Microswitch Products
Actuator The interface between miroswitch mechanism and actuating medium. There are two basic types: the miroswitch plunger is used alone or with a lever, in many forms, including the roller style. Enclosed Terminals Switch terminals situated within the microswitch enclosure or behind a removable barrier so as to be beyond the reach of exploring fingers Gold Contacts Gold contacts are recommended for microswitches to be used in low voltage control or logic circuits, especially when long periods of inactivity are envisaged. The gold is electrolytically plated on silver to a depth which will resist mechanical wear and prevent porosity. Commonly known as gold plated contacts. A second type of gold contact known as the gold crosspoint is made up of 69% gold, 25% silver, and 6% platinum. This contact has a knife edge for high contact pressure at a specific point for good switching. Integral Actuator The actuating plunger, lever, ect. With which the microswitch is fitted when supplied. Printed Circuit Board Terminals Solder tag terminals of slender proportions for printed circuit boards	Components of a Microswitch Quick Connect Terminals Tab terminals which facilitate strong, solderless connection with push-on receptacles usually .250" and .187" wide. Split Contacts A microswitch with split contacts has five terminals. The moving contact connects with two top fixed contacts in one position and with two bottom fixed contacts after changeover. Auxiliary Actuators Plunger or lever actuators mounted on frames and supplied with mounting hardware. Butt Contacts Contacts which make at one point and maintain their initial relationship without further movement until they are opened. Wiping Contact A moving contact mechanically arranged to slide across the fixed contact during pre-travel and over-travel. Contact Materials Silver and silver alloys (AgNi 10, AgCdO10) are the primary contact materials used in Saia-Burgess micoswitches. The ratings tables shown refer to microswitches with silver/silver alloy contacts. Gold contacts should be specified when microswitches are to be used in low voltage Control or logic circuits, especially when long periods of inactivity are expected or when Atmospheres with a high-sulphur content may be encountered. Typically they should be voltages below 12 volts and currents less that 100mA. Gold contacts are generally available in two forms; gold plated silver alloy contacts, which can be used at higher currents. Gold alloy cross-point contacts, which are only suitable for switching Low currents.