Glossary of Terms
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- Non-shorting contacts:Break-before-make.
- Non-Switching Rating:The power carrying capacity of a switch after contact closure and end of contact bounce. Typically, far higher than the contact rating (switching rating) of a switch.
- Normally Closed:A term used to describe contacts which establish a circuit when in the normal position.
- Normally Closed (NC):A normally closed circuit allows electricity to flow through when the switch is in its free position; it prevents the electrical flow when actuated.
- Normally Open:A term used to describe contacts which interrupt the circuit when in their normal position.
- Normally Open (NO):A normally open circuit prevents the flow of electricity to flow through the circuit in its free position; it allows the electrical flow when it is actuated.
- Null Hysteresis:The measure of output after release from deflected position; usually only used in transducers.
- Null Output:Voltage output of a device at rest, usually measured in transducers.
- O-Ring:The rubberised sealing washer supplied with the switch.
- OEM:Original Equipment Manufacturer.
- Open Frame:Typical to slide switches; open frame construction allows for automatic solder process and post solder cleaning. Contrast with “washable”.
- Operate Force:The amount of force it takes to make the toggle or button operate the switch, measured immediately before the switch operates.
- Operating Point:The position of the button or toggle of a switch when the switch operates. The operating point is usually measured from the top of the button to the center of the mounting holes in basic switches or from the free position of the button in pushbutton switches.
- Operating Temperature:The range of temperature within which the device may be used.
- Overtravel:The distance the actuator may move between initial electrical contact position and the extreme mechanical position of the actuator. See Travel, Pretravel.