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The PSE EX piezo switch from SCHURTER has achieved approval according to ATEX class II 2 G Ex ib IIB T4. This approval enables the switch to be employed in explosive facilities above ground.
The protection class refers to the permissible application in areas where an explosive atmosphere can arise from a mix of air and gases, vapors or mists. The switch may be typically used in oil/gas production systems, in petrochemistry, as well as in paint and varnish mixing facilities. Preparations for extending the approval to include dust-Ex applications are underway. The standard design is available for a mounting diameter of 16mm with pin connections and various housing colors. Additional mounting diameters and connection designs are available
upon request.
The switches for Ex applications are labeled with the type of approval and an identification number. In accordance with the ATEX guidelines, an installation manual is included in the scope of delivery.
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Bulgin announces new version of MPI range of illuminated vandal resistant switches.
All MPI switches have bodies and buttons machined from high-grade stainless steel. A tough Polycarbonate lens in the stainless steel actuator gives a robust and aesthetically-pleasing switch.
All switches are front-panel sealed to IP66. However, Bulgin’s new range is also rear-of-panel sealed. This makes them suitable for use outdoors or in other situations where condensation or leakage behind control panels can be problematic. Rear panel sealing is available in a variety of styles, including single and dual colour with dot or ring LED illumination. Independent switch and LED terminals allows customers the flexibility to choose between permanent or controlled illumination. Contacts are single-pole push-to-make.
“The MPI series of switches boast IP66 sealed properties combined with a rugged design and a variety of style options,” comments John Wilson, MD of Elektron Technology. “With this latest addition to the Bulgin range Elektron Technology further enhances its complete design-and-manufacture service, offering our customers across a number of industries a flexible, quality solution to meet their control panel design needs.”
The switches have either solder tags or screw terminals, which facilitates easy field servicing, and also feature potted moulding and flying leads to the rear of the switch. With integral supply resistors the LEDs can now be driven directly from 6, 12 and 24V supplies.
The MPI series is tested to 750,000 mechanical and 35,000 electrical operations and rated at 50mA, 24V dc. The series has also recently undergone design improvements at construction stage, incorporating surface mount LEDs and TVS’s.
All switches in the MPI series have momentary action contacts making them ideal for access control and door entry applications including lifts, panic buttons, car park barriers, emergency telephones, vending machines and food processing.
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Eaton's Vehicle Controls Business Unit (VCBU) manufactures a extensive line of vehicle controls and commercial switch products. Products range from standard electromechanical switches to custom electronic human interface solutions, and are sold direct to the OEM or through an extensive distributor network. Engineers in our QS 9000 Quality System Certified facilities can work with you to develop the custom products you require in your individual application.
Markets Served Include:
* Transportation (Truck, Bus and Specialty Vehicles)
* Off-Road Vehicles
* Construction Vehicles
* General Commercial Applications
Eaton Vehicle & Commercial Controls Catalogue
http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/Markets/Electrical/Products/LogicControl/VehicleandCommercialControl/index.htm
UK Distributor: E. Preston (Electrical) Ltd
Tel: +44(0)161 339 5177
Fax: +44(0)161 343 1935
Email: sales@epreston.co.uk
Web: https://www.epreston.co.uk/
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With over 26,000 combinations Bulgin’s Polysnap mains power inlet modules offer a very adaptable and flexible solution to panel design.
Click HERE for Polysnap Catalogue
Polysnap allow combinations of mains inlets and outlets, filtered inlets, switches, fuseholders, voltage selectors, indicators and circuit breakers mounted in either horizontal or vertical format bezels ready for quick snap-fit assembly. The compact design occupies the minimum of panel area and a single rectangular mounting hole, offering easy installation for this mains power entry module.
To complement Polysnap the Polyflange range offers a flange fixing alternative for designers who prefer the security of screw fixing. All types and variations are available through Bulgin’s extensive
distribution network.
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By achieving the seal-tight protection class of IP69K, SCHURTER is extending the spectrum of potential applications for its already tried-and-tested PSE family of piezo switches. The qualification test was carried out using a high-pressure vapor stream at 90 Bar and a temperature of 80°C.
