By achieving the seal-tight protection class of IP69K, SCHURTER is extending the spectrum of potential applications for its already tried-and-tested PSE family of piezo switches. The qualification test was carried out using a high-pressure vapor stream at 90 Bar and a temperature of 80°C.

The hermetically sealed piezo switches can now be used in areas, which are regularly disinfected or cleaned using high-pressure cleaners. This renders them ideal for use in applications exposed to high levels of dirt and grime such as food processing, commercial cooking and transportation.

Besides the extraordinarily long lifetime of more than 20 million switching cycles, SCHURTER piezo switches also reveal a high level of robustness due to their stainless steel or aluminum housing.

The following mounting diameters are available as standard: 16, 19, 22, 24, 27 and 30 mm. Other mounting diameters, materials, colors and shapes are possible, according to individual design requirements.

Point or ring illumination is offered in mounting sizes 22 mm and up. This feature can be used to illuminate the actuating surface in a continuous mode or to display the switch position on or off.

Laser lettering is available and done in house to minimize lead times. A broad range of standard legends and symbols are available. Customer-specific inscriptions are also available.

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Arcolectric now offer an integral moulded guard for its 1550 and 1350 range of double pole rocker switches. The guard is an extension of the rocker switch bezel on two sides and is designed to reduce the possibility of accidental switch operation.

This option can also be used with an additional hinged cover to provide even more protection against accidental operation of the switch. The cover is available in various colours to suit the switch body colour or transparent polycarbonate for use with illuminated switches, allowing visual confirmation of switch status without having to open the protective cover.

These two new product variants are available for Arcolectric's double pole 1550 and 1350 series, on all switching operations in the L style bodies, which fit into 30mm x 22mm panel cut-outs.

This simple addition to the switch body extends the useful application of this product into areas where security or safety of switch operation is of paramount importance.

The 1500 series of switches have ratings up to 16(4)A 250Vac with a wide choice of terminal options, alternative switching circuits including 3 position types with a variety of rocker switch profiles, body sizes and bezels. The 1350 is a high in-rush version rated at 150A to EN61058-1. Matching indicators are also available to complete the range.

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For use in extreme ambient conditions, particularly outdoor applications.

With the new piezo keypads SCHURTER provides key panels that are impervious to all kinds of dirt and fluids. The keypads are particularly suitable for use in outdoor applications due to their ability to resist extreme ambient conditions such as negative temperatures, ice and snow. The keypads fulfill the IP69K protection class and have a reliable operating temperature from -25°C to + 85°C. The accessory kit from SCHURTER enable the keypad to be sealed into the housing with the IP68 protection class. The piezo keypads can be mounted into the housing from the front or
the rear.

As a standard, the keypads are available as a number block with 12 or 16 keys and with an aluminium front. Point illumination may be integrated into the individual key fields as optical feedback or for user navigation. The operating panel can be designed in several colours in both the aluminium and stainless steel versions. In addition, SCHURTER can provide keypads that are adapted to customer requirements with respect to outer geometry as well as to the number and arrangement of the keys.

By using the piezo principle, the keypads are free of mechanical parts and therefore have an extremely long lifetime of more than 20 million actuations.  The completely sealed operating panel is easy to clean and is resistant to common cleaning agents. The metal surface with an IK05 impact strength renders the keypads highly resistant to impacts from outside. The piezo keypads provide a high level of functional reliability, leading to a reduction in maintenance costs.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, has introduced a new variant of its extremely versatile and reliable 3120 Series of rocker-actuated, combined switch / circuit breakers. The optional integral LED illumination in a range of colours that is now available on the Type 3120 offers power saving and improved endurance compared to earlier versions with filament bulbs. The well-proven 3120 is used widely for applications which include electrical machinery, power tools, household appliances and garden machinery, as well as for marine control panels, medical equipment and communications systems.

The versatile S-type E-T-A 3120 thermal circuit breaker range is designed for frequent ON/OFF switching under normal load conditions, at the same time providing accurate overcurrent protection with a trip-free mechanism. The illumination is offered in a choice of red, yellow, green and blue. The 3120 is suitable for switching applications up to 50V DC or 240/415V AC with a choice of current ratings from 0.1A up to 20A for single or double-pole applications. Designed for snap-in frame mounting, it can be specified with a water splash protection cover for rugged environments, and an actuator guard that protects against inadvertent resets.

The new LED versions require less than 2mA in operation, compared to earlier versions with filament bulbs which required between 20mA and 60mA. Improved illumination endurance, as well as reduced susceptibility to shock, vibration and low temperatures, also means lower maintenance requirements.

The E-T-A 3120 range carries EN 60934 Circuit Breaker for Equipment approval as well as approvals from respected authorities such as UL and CSA. The 3120 provides proven reliability for many demanding applications, including recreational and workboats as it is suitable for even the harshest conditions experienced at sea.

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Metal Switches with High Resistance to Destructive
Elements, Fully Illuminated Actuating Surface

The new MSM CS metal switch from SCHURTER is equipped with an actuator made of highly durable ceramic. Ceramic is a new technology employed in the production of an electro-mechanical switch.  The new switch provides novel features that open up entirely new areas of application. The actuator material of the MSM CS is resistant to scratches, abrasion, impact and chemicals.

