Snap action Switches Technical Terminology & Cautions for Use

A compact switch equipped with an enclosed micro-gap snap-action contact mechanism that makes a specified motion with a specified force to open/close a circuit, and an actuator outside the enclosure (hereinafter referred to as the switch)

A part of the switch that transmits the received external force to an internal spring mechanism to move the movable contact so that the switch can be opened and closed

A part of the switch to limit the actuator movement in the switch operation direction

Values indicating the characteristics and performance guarantee standards of the snap-action switches. The rated current and rated voltage, for instance, assume specific conditions (type of load, current, voltage, frequency, etc.).

The service life when operated at a preset operating frequency without passing electricity through the contacts. (The life test is performed at a switching frequency of 60 times/minute and operating speed of 100 mm/second at the regular cam.)

The service life when the rated load is connected to the contact and switching operations are performed. (The life test is performed at a switching frequency of 20 times/minute and operating speed of 100 mm/second at the regular cam.)

This refers to the components determining the type of application which make up the electrical input/output circuits in the contact.

Resistance between non-continuous terminals, each terminal and other exposed metal parts and between each terminal and ground.

Threshold limit value that a high voltage can be applied to a predetermined measuring location for one minute without causing damage to the insulation.

This indicates the electrical resistance at the contact part. Generally, this resistance includes the conductor resistance of the spring and terminal portions.

The main terminological illustrations and meanings which are used with snap-action switches are as follows.

Adequate stroke setting is the key to high reliability. It is also important that adequate contact force be ’maintained to ensure high reliability. For a normally closed (NC) circuit, the driving mechanism should be set so that the actuator is normally in the free position. For a normally open (NO) circuit, the actuator should be pressed to 70% to 100% of the specified stroke to absorb possible errors.
If the stroke is set too close to the operating point (OP), this may cause unstable contact, and in the worst case may cause actuator damage due to inertia of the drive mechanism. It is advisable that the stroke be adjusted with the mounting plate or driving mechanism.

The figure at right shows a typical example of activation and contact forces varying with stroke. In the vicinity of the OP and RP, the contact force is diminished, causing chatter and contact bounce immediately before or after reversal. For this reason, use the switch while giving due consideration to this. This also causes the snap action switch to be sensitive to vibration or shock.

Exercise design care so that malfunctions will not occur if the operating characteristics vary by as much as 20% from, rated values.

Actuator type should be selected according to activation method, activation speed, activation rate, and activation frequency.

Use of a driving mechanism which will cause physical impact to the actuator should be avoided.

<Example>

• 1. The snap-action switch is designed for AC operations. While it has small contact gaps and no arc absorber, it may be used for low-capacity DC operations.
  Please refer to the rating of each products
• 2. For applications with very small switching voltage or current, choose the low-level load type (Au contact).

Small current and voltage application range (Au contact)

• 3. When selecting a contact type of a snap-action switch to be used for low-level load switching, the following should be noted. Silver contacts’ surfaces are prone to be oxidized and form a sulfide film. The switch operates with no problems at the beginning of use. However, as the contact surfaces develop films with time, the film may not be broken by the switching operation, causing a conduction failure. Therefore, please choose the Au contact type for switching a load of 0.1 A or below.

• 4. Application to Electronic Circuits

• 5. Check the surge current, normal current and surge duration.
• 6. Contact resistance given in performance specifications is measured with a voltage drop method using 6 to 8 V DC, 1 A (except for low-level load type). Contact resistance across COM and NC terminals is measured in the open position, while contact resistance across COM and NO terminals is measured in the closed position.
• 7. To prevent contact welding failure, be sure to use a serial resistance for each capacitive load.
• 8. If snap-action switch operation is synchronized with the AC supply phase, this may cause: shortened electrical life, contact fusion failure, contact transfer, or other reliability problems.

• 1.Contact protection is recommended when snap-action switches are used in an inductive load circuit.

Circuit diagram	Cautions for use
	(1) r = more than 10 Ω (2) In an AC circuit   Impedance of R is to be slightly smaller than impedance of r and c.
	Can be used for both AC and DC. Impedance of r is nearly equal to impedance of R. C: 0.1 μF
	(1) For DC circuits only.
	Can be used for both AC and DC.

• 2.Do not connect the contacts on individual switches to different type or different poles of the power supply.

Examples of power supply connections (connection to different poles)   Wrong Right

Example of wrong power supply connection (connection to different poles of power supply) This may lead to mixed DC and AC. Wrong

• 3.Avoid circuits which apply voltage between contacts. (This may lead to mixed deposition.)

