Glossary of Terms

Alternating current; electric current that continually reverses direction at a fixed frequency (see VAC).

Electrical junction comprising a multitude of contact a- spots through which electrical current passes from one connector component to the other.

Operating or releasing a switch by depressing or releasing its actuator or rotating its shaft.

The force required to change a switch actuator from one position to another. Measured exactly when switch changes state. Torque for rotary products.

Toggle, Rocker, Slider, Paddle, Pushbuttons, Shaft

The minimum distance between separated mating contacts in their fully open position.

A metal created by combining two or more metals to obtain a specific physical property

Push to close and push to open the switch. A given circuit condition remains after removal of actuating force. Also known as “push-push switching action”. Typically, alternate action pushbuttons do not visually indicate the position of the contacts. Contrast to latching action.

Surrounding operating conditions external to the switch. This includes physical atmosphere, as well as the form and nature of applied electrical and mechanical loads.

A standard system used for designating the size of electrical conductors. Abbreviated AWG. Based on specified ranges of circular mil area. American Gauge numbers have an inverse relationship to size.

A unit of electrical current.

American National Standard Institute; a standard-setting agency of the United States which approves the design and/or performances of electronic/electrical components distributed in the world market.

An antistatic device will withstand a specified potential without conducting between the actuator typical value 8-20 kilovolts DC.

Gaseous electrical discharge between separated contacts of a switch, involving a stream of electrons, metal vapors and ions.

The flow of electric current between switch contacts during opening or closing of the contacts. This current flow can be damaging to the contacts of a switch.