Specialty Switches

Specialty switches are specialty or proprietary products and accessories related to switches. Major types of specialty switches are limit switches, proximity switches, transfer switches, a temperature switch, and rocker switches. A limit switch is a protective device, which opens or closes electrical circuits when the position of a device crosses the specified physical limit. A proximity switch is a switch that can detect its relationship with a metal target without making any physical contact and then it can be tripped accordingly. A transfer switch is a switch, which can transfer electrical power between two power systems or buses. A rocker switch is a switch, which is operated by touching the top or the bottom of the control plate. A rocker switch can be a maintained or momentary type. Another important type of specialty switches is a temperature switch, which can open or close a conductive path according to the temperature.

Specialty switches are available with a variety of specifications. For example, a specialty switch such as a proximity switch has several parameters including rated operating distance, body style, and barrel dimensions. Proximity switches can be capacitive, eddy current, inductive, photoelectric, ultrasonic, or Hall Effect type. Rocker switches parameters include maintained or momentary contact, mechanical life, maximum current rating, operating temperature, cut-out sizes of length, terminal types, width, and thickness. General specifications to be considered for all specialty switches are construction material, environmental conditions, maximum current rating, maximum AC voltage rating, maximum DC voltage rating, and maximum power rating.

Specialty switches have many applications. For example, a limit switch can be used in home referencing and can also be used to restrict the movement of a robot component. Proximity switches can be used in railway tracks to determine the points from where train has passed. Transfer switches can be used to switch to another power source such as a generator when a primary power system fails. Specialty switches must meet necessary Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) requirements and specifications.

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Part Numbers for Specialty Switches