Scanning for ideas: Switches Sealed for Outdoor Use
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.