FAQ No. FAQ03331
Question
How do you choose the correct Basic Switch?
Answer
The ratings and all specifications have to be considered before
making the final selection, but the main points are the Switch size, the
maximum operating current of the contact, the operating force, the
actuator type, and the degree of protection.
First, choose a Switch size that can be mounted in the desired equipment.
You can select from among Z-size General-purpose Basic Switches, V-size
Miniature Basic Switches, S-size Subminiature Basic Switches, J-size Ultra
Subminiature Basic Switches, and Special-purpose Basic Switches.
Z-size
General-purpose Basic Switches are available as an X-model direct-current
switch with magnetic blowout, a DZ-model DPDT Basic Switch for controlling
two independent circuits, and a TZ-model high-temperature Basic Switch for
operation up to 400°C. V-size Miniature Basic Switches are available in a
D2MC-model low-torque Basic Switch with rotary-action operation.
Special-purpose Basic Switches are designed for specific applications, so
they are limited to use, for example, as power switches for doors.
Next, select the maximum operating current of the contact based on the
load to be switched.
You can choose a model with a maximum value of 3 A to
21 A for large-capacity loads, a maximum value of 1 A for medium-capacity
loads, or a maximum value of 0.1 A for microloads. This selection is
necessary because contacts have appropriate current ranges.
The maximum
operating current of the contact is roughly proportional to the Switch
size, so it is sometimes automatically determined by choosing the size.
The operating force and actuator type should be selected according to the
mechanism and structure of the machine or device that will operate the
actuator of the Basic Switch. There are two or more operating forces that
you can choose from for each model.
Some actuators are an integral part of the
Basic Switch, and others, such as those in the Z-size General-purpose
Basic Switches and V-size Miniature Basic Switches, are purchased
separately. Note that the operating force is roughly proportional to the
Switch size, so it is sometimes automatically determined by choosing the
size. Also, larger-size Switches have a larger number of actuator types
available.
Select the degree of protection by considering the environment in which
the Basic Switch will be used. The degree of protection for most models is
IP00, but there are also IP67 sealed models for the V-size Miniature Basic
Switches, S-size Subminiature Basic Switches, and J-size Ultra
Subminiature Basic Switches. The Z -model drip-proof degree of protection
is equivalent to IP62.
When you have come up with an actual model number, confirm its ratings and
other specifications to make your final decision.
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