- AC:
Alternating current; electric current that continually reverses direction at a fixed frequency (see VAC).
- Active Area (contact):
Electrical junction comprising a multitude of contact a- spots through which electrical current passes from one connector component to the other.
- Actuation:
Operating or releasing a switch by depressing or releasing its actuator or rotating its shaft.
- Actuation Force:
The force required to change a switch actuator from one position to another. Measured exactly when switch changes state. Torque for rotary products.
- Actuator:
Toggle, Rocker, Slider, Paddle, Pushbuttons, Shaft
- Air Gap:
The minimum distance between separated mating contacts in their fully open position.
- Alloy:
A metal created by combining two or more metals to obtain a specific physical property
- Alternate Action:
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.
- Ambient:
Surrounding operating conditions external to the switch. This includes physical atmosphere, as well as the form and nature of applied electrical and mechanical loads.
- American Wire Gauge:
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.
- Ampere (A):
A unit of electrical current.
- ANSI:
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.
- Antistatic Switch:
An antistatic device will withstand a specified potential without conducting between the actuator typical value 8-20 kilovolts DC.
- Arc:
Gaseous electrical discharge between separated contacts of a switch, involving a stream of electrons, metal vapors and ions.
- Arcing:
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.
- AWG:
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.
- Bezel Mount:
Switch mounting method from the front of the panel that has an attractive portion of the switch exposed on the front panel.
- Bifurcated Contact:
A wiping movable contact consisting of spring fingers that grip the fixed contact. Typically found in slide switches.
- Blade:
The moveable component of the switch used to complete the electrical circuit. (See Figure 1)
- Boot:
A rubber part used to protect a switch from water or dust. Usually found between the button of a switch and the case inside of the switch. An external boot can be placed over a button or toggle lever to protect the switch from water or dust.
