Sealed switch addresses a variety of demanding apps

By Warren Miller, contributing writer

OTTO recently unveiled its newest design, the B3S sealed double-break basic switch. Developed for implementations with limited space, the B3S design can be incorporated as part of a pushbutton, trigger, or toggle switch for applications that require reliable sealing.

Don’t forget that switches can be used in unfriendly environments, too. Humidity, vibration, dust, and temperature extremes can also impact a switch’s reliability and lifespan. A switch with a robust sealing technique can avoid failures that less robust switches are prone to.

Specifications for the B3S, in the normally closed or normally open three-terminal SPDT (Form C in the below diagram) or four-terminal SPDT (Form Z) configurations, show it to withstand a resistive load of 8 A of current for up to 50,000 testing cycles. When operating at a standard 5-VDC logic level at 10 mA of current, the B3S is rated at 1 million testing cycles. The operating temperature range is specified at −40°C to 85°C. The operating force is 1.6 ±2 oz. with a release force of 1 oz. minimum. These specifications and the rugged IP68S seal make the B3S robust enough for a variety of challenging environments and applications.

Photo and diagram courtesy of OTTO.

Flexibility of switch design is important if a switch is going to be useable in a wide range of applications. The B3S switch design boasts a variety of configurations and features; quick connect, PC pins, and wires are available for connections; and the switch itself comes in a single-turret or double-turret solder style. Double-break circuit versatility is provided with options including normally open (Form X), normally closed (Form Y), three-terminal SPDT (Form C), or four-terminal SPDT (Form Z).