Robust switch operates in harsh environments

By Warren Miller, contributing writer

Electromechanical switches may seem like a quaint form of technology in the era of machine learning and self-driving automobiles, but the truth is that switches are still ubiquitous in all manner of electrical devices and systems. C&K recently developed the SSW series detect switch, targeting automotive and industrial safety applications.

The double-pole/double-throw (DPDT) switch is IP67-sealed to prevent long-term erosion from liquid or dust particles and can withstand operating temperatures ranging from −40°C to 85°C, making it particularly well-suited for harsher operational environments. It offers switching travel compatibility with existing products on the market, making it easy to replace switch devices in established designs.

The SSW detect switch also provides low-level switching (5 V @ 1 mA) and rapid switching times (less than 15 ms) as well as long-term product life (approx. 300,000 electrical cycles) even when operating in extreme conditions. Other key features include built-in redundancy, self-failure detection, and lack of bi-stability with controlled switching time.

Image courtesy of C&K.

Sealed switches offer robust protection from the environment, which is critical in industrial and automotive applications. A switch that is IP67-sealed is particularly resistant to both dust and water. Ingress Protection (the “IP” in IP67) is just one of the highest levels of several rating levels defined by the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC), an organization with global scope responsible for electronic device standards.

The IP sealing rating identifies both the ingress protection against solid particulates, or dust, and water. The first digit in the IP rating identifies the size of the particulate being protected against. At level 0, protection against objects larger than 50 mm is specified. Protection levels from 2 to 4 protect against objects from 12.5 mm, 2.5 mm, and 1 mm, respectively. Level 5 specifies protection sufficient to prevent significant damage, while level 6 is totally protected against dust. The second digit in the IP rating indicates the level of protection against water. Levels 1 through 6 specify protection from light rain up to high-powered water jets. A level 7 rating specifies protection for up to 1 m of immersion for up to 30 min. Make sure you carefully match the rating of your switch to your target environment.

Lead times for the SSW series detect switch is eight weeks. For more information, click here.