Choosing the Right Sealed Switches

Design engineers are opting to choose sealed switches that are capable of withstanding harsh environments. The changes of temperature, chemical exposure and water contact can be damaging to the switches and affect the over-all electrical components of the surrounding area. Choosing the right switches is important so as to keep the whole area safe.

Sealed Switch Types

In choosing the right sealed switches, there are basically three types to consider: the splash proof booths, IP-rated devices and the IP-rated devices with Splash proof boots.

Splash Proof Boots

The splash proof boots offer protection to different contaminants, but it does not promise a complete seal when exposed to water. This type can be made from different materials like nitrile natadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride or silicon rubber. Each material has its own pros and cons. 

The nitrile natadiene rubber is good for safeguarding the switches from the changes of the environment but is unable to withstand protection from zone resistance. The ethylene propylene rubber is the ideal material when the switches are often exposed to dust, water and oil. The natural rubber is usually installed for gaskets and panel seals, and the polyvinyl chloride is essential for dust-exposed switches. Silicon rubber is resistant to ultraviolet light. It also is resilient and can withstand massive changes of temperature.

IP-Rated Devices

There are also different kinds of IP-rated devices. These devices are within the specifications set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ratings of devices are the IP60, IP64, IP65 and IP67.

The IP60 is proven to protect the switches from dust but not necessarily against the water. This is just the same with IP64 and IP65, but these are more resistant to water than the first rating. The IP67 is the most durable and can protect the switches even when submerged in a meter of water. 

IP-Rated Devices with Splash Proof Boots

This is the combination of two types. It gives the highest level of protection especially when the switches are exposed to harsh contaminants. This type is applied in most industries as it gives maximum amount of protection as compared to the other two. To learn more about sealed switches, visit KEEGroup USA today.