Mechanical Switches

Mechanical switches are expensive but rugged an this makes them highly useful as lab equipment or for any application where rack and stack is your preferred solution.

Mechanical switches can be divided into two basic types. The first, commercial and appliance switches, are used in fairly clean environments such as offices or homes. They are not sealed and are generally used for light, low-current applications. The second type, industrial switches, actuate magnetic contactors and remote-operated controllers. These switches must be ruggedly constructed because they are frequently exposed to oil, solvents, chemicals, and dust. And their contacts must handle the high inrush current drawn by electromagnets in the controllers. Industrial switches are available in five basic types: standard duty, heavy duty, heavy-duty oiltight, miniature oiltight, and multilight-control oiltight. The terms standard duty and heavy duty are derived from the Standards for Industrial Control Equipment of Underwriters' Laboratories Inc. for normal current and inrush current.