The components are for use in general industry and heavy machinery as well as consumer devices. Rocker switches are available as mono-stable, bi-stable and tri-stable models with SPST, DPST and DO3T contact configurations. They are designed to operate at up to 20A and mains voltage of 240V ac. TME offers semi-transparent front versions and those with built-in illumination and in a range of colours for an operator to see at a distance which circuits are connected.
The portfolio also includes panel mount switches with ingress protection at the front up to IP67. As a result they can be mounted in harsh environmental conditions, including outdoors. The switches can be connected using standard flat 3mm, 4.8mm and 6.3mm flat connectors. there are also rocker switches designed for direct mounting on a pcb, for example for compact control or power modules, mounted in the same way as through-hole components.
Microswitches by Marquardt and available from TME are primarily snap action models with a spring-loaded mechanism which require a relatively low actuation force for protection circuits. These are typically used in signal and interface switches and are used to detect the position of machine components and, in the case of models equipped with a lever and a roller, to count items. The microswitches can operate at up to 10A and 400V in order to control high loads in lighting or motor applications. Tact switch components are also available, primarily for control panels in consumer electronics and household appliances. An example is the 3006 series (pictured) which has an integrated LED. Maximum profile height is 4mm and the footprint is 9.85mm x 9.85mm including the independently powered LED covered with a transparent button. It is suitable for use in interfaces where there is limited space on the panel or volume.
Pushbutton switches in bi-stable and mono-stable versions for control functions are available in a variety of colours and they can be illuminated. Options are round (snap in, panel mounted) or square bodies (screw mounted) and handling current ranges from 0.1A-16A and 28V-250V ac. The range includes switches with a wide operating temperature range from -20°C to 100°C.
TME also carries the manufacturer’s slides switches, toggle switches and keypad switches.