The hermetically sealed piezo switches can now be used in areas, which are regularly disinfected or cleaned using high-pressure cleaners. This renders them ideal for use in applications exposed to high levels of dirt and grime such as food processing, commercial cooking and transportation.
Besides the extraordinarily long lifetime of more than 20 million switching cycles, SCHURTER piezo switches also reveal a high level of robustness due to their stainless steel or aluminum housing.
The following mounting diameters are available as standard: 16, 19, 22, 24, 27 and 30 mm. Other mounting diameters, materials, colors and shapes are possible, according to individual design requirements.
Point or ring illumination is offered in mounting sizes 22 mm and up. This feature can be used to illuminate the actuating surface in a continuous mode or to display the switch position on or off.
Laser lettering is available and done in house to minimize lead times. A broad range of standard legends and symbols are available. Customer-specific inscriptions are also available.
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Arcolectric now offer an integral moulded guard for its 1550 and 1350 range of double pole rocker switches. The guard is an extension of the rocker switch bezel on two sides and is designed to reduce the possibility of accidental switch operation.
This option can also be used with an additional hinged cover to provide even more protection against accidental operation of the switch. The cover is available in various colours to suit the switch body colour or transparent polycarbonate for use with illuminated switches, allowing visual confirmation of switch status without having to open the protective cover.
These two new product variants are available for Arcolectric's double pole 1550 and 1350 series, on all switching operations in the L style bodies, which fit into 30mm x 22mm panel cut-outs.
This simple addition to the switch body extends the useful application of this product into areas where security or safety of switch operation is of paramount importance.
The 1500 series of switches have ratings up to 16(4)A 250Vac with a wide choice of terminal options, alternative switching circuits including 3 position types with a variety of rocker switch profiles, body sizes and bezels. The 1350 is a high in-rush version rated at 150A to EN61058-1. Matching indicators are also available to complete the range.
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For use in extreme ambient conditions, particularly outdoor applications.
With the new piezo keypads SCHURTER provides key panels that are impervious to all kinds of dirt and fluids. The keypads are particularly suitable for use in outdoor applications due to their ability to resist extreme ambient conditions such as negative temperatures, ice and snow. The keypads fulfill the IP69K protection class and have a reliable operating temperature from -25°C to + 85°C. The accessory kit from SCHURTER enable the keypad to be sealed into the housing with the IP68 protection class. The piezo keypads can be mounted into the housing from the front or
the rear.

As a standard, the keypads are available as a number block with 12 or 16 keys and with an aluminium front. Point illumination may be integrated into the individual key fields as optical feedback or for user navigation. The operating panel can be designed in several colours in both the aluminium and stainless steel versions. In addition, SCHURTER can provide keypads that are adapted to customer requirements with respect to outer geometry as well as to the number and arrangement of the keys.
By using the piezo principle, the keypads are free of mechanical parts and therefore have an extremely long lifetime of more than 20 million actuations. The completely sealed operating panel is easy to clean and is resistant to common cleaning agents. The metal surface with an IK05 impact strength renders the keypads highly resistant to impacts from outside. The piezo keypads provide a high level of functional reliability, leading to a reduction in maintenance costs.
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E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, has introduced a new variant of its extremely versatile and reliable 3120 Series of rocker-actuated, combined switch / circuit breakers. The optional integral LED illumination in a range of colours that is now available on the Type 3120 offers power saving and improved endurance compared to earlier versions with filament bulbs. The well-proven 3120 is used widely for applications which include electrical machinery, power tools, household appliances and garden machinery, as well as for marine control panels, medical equipment and communications systems.

The versatile S-type E-T-A 3120 thermal circuit breaker range is designed for frequent ON/OFF switching under normal load conditions, at the same time providing accurate overcurrent protection with a trip-free mechanism. The illumination is offered in a choice of red, yellow, green and blue. The 3120 is suitable for switching applications up to 50V DC or 240/415V AC with a choice of current ratings from 0.1A up to 20A for single or double-pole applications. Designed for snap-in frame mounting, it can be specified with a water splash protection cover for rugged environments, and an actuator guard that protects against inadvertent resets.
