Scanning for ideas: Switches Sealed for Outdoor Use

May 22, 2008
The WT Series of sealed toggle switches from NKK Switches, Scottsdale, Ariz.(nkkswitches.com), have front panels with an IP67 rating and sealed back panels with an IP60 rating.

The actuator and bases are also sealed with epoxy, making the devices well suited for use in harsh and outdoor environments. The switch housings are constructed of a heat-resistant resin, letting them meet UL94V-0 flammability ratings. A switching mechanism that can break light welds lets the switches meet IEC 61058. And bushings feature an antijamming feature, protecting contacts from damage caused by too much downward force.

The switches are rated at 10A at 125 Vac and 6A at 250 Vac, or 10A at 30 Vdc. They can be ordered in single or doublepole configurations. Mechanical life for maintained circuits is estimated to be 50,000 operations; for momentary circuits that figure falls to 30,000. Electrical life is 15,000 operations for all configurations.

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