Snap switches are activated by a spring-operated (or “snap-action“) mechanism. Depressing the actuator triggers the switching operation, with a pre-defined force and travel. The switching speed itself is largely independent of the speed of actuation.
Variable parameters include electrical rating, terminal type, actuator type & length and maximum operating force.
Typical markets & applications include white goods and appliances, automotive, vending, drives, and powertools.
Position | Description |
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Rest Position | The position of the actuator when no external force is applied. |
Operating Point | The point along the actuator’s travel path at which the spring-operated mechanism is actuated. |
Final Position | The position of the actuator at the end of its travel. |
Reset Point | The point along the actuator’s path, as it travels back towards the rest position, at which the spring-operated mechanism snaps back to it’s original position. |
Force | Description |
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Initial Force | The force required to move the actuator away from it’s rest position. |
Operating Force | The force required to move the actuator through the operating point. |
Sustaining Force | The force required to keep the actuator in it’s final position. |
Reset Force | The level to which the operating force must be reduced in order to allow the spring-operated mechanism to return to it’s original position. |
Travel Distance | Description |
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Pre-Travel | The distance travelled between the actuator’s rest position and the switching point. |
Overtravel | The distance travelled between the switching point and the end position. To make absolutely sure that the switching operation takes place, the actuator should use up at least 50% of the available overtravel. |
Reset Travel | The distance travelled between the operating force and the release point. |
Free Travel | The distance travelled between the reset point and the rest position. |
Total Travel | The difference between the rest position and the final position. |
Movement Differential | The distance travelled between the operating point and the reset point. |