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The category of Electrical and Electronic Components covers all manner of devices designed to produce, conduct, direct, convert or protect the user from electrical discharge. Major product families within electrical and electronic components include batteries, connectors, passive electronic components, electrical distribution and protection equipment, fuses, power supplies and conditioners, relays and timers, switches, surge suppressors, and wires and cables.
Batteries are devices that convert energy into electrical current. Batteries are used in a wide range of industrial applications to power electronic devices. There are two main battery types - chemical and physical (solar cells, nuclear energy and thermal batteries). Battery-related accessories and components such as chargers, racks and cabinets are also covered in this section.
Connectors include all manner of plugs, sockets, caps, strips and conductors designed to attach and conduct electricity through cords, wires, and appliances, as well as, entire electrical distribution systems. They can range from simple electrical and electronic components such as AC wall plugs, to multi-pin and heavy duty devices used for connecting computer systems, audio / visual, electronic, industrial or medical equipment.
Electrical distribution and protection equipment includes items such as circuit breakers, surge suppressors, fuses and safety switches designed to shut-off (either automatically, or manually) electrical flow when a device, system or individual is threatened due to electrical surge or transient overvoltage.
Power supplies and conditioners cover a wide array of electrical and electronic components that generate, or convert electrical energy. The power generation aspect of this family includes everything from back-up power generators, designed to produce emergency power in times of need; to smaller current sources (both AC and DC) for testing components and sensors, or powering specialized tools.
Switches and relays are used to allow or prevent current flow when in closed or open position. The groupings within this family are usually defined based on the manner in which the switch is actuated (for example, rocker, foot, read, lever, etc.). Electrical and electronic component switches can range from simple pushbutton devices, usually used to delineate between on and off; to rotary and toggle devices, for varying levels; through to multiple entry keypads or DIP switches, for multiple control functions. In addition to maintaining, or interrupting flow, and maintaining flow levels; switches are used in safety applications, as security devices (keylock switches); and as functionary actuators when controlled by sensors or computer systems.
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