Subminiature switches with high ESD ratings

May 2003 Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays

Knitter-Switch ESD resistant subminiature toggle and pushbutton switches are washable, fitted with gold plated over nickel contacts, good for 50 000 operations and have an ESD resistance greater than 14 kV between actuator and contacts.

Besides EMV (electromagnetic tolerance) an additional feature 'ESD' (protection against electrostatic discharge) is required where sufficient grounding is not possible or desired.

The standards in Europe (Norm IEC 801-2 and DIN VDE 0843) list four different ESD levels: Grade 1, 2 kV; Grade 2, 4 kV; Grade 3, 8 kV; Grade 4, 15 kV.

Knitter-Switch EST and ESP toggle and pushbutton switches comply with these norms and except for physical size are compatible with series A switches.

The guaranteed ESD resistance of 14 kV is close to the upper limit required and is therefore not only higher than that of comparable switches but also exceeds all known requirements of miniature components (Grade 3,8 kV). As it is not possible to use metal support brackets (for example with the RA version) single pole versions are fitted with two additional supports to improve stability.

Further reading:

Power and control platform for complex applications
Schneider Electric South Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Schneider Electric has unveiled the latest device in its PowerLogic range of products, the PowerLogic P7 digital power and control platform. This was designed to offer the best performance in complex and high-demand applications, and is based on a visualisation-ready, next-generation platform powered by a single configuration tool, the PowerLogic engineering suite.

Read more...

---

High-efficiency switching solutions
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Becker Mining South Africa has launched a new-generation energy distribution system that has been specially developed to enhance productivity and safety in the challenging conditions of local underground coal mines.

Read more...

---

World-first solution for platinum miner
ABB South Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
When a consulting engineering company approached ABB about a specific problem that its platinum mining client was experiencing at its smelter facility in the North West Province, it was an opportunity for the technology provider to showcase its innovation and adaptability in responding to specific customer requirements.

Read more...

---

Robust industrial relays
Vepac Electronics Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Industrial RT relays from Vepac are particularly robust and are used for high load control. RT modules can control up to three changeover contacts, with 10 A each. In addition, this product is equipped for safety reasons with manual operation, improved LEDs or free-wheeling diodes.

Read more...

---

Pick-to-light device with added flexibility
Turck Banner Southern Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Pick-to-light devices and systems help industrial automation manufacturers reduce the risk of error in the assembly process, ensuring product quality and reducing cost. These devices are also used in kitting and put-to-light operations to ensure high accuracy in fulfilment operations.

Read more...

---

Protection relays – control what you can
Schneider Electric South Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
With municipalities’ distribution centres and equipment taking immense strain due to load shedding, maintenance has unfortunately moved down the priority list. The time is now to implement what municipalities can control - protecting and monitoring installed equipment.

Read more...

---

Programmable multicolour indicator beacons
Turck Banner Southern Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Pro Editor software lets users program the K100 Pro Daylight Visible and K100 Pro Indicator with a variety of alarms, colours and animations.

Read more...

---

Low-profile touchless switches
Fox Controls Rand Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
LED illumination and indoor/outdoor durability make these low-profile touchless switches ideal for clean and functional industrial and public applications.

Read more...

---

PID controller with multicolour LCD
Allpronix Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
The Novus N1050 is an advanced PID controller featuring a large, bright and easy-to-read multicolour 11-segment LCD display with clear status signalling.

Read more...

---

Switch amplifiers for multiple voltage ranges
Pepperl+Fuchs Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
The new KFU8-SR-Ex product family of switch amplifiers from Pepperl+Fuchs offers a solution that is both efficient and reliable.

Read more...

---