The non-illuminated version has a translucent white actuating surface. Lettering is black and is applied directly onto the ceramic material. Due to the base material and the lettering process, the lettering is resistant to scratches and to common cleaning agents. In the case of switches designed with illumination, the actuator surface fully illuminates uniformly across the entire surface. Lettering and symbols can also be applied. The standard black lettering provides a positive effect against the illuminated actuator, while negative lettering provides an inverse effect.

The MSM CS is extremely robust and meets vandal-proof demands due to the low profile of the front structure (1.7 mm), the IP 69K protection class and the high level of impact resistance. The switch is available in 19 mm and 22 mm mounting diameters. Different contact configurations are offered over a range of 30 VDC to 250 VAC for the admissible switching voltage; switching currents are permissible from 0.1 to 10 Amperes. The MSM CS is equipped with quick connect terminals to allow for fast connections. The wires are connected to the switching element which is subsequently snapped onto the switch housing.

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IP56 Rated Against Damp and Dust: Long Product Life

Cherry Electrical Products has launched three new families of waterproof rocker switches which are available rated for various AC and DC voltages, including high current 20A versions.  Typical product applications include outdoor power equipment, such as sprayers and power tools; garden vehicles such as lawn mowers; automotive products like dashboards and window controls; other types of non-road transport, including boats and snowmobiles, and medical equipment, for example, oxygen concentrators.

Three families of rocker switches are available:  the KG, KM and KT series, which cover a wide variety of pole, throw and switch function options to support such a diverse range of customer applications.   All three families are rated to IP56 against water ingress or dust and are approved under UL and VDE.

The KG series includes one single pole, single throw (SPST) switch, (on-off), two SPDT (on-on and on-off-on) and one DPDT version (on-off-on), all with black actuators and frames, designed with snap-in mountings to fit panel cut-outs of 1.449in x 0.835in (36.80mm x 21.20mm).   Electrical ratings are: 21A 14VDC and two UL1054 rated versions: 20A 125VAC and 10A 250VAC.   Temperature rated from -20degC to +85degC, and with a mechanical life of 100,000 cycles, these switches are robust enough to withstand repeated use in tough environments.

The KM family of waterproof rocker switches is available as single pole, single throw or single pole, double throw and two double pole versions with single or double throw, and is available lighted and non-lighted.  The actuator and housing are both black, with red or green lenses for lighted versions.  Electrical ratings are 20A 125VAC, 10A 250VAC and 21A 14VDC, with a dielectric strength of 1500 VAC for 1 minute.

KT series SPST and SPDT switches are oblong with black oblong actuators and are designed for easy snap-in mounting on panel cut-outs of 1.454in x 0.602in (36.80mm x 15.20mm).  Both lighted and non-lighted versions are available.   Electrical ratings are: 21A 14VDC; an EN61058-rated 10(4)A 250V version; and two UL1054 rated switches -  20A 125VAC, 1/3HP and 10A 250VAC, 3/4HP.

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Three new families of pushbutton and rocker switches now immediately available: to suit automotive, medical, and power equipment

  
Cherry Electrical Products’ new KC, KF and KD round waterproof switches comply with IP56 or IP65 specifications to provide a cost-effective solution for the vast number of applications requiring protection from water and dust ingress, such as garden sprayers, powered garden tools, lawnmowers, on and off-road vehicles and medical equipment.  Three product families are available: the KD and KC series of round rocker switches and the KF switch series for products requiring a pushbutton solution.

IP56-rated KC series switches are designed to fit panel cut-outs of 0.795in (20.20mm) diameter, and are available in lighted and non-lighted versions, with black actuator and housing for the non-lighted version and red actuator, black housing and red lens for the lighted version.  This series of single-pole, single-throw (SPST) function switches offers multiple terminal options.  Electrical ratings include 16A 125VAC, 10A 250VAC, 20A 14VDC, 10A 28VDC and an EN61058 rated version in 10(4)A 250V.

KD series switches are available in two versions: DPST (double pole, single throw) and DPDT (double pole, double throw).  Featuring snap-in mounting to fit the same aperture sizes as the KC series, they can be ordered in lighted and non-lighted versions and handle DC and AC loadings to the following specifications: 16A 125VAC, 10A 250VAC, 20A 14VDC, 10A 28VDC and have quick connect 0.187in (4.76mm) terminals.

For applications requiring a round pushbutton switch rather than a rocker, the KF-series is offered in five different versions, both SPST and DPST and both types of switch can be supplied lit and unlit as required. Maintained-action and momentary switching is a further option. The KF series has quick-connect 0.187in (4.76mm) terminals and is IP-65 compliant. Electrical ratings are: 20A 14VDC and 10A 28VDC, and in UL 1054 ratings of 10A 125VAC; 6A 250VAC; 1/2HP; 125/250VAC are available. 

All three switch families are robust in use, offering a mechanical life of 100,000 cycles and a long electrical life of between 6,000 and 25,000 cycles.

