit near ignitable gases and dust—the housing on these switches seals in anything that could ignite flammable material. You'll know they're safe because they're NEC Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, and D; and Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, and G certified for hazardous locations. These switches 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.
Switches with a wobble stick actuator have an arm that rotates 360°, so you don’t need to align it in a specific direction. The actuator won’t snap if pushed backward, such as if there’s a jam in your system.
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 Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Conduit Trade Size | Each | |
Wobble Stick Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 600 V AC, 2.5 A @ 600 V DC | 600V AC 600V DC | 0° to 185° | 6.2" | Screw Terminals | 4 | 2.7" | 4.1" | 2.1" | Aluminum | 1/2 | 0000000 | 0000000 |