The new LED versions require less than 2mA in operation, compared to earlier versions with filament bulbs which required between 20mA and 60mA. Improved illumination endurance, as well as reduced susceptibility to shock, vibration and low temperatures, also means lower maintenance requirements.
The E-T-A 3120 range carries EN 60934 Circuit Breaker for Equipment approval as well as approvals from respected authorities such as UL and CSA. The 3120 provides proven reliability for many demanding applications, including recreational and workboats as it is suitable for even the harshest conditions experienced at sea.
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Metal Switches with High Resistance to Destructive
Elements, Fully Illuminated Actuating Surface
The new MSM CS metal switch from SCHURTER is equipped with an actuator made of highly durable ceramic. Ceramic is a new technology employed in the production of an electro-mechanical switch. The new switch provides novel features that open up entirely new areas of application. The actuator material of the MSM CS is resistant to scratches, abrasion, impact and chemicals.

The non-illuminated version has a translucent white actuating surface. Lettering is black and is applied directly onto the ceramic material. Due to the base material and the lettering process, the lettering is resistant to scratches and to common cleaning agents. In the case of switches designed with illumination, the actuator surface fully illuminates uniformly across the entire surface. Lettering and symbols can also be applied. The standard black lettering provides a positive effect against the illuminated actuator, while negative lettering provides an inverse effect.
The MSM CS is extremely robust and meets vandal-proof demands due to the low profile of the front structure (1.7 mm), the IP 69K protection class and the high level of impact resistance. The switch is available in 19 mm and 22 mm mounting diameters. Different contact configurations are offered over a range of 30 VDC to 250 VAC for the admissible switching voltage; switching currents are permissible from 0.1 to 10 Amperes. The MSM CS is equipped with quick connect terminals to allow for fast connections. The wires are connected to the switching element which is subsequently snapped onto the switch housing.
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IP56 Rated Against Damp and Dust: Long Product Life
Cherry Electrical Products has launched three new families of waterproof rocker switches which are available rated for various AC and DC voltages, including high current 20A versions. Typical product applications include outdoor power equipment, such as sprayers and power tools; garden vehicles such as lawn mowers; automotive products like dashboards and window controls; other types of non-road transport, including boats and snowmobiles, and medical equipment, for example, oxygen concentrators.
Three families of rocker switches are available: the KG, KM and KT series, which cover a wide variety of pole, throw and switch function options to support such a diverse range of customer applications. All three families are rated to IP56 against water ingress or dust and are approved under UL and VDE.

The KG series includes one single pole, single throw (SPST) switch, (on-off), two SPDT (on-on and on-off-on) and one DPDT version (on-off-on), all with black actuators and frames, designed with snap-in mountings to fit panel cut-outs of 1.449in x 0.835in (36.80mm x 21.20mm). Electrical ratings are: 21A 14VDC and two UL1054 rated versions: 20A 125VAC and 10A 250VAC. Temperature rated from -20degC to +85degC, and with a mechanical life of 100,000 cycles, these switches are robust enough to withstand repeated use in tough environments.
The KM family of waterproof rocker switches is available as single pole, single throw or single pole, double throw and two double pole versions with single or double throw, and is available lighted and non-lighted. The actuator and housing are both black, with red or green lenses for lighted versions. Electrical ratings are 20A 125VAC, 10A 250VAC and 21A 14VDC, with a dielectric strength of 1500 VAC for 1 minute.
KT series SPST and SPDT switches are oblong with black oblong actuators and are designed for easy snap-in mounting on panel cut-outs of 1.454in x 0.602in (36.80mm x 15.20mm). Both lighted and non-lighted versions are available. Electrical ratings are: 21A 14VDC; an EN61058-rated 10(4)A 250V version; and two UL1054 rated switches - 20A 125VAC, 1/3HP and 10A 250VAC, 3/4HP.
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© E. Preston (Electrical) Ltd 2026.
UK distributor of electrical and electronic components.