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IP56 or IP65 compliant: suits medical, automotive and outdoor power equipment

Cherry Electrical Products has announced a new range of sealed, waterproof rocker and pushbutton switches with a wide choice of pole, throw and switch options, making them suitable for a huge range of applications, from vehicles and outdoor machinery to medical devices.  There are eight different designs in the new product family - seven rocker switches and one pushbutton switch, all certified to IP56 and IP65 requirements for water and dust resistance.  These competitively-priced switches are available in numerous AC/DC ratings and are RoHS compliant.  

The round rocker switches, designated the KD and KC series, are IP56 rated and designed to fit panel cut-outs of 0.795in (20.20mm) diameter. The KC series has SPST function and is available with red or black actuators, while the KD series is available in two versions: DPST and DPDT.  Both are available lit if required and can handle DC and AC loadings, with quick connect 0.187in (4.76mm) terminals. Electrical ratings include 16A 125VAC, 10A 250VAC (UL), 20A 14VDC and 10A 28VDC for both series, with an additional specification of 10(4)A 250V (VDE) in the KC single pole, single throw series.

The KR series are miniature rocker switches for panel cut-outs of approximately 0.780in by 0.512in (19.80 x 13.00 mm).  Available in single pole single throw and double pole, double throw versions with 0.18in (4.75mm) quick connect terminals, the KR series has an IP65 protection rating and is available in four different AC and DC electrical ratings: 16A 125VAC 1/3HP;10A 250VAC 1/2 HP (UL); 20A 14 VDC and 10A 28VDC.

There are four different series of larger oblong rocker switches in different actuator styles, all with an IP56 protection rating and with 1.250in (6.35mm) quick connect terminals.  The KS Series, in black only, is designed for on-off or on-on functions in SPST, SPDT, DPST and DPDT versions.  The KG series is available in eight different switch functions and three different electrical ratings: 20A 125VAC; 10A 250VAC (UL) and 21A 14VDC.  All have quick connect, screw or solder terminal options.  If an application requires an illuminated switch, there are two different styles available: the KM series with an oval actuator with either red or green lenses for panel cut-outs of approximately 1.449in x 0.83in (36.80mm x 21.2mm); and the KT series for slightly smaller panel cut-outs of 1.45in x 0.60in (36.8mm x 15.2mm).
 
For applications requiring a round pushbutton solution, the KF series offers plenty of choice – it is available in five different ratings, both AC and DC, and in SPST and DPST versions.  The quick connect terminal option is 0.18in (4.75mm).  With a protection rating to IP65, the KF series is available in an illuminated version if required, to fit panel cut-outs of approximately 0.795in (20.20mm).

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ZF Electronics Adds Specialist Electromechanical Supplier

May 2009: ZF Electronics (formerly Cherry Electrical Products) has signed a franchise distribution deal with E. Preston Electrical Ltd of Cheshire, covering the Cherry range of snap switches, sensors and sealed rockers.

Formed in 1980, E. Preston has built an enviable reputation for service and expertise, employing dedicated and experienced staff and maintaining appropriate stock levels. As well as switches and sensors the company also supplies EMC filters, connectors, control gear and timers and relays from some of the world’s leading manufacturers.

Comments Mark Mills, ZF Electronics’ Area Sales Manager: “E. Preston understands that business is carried out between people, not machines, so it puts special emphasis on building relationships with its customers and suppliers. We believe they will drive our sales of switches and sensors significantly.”

Adds Russell Wilkinson, E. Preston company director: “The Cherry brand is well-known and respected for quality and performance and the Cherry snap switches, sensors and sealed rockers fit perfectly with the other lines that we carry. We are delighted to add them to our portfolio.”
 
About ZF Electronics
Cherry is a brand of ZF Electronics GmbH. A world-leading manufacturer of electronic components, ZF Electronics (formerly Cherry Corporation), was acquired by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 2008.  ZF Electronics develops and produces computer input devices, switches, sensor technology and controls for the automobile industry, as well as components for industrial and household device applications.  With around 3,100 employees worldwide, the company generated sales of approximately €250 million in 2007.

ZF is a leading automobile supplier throughout the world for drive line and chassis technology, employing around 65,000 employees at 119 sites in 25 countries.  ZF is among the 15 largest automobile suppliers worldwide.

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Arcolectric's 8200 & 8300 Miniature Push Button switch ranges now have higher current ratings. Both ranges have been re-assessed for ENEC approval to 12(12)A 250Vac at 105?C for 10,000 operations.

The extensive 8300 range is available with either illuminated or non-illuminated buttons, in single or double pole with momentary or latching switch action. There are options for various switching functions, terminal styles - including push on, solder and PCB terminals, along with options for actuators, body finish, colours and legend printing.

The 8200 range is sub panel mount with a choice of actuator types and terminal styles and orientation, these include push-on, solder and PCB terminals.

Both ranges have UL & CSA approval, as well as ENEC approval to the new higher current rating.

This higher inductive rating further extends the applications for these two families of switches into motor switching applications where the initial switching current can be far higher than a resistive load.

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