Wrong

After mounting and wiring, check the insulation distance between terminals and the ground. If the insulation distance is inadequate, mount insulating material between as required.

See the Section “Cautions for Use” for the individual switch.

• 1. The effector should be positioned so that direct force is not applied to the pushbutton or actuator in its free position. The operating force to the pushbutton should only be applied in a perpendicular direction.
• 2. Note that the use of the switch as a stopper may cause an operational problem.

• Basically, the switch should be installed so that the object to press the switch’s plunger or lever can press it down to 70 to 100% of OT of the switch. When determining the position, the tolerance of OP (Operating Position) and other factors should be taken into account.
  The following describes the case where the strictest tolerance conditions are adopted.
• Example: Hinge lever type FS switch

• 1. For manual soldering, lay the terminals flat (horizontal with the ground) and quickly perform the soldering operation using a soldering iron with the appropriate heat capacity and the proper amount of solder. Take care that the flux does not flow into the switch interior by using a ventilation fan to discharge flux gas and to prevent contact of the switch body with the soldering iron tip.
  Be careful not to apply force to the lead wires or the terminal portions immediately after soldering.
  The temperature setting and time conditions vary depending on the product.
  See the Section “Cautions for Use” for each product.

<Example>

Avoid using organic silicon rubber, adhesives, sealing compounds, oil, grease, and wires in a silicon atmosphere.

• 1.Environments where hydrogen sulfide or other corrosive gases are present.
• 2.Environments where gasoline, thinner or other flammable, explosive gases are present.
• 3. Dusty environments (for non-seal type snap action switches).
• 4.The perpendicular operating speed exceeds the allowable operating speed.
• 5.Switching between different poles.
• 6.Use in environments not in the prescribed temperature or humidity range.

To prevent discoloration due to sulfurization of the terminals (silver- plated), store the switches in a polyethylene bag or other suitable airtight container.

During usage, storage, or transportation, avoid locations subject to direct sunlight and maintain normal temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions.
The allowable specifications for environments suitable for usage, storage, and transportation are given below.

• 1.Temperature: The allowable temperature range differs for each switch, so refer to the switch's individual specifications. In addition, when transporting or storing switches while they are tube packaged, there are cases when the temperature may differ from the allowable range. In this situation, be sure to consult the individual specifications.
• 2.Humidity: 5 to 85% R.H.
• 3.Pressure: 86 to 106 kPa
  The humidity range varies with the temperature. Use within the range indicated in the graph below.

(The allowable temperature depends on the switch.)

• Condensation will occur inside the switch if there is a sudden change in ambient temperature when used in an atmosphere of high temperature and high humidity. This is particularly likely to happen when being transported by ship, so please be careful of the atmosphere when shipping. Condensation is the phenomenon whereby steam condenses to cause water droplets that adhere to the switch when an atmosphere of high temperature and humidity rapidly changes from a high to low temperature or when the switch is quickly moved from a low humidity location to one of high temperature and humidity.
  Please be careful because condensation can cause adverse conditions such as deterioration of insulation, coil cutoff, and rust.
• Condensation or other moisture may freeze on the switch when the temperatures is lower than 0°C 32°F. This causes problems such as sticking of movable parts or operational time lags.
• The plastic becomes brittle if the switch is exposed to a low temperature, low humidity environment for long periods of time.
• Storage for extended periods of time (including transportation periods) at high temperatures or high humidity levels or in atmospheres with organic gases or sulfide gases may cause a sulfide film or oxide film to form on the surfaces of the contacts and/or it may interfere with the functions. Check out the atmosphere in which the units are to be stored and transported.
• In terms of the packing format used, make every effort to keep the effects of moisture, organic gases and sulfide gases to the absolute minimum.

When handling the switches, be careful not to drop them on the floor since this may damage them.

• 1. Failure modes of switches include short-circuiting, open-circuiting and temperature rises. If this switch is to be used in equipment where safety is a prime consideration, examine the possible effects of these failures on the equipment concerned, and ensure safety by providing protection circuits or protection devices. In terms of the systems involved, make provision for redundancy in the design and take steps to achieve safety design.
• 2. The ambient operating temperature (and humidity) range quoted is the range in which the switch can be operated on a continuous basis: it does not mean that using the switch within the rating guarantees the durability performance and environment withstanding performance of the switch. For details on the performance guarantee, check the specifications of each product concerned.