Increasing numbers of products are being developed for use outdoors or require for other reasons to be waterproof to some degree.
This may be required to ensure the safe handling of domestic appliances or for industrial controls. This naturally affects operating controls as well as housings, connecting cables, connectors and displays, etc.
In the case of switches this may require the protection of a conventional switch with an additional protective cover or similar arrangement to prevent penetration of moisture. This solution is not always acceptable to equipment designers as it may result in a ‘design break’ affecting the appearance and functionality of a front panel design.
The addition of a grey rubber cover enclosing a pushbutton does little to enhance the aesthetics of a design. According to knitter-switch, there is therefore an ever increasing demand for sealed components for front panel assembly, also offering the advantage of more economical appliance manufacture, since no cost is incurred for the installation of additional covers, etc.
The company offers a comprehensive standard range of toggle and pushbutton switches and customer-specific membrane keyboards, rubber switch mats and stainless steel keyboards with a level of protection up to IP69K.
With numerous options in terms of the colour of the actuator controls and the colour, material and surface finish of switch casings, etc., integration into a specific appliance design is eased, with even individually tailored solutions possible.
For heavy-duty applications, where deposits of dirt have to be taken into account, sometimes in conjunction with moisture, there is still a justified case for the use of protective covers made out of silicone rubber or chloroprene rubber. These also protect the switch mechanism from the wear and tear which might otherwise occur due to the penetration of foreign bodies, such as sand.
Clearing the Static: ESD containers and packaging Actum
Circuit & System Protection Vacuum forming ESD
Electronic components can be damaged by electrostatic discharges. To protect against such damage, electronic assembly parts are often transported or stored in vacuum formed component ...
Read more...Antistatic vinyl flooring Actum
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Vinyl is an affordable, antistatic tile or sheet with a life-span greater than 10 years and installed as a permanent electrostatic discharge floor.
Read more...Electrostatic discharge chairs Actum
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD chair forms an integral part of grounding within the electrostatic discharge protected area to prevent potential damage to products.
Read more...Conductive ESD footwear Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Conductive ESD footwear is used in conjunction with other grounding devices, such as a wrist strap, cord, and ESD surface mats, to provide a continuous path to ground.
Read more...LED indicators Brabek
Switches, Relays & Keypads
The Dual Icon series from APEM is an LED indicator that presents two distinct visual signals within a single unit.
Read more...Reed relay upgraded to 200 W
Switches, Relays & Keypads
Engineers gain 200 W switching power in Pickering’s Series 68 HV relays with flying leads, ideal for demanding test, medical, and energy applications.
Read more...Industrial hand controller Brabek
Switches, Relays & Keypads
The HC Series hand controller from APEM is a pre-qualified solution for use in demanding industrial environments.
Read more...Clearing the Static: The importance of cleaning in ESD control Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To prevent Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive electronic assemblies and components, all production, handling, packaging, and storage must take place in an ESD-protected environment.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Staying grounded Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential, with grounding products and ESD testing equipment being vital.
Read more...Customisable high-voltage reed relay
Switches, Relays & Keypads
Pickering Electronics has introduced its Series 600 relays, the company’s most customisable range of high voltage reed relays to date.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version