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- DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) Switch Configuration:Double pole means two independent circuits are actuated by the button. Single throw means each circuit only has two terminals and only operates as an on/off switch.
- Dry Circuit:Low power level or Logic circuit. Power levels do not cause arcing, melting or softening of contacts. Typically requires gold plated contacts for reliable switch operation. At such low levels, and since no arc occurs, silver contacts would not be self-cleaned and would be less reliable.
- Dusttight:Sealed switch that will withstand sand and dust environments per MIL-PRF-8805 Design 2.
- DWV (Dielectric Withstanding Voltage):The maximum voltage that can be applied to an insulator or switch before it will break down and begin to conduct electricity.
- Electrical Life:Life of a switch (number of operations) under a specified combination of electrical load, actuation, environment, and criterion of failure.
- Electrical Load:The amount of electricity that is applied to the switch or the circuit.
- EMC:Electro-Magnetic Compatibility.
- EMI:Electro-Magnetic Interference.
- Environmentally Sealed Switch:A switch that is sealed to protect the internal contacts from the external environment.
- Erosion (Contact):The transfer or vaporization of contact material resulting from the arc due to breaking or opening the circuit.
- ESD:Electrostatic discharge, the static charge that is built up that can amount to several thousand volts. Can destroy electronic components.
- Example:PC, wire lug, quick-connect, wirewrap, etc. Please refer to the ITW Switches Characteristics/Circuits for more detail.
- Fixed Contact (Stationary Contact):The non-moving contact. Typically, integral to the end of the terminal inside the switch body.
- Flash Plating:Plating thickness of 10 micro inches (0.00001) or less, typically done with gold plate.
- Flux:Chemical used for cleaning metal surfaces for welding. Fluxes turn contaminated metal surfaces into clean, solderable part.