Waterproof Momentary Switch Technology
For extreme duty applications a mechanically activated
momentary switch is often a critically necessary electronic component, and can
also be a primary operational failure point. CPI’s line of Waterproof Momentary switches have been staying dry and operational for over 40 years in the
harshest operating environments imaginable through a combination of precise
engineering, high quality manufacturing, and robust field testing in the
application.
What’s so hard about waterproofing a momentary switch?
Glad you asked. And
you’re right to some degree, just seal the switch in rubber, let the contact
wires out and we’re good to go right?
That is until you look at the environmental operating requirements
of something like a heavy duty construction crane, or oil rig blowout
preventer. In these applications design considerations for a momentary switch
go beyond just being waterproof. The hazards in these environments include the
following:
- Contact contamination due to salt, dust, condensation etc.
- Contact chatter immunity in high vibration environments.
- Switch failure due to heavy electrical load and impulse (startup) load
- Cold temperature operation and response time.
- MTBF of over 1 million mechanical cycles.
Many of these requirements work against one another in the
overall design, not to mention that any good final design has to be manufactured
for as low a cost as possible.
CPI’s solution to Robust Momentary Switch Design Considerations.
CPI offers cost effective Santoprene sealed switching solutions
to a wide variety of waterproof momentary switch design applications. In these
designs, parameters such as pre-travel, over-travel, actuation and contact
type, and MTBF can be specified. Our thermoplastic santoprene sealing process
creates an industrial grade configuration that is truly waterproof, not just
water resistant. These products meet IP68 and are UL available.
For our military and other specialty applications, CPI
offers momentary contact waterproof switches sealed in Neoprene rubber with
full MIL-C ratings for temperature operation down to -65 degrees Farenheit. (MS39058)
And all switch types benefit from a wide variety of mounting
configurations from “v-back” for easy mounting on pipes and tubes, to a variety
of bracket and panel mounting options.
Momentary Switch Types
CPI manufactures momentary switches in a number of form
factors including plunger switches, pendant switches, limit switches and ball switches. For a full overview of our product line see
our CPI momentary switch product page on our website. Or visit us at http://www.cpi-nj.com
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