Blog

Mar 16, 2023

Microswitch works under water

Cyntech Components is offering a microswitch range that is fully dust-tight and

Cyntech Components is offering a microswitch range that is fully dust-tight and water-sealed.

Designed to meet more demanding industrial applications, the Microprecision microswitch range is available in various configurations to meet IEC/EN 60529 ingress protection levels of IP67 and IP68, and work over -40 to +125°C and more.

"Microprecision has it covered with a range of microswitches that provides all the usual options for voltage/current ratings and switch contact material," said Cyntech MD Dave Mellor.

Protection against dust, water and oil is achieved with a flexible membrane that seals the space between the moving actuator pin and the switch housing.

The pin is made out of two parts with the membrane squeezed between then and held in place, then the membrane is attached to the housing with a compression ring held in place with ultrasonic welding.

"This approach ensures the membrane is tightly fitted and able to resist the effects of temperature and pressure fluctuations without impacting its flexibility," said Cyntech.

Ultrasonic welding is also used for assembling the rest of the housing which, according to Cyntech, provides a superior solution to the use of adhesives or gaskets and, by not adding further material, allows the seal to support UL61058 temperature requirements.

At the cable end, versions of the microswitch are available with the cable soldered in place and potted to IP67/68.