Contact Gap:

by | Mar 14, 2021

The distance that separates two contacts when the circuit is open.

Dielectric Breakdown:

by | Mar 14, 2021

Rupture of insulating material when the electric stress exceeds the dielectric strength of the material (Voltage Breakdown).

Contact Pressure:

by | Mar 14, 2021

The amount of force holding the movable and stationary contacts together. While this should be termed Contact Force, by convention in the United States, it is called Contact Pressure.

Dielectric Strength:

by | Mar 14, 2021

A specific voltage that a switch can withstand without leakage current between insulated conductors before it starts to conduct electricity. Most often applies to insulator between switch terminals and metal exposed to operator of the switch.

Contact Force:

by | Mar 14, 2021

The force that the movable contact in a switch exerts on the fixed terminal.