Transparent safety

Snap-action switches are spring-activated switches that permit extremely fast switching that is virtually independent of the speed of actuation. The operating position is thus precisely repeatable and the arc can be extinguished more readily.

Schaltbau snap-action switches are designed for industrial applications that demand high systems and component reliability. They feature high breaking capacity and a mechanical endurance of up to ten million operating cycles. The transparent housing makes it easy to inspect the condition of the contacts at any time.

Technical features of Schaltbau's snap-action switches

high breaking capacity and high continuous duty rating thanks to solid fixed contacts and contact bridge; rated for conventional thermal current up to 16 A
mechanical endurance of up to 10 million operating cycles
short contact bounce times (1.7 to 3.5 ms. depending on model)
reliable opening of NC contacts thanks to the positive opening mechanism the way it was designed by Schaltbau
self-cleaning contacts on some models
mechanical snap-action system and electrical contact system separated on some models
flat, robust design
models with degrees of protection up to IP67
high vibration and shock resistance

Special design features ensure a long mechanical design life. For example, our V-shaped contacts and the travel path of the snap-action system cause the contacts to slide against each other when opening or closing a circuit. This wiping action helps clean the contacts of pollution and keeps contact resistance constant to the greatest possible extent over the entire life of the contacts (important for low currents).

The double-break feature distributes the voltage across two fixed contacts. This allows higher voltage and power to be applied for the same contact clearance when compared to single-break designs. Switches that feature a double-break design have a longer electrical life and also ensure higher contact reliability. Switches with galvanically isolated double-break contacts allow the NC and NO contacts to simultaneously switch different circuits (for example, power and control circuits).

For further information about our snap-action switches follow the links: