Specification Guides

Specification Guides explain a range of products and services across the industrial world.
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Air Switches

Air switches or air-actuated switches are electromechanical devices that use air pressure supplied from an actuator to activate a mechanical switch. They are commonly used where electrical isolation is required such as a hot tub or garbage disposal.

DIP Switches

Dual in-line package (DIP) switches are electronic packages that consist of a series of tiny switches. DIP switches are used to configure computers and peripherals such as circuit boards and modems.

Disconnect Switches

Disconnect switches rapidly disconnect circuits from power supplies in the event of an emergency.

Foot Switches

Foot switches are switches that are activated by a pedal or air bulb (bellows).

Industrial Keypads

Industrial keypads are data input devices meant to control equipment in industrial settings, often by the use of characters and symbols allocated to 20 keys or less.

Keylock Switches

Keylock switches are activated by a key that is turned in a circle and can stop in a range of positions.

Limit Switches

Limit switches are electromechanical or solid state devices that require the physical contact of an object with the switch’s actuator to make the contacts change state.

Linear Limit Switches

Linear limit switches are electromechanical devices that require physical contact between a target object and switch activator to make the contacts change state.

Logic Signal Switches

Logic signal switches are electronic devices which activate or deactivate a signal once an event has occurred.

Mechanical Safety Interlock Switches

Mechanical safety interlock switches couple a moveable guard door with the power source of the hazard. When the guard door is opened, the power is isolated, ensuring that the machine does not pose a hazard while an operator requires access.

Noncontact Safety Interlock Switches

Noncontact safety interlock switches couple a moveable guard door with the power source of the hazard. For noncontact actuating interlock switches, the guard door is linked to the control circuit contacts via a magnetic or electronic field.

Pushbutton Switches

Pushbutton switches are mechanical switches defined by the method used to activate the switch. The activation method is typically in the form of a plunger that is pushed down to open or close the switch.

Reed Switches

Reed switches are magnetically actuated switches. They are typically manufactured with two ferromagnetic reeds (contact blades), which are sealed in a glass capsule. In the presence of a magnet, the blades (contacts) close. 

Rocker Switches

Rocker switches are actuated by a standard or dual rocker or paddle.

Rotary Limit Switches

Rotary limit switches use physically-actuated levers to rotate a shaft and operate the contacts in a switch, making them change state. Most products feature a rugged design and are suitable for factory and/or industrial applications; however, because these switches contain mechanical parts, they wear over time. Typically, rotary limit switches are slower than noncontact, electrical devices such as proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors.

Slide Switches

Slide switches are mechanical switches defined by their method of activation. The switch is a slider that moves (slides) from position to position. 

Thermal Switches and Thermal Protectors

Thermostats and thermal switches are electro-mechanical on/off switches that are activated by temperature changes. They are typically used to control heating and cooling systems.

Toggle Switches

Toggle switches are actuated by moving a lever back and forth to open or close an electrical circuit.

Touchless Switches

Touchless switches are electrical switches that operate by non-contact sensors to make a connection.