Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

CSM_MicroSwitch_TG_E_3_2

Introduction
What Is a Basic Switch?

Sensors
A Basic Switch is a small switch with a very small contact gap and snap-action mechanism and with a contact structure that
switches for a specified movement and specified force enclosed in a case with an actuator provided on the exterior of the case.
The following Basic Switch structure is shown as an example.
Basic Switches are mainly comprised of five components.

Switches
Actuator Contact section
Transfers external move-
Securely opens and
ment and force to the in-
closes the electrical circuit.

Safety Components
ternal mechanism.

Case

Relays
Protects the internal
mechanism with superior
electrical insulation and
mechanical strength.

Control Components
Snap-action mechanism Terminal section
Performs a snap action us- Connects to external cir-
ing a superior conductive cuits.
spring.

Structural Diagram of Typical Basic Switch

Automation Systems
Motion / Drives
Energy Conservation Support /
Environment Measure Equipment
Power Supplies /
In Addition
Others
Common

1
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

Explanation of Terms
General Terms
(1) General Terms (3) Terms Related to Durability

Sensors
Basic Switch: A small-size switch with a very small contact gap and Mechanical Durability: The switching durability when a switch is
snap-action mechanism and with a contact structure that switches by operated at a specified frequency and specified overtravel (OT)
a specified movement and specified force enclosed in a case with an without the contacts energized.
actuator provided on the exterior of the case. (Basic switches are Electrical Durability: The switching durability when a switch is
often referred to as merely "switches" in this catalog.) operated at a specified frequency and specified overtravel (OT) under
Switch with Contacts: A type of switch that achieves the switching the rated load.

Switches
function through the mechanical switching of contacts. Use as
opposed to a semiconductor switch with switch characteristics. (4) Standard Test Conditions
Contact Form: The structure of the electrical I/O circuits of contacts Switches are tested under the following conditions.
used according to the type of application. (Refer to Contact Form Ambient temperature: 20 ± 2°C
table later in this section.) Relative humidity: 65 ± 5%RH

Safety Components
Ratings: Value generally used as a reference for ensuring the Atmospheric pressure: 101.3 kPa
characteristics and performance of switches, such as the rated
current and rated voltage. Ratings are given assuming specific (5) N-level Reference Value
conditions (such as the type of load, current, voltage, and frequency). The N-level reference value indicates the failure rate of the switch.
Resin Filled (Molded Terminal): A terminal which is filled with resin The following formula indicates that the failure rate is 1/2,000,000 at
after being connected to the internal circuit of the switch with a lead to a reliability level of 60% (λ60).
eliminate exposed current-carrying metal parts and thereby to λ60 = 0.5 × 10–6/operations
enhance the drip-proof properties of the switch.

Relays
Insulation Resistance: The resistance between discontinuous (6) Contact Shape and Type
terminals, between terminals and non-current-carrying metal parts,
Main Processing Main
and between terminals and ground. Shape Type
material method application
Dielectric Strength: The threshold value up to which insulation will
Crossbar contacts are used for
not be destroyed when a high voltage is applied for 1 minute to a ensuring high contact reliability for

Control Components
predetermined measurement location. switching micro loads.
Gold The moving contact and fixed contact
Contact Resistance: The electrical resistance of the contact point of come in contact with each other at a right
Crossbar alloy
contacts. Generally, the contact resistance includes the conductive contact Silver
angle. Crossbar contacts are made with
materials that environment-resistant,
resistance of the spring or terminal section. alloy such as gold alloy.
Vibration Resistance: In order to ensure excellent contact
Malfunction: The range of vibration for which closed contacts will not reliability, bifurcated crossbar contacts
may be used.

Automation Systems
open for longer than a specific time when vibration is applied to a
switch currently in operation. Needle contacts are used for ensuring
improvement in contact reliability for
Shock Resistance: switching loads, such as relays.
Destruction: The range of shock for which the components of the A needle contact is made from a rivet
Needle Silver contact by reducing the bending radius of
switch will not be damaged and for which operating characteristics Welding
the rivet contact to approximately 1 mm
are maintained when mechanical shock is applied to a switch during or riveting for the purpose of improving the contact
transportation or installation. pressure per unit area.
Malfunction: The range of shock for which closed contacts will not

Motion / Drives
Rivet contacts are used in a wide
open for longer than a specific time when shock is applied to a switch application range from standard to
currently in operation. high-capacity loads.
The fixed rivet contact is usually
Silver processed so that it has a groove to
(2) Terms for Configuration and Structure Silver eliminate compounds that may be
generated as a result of switching.
Switch Configuration and Structure Rivet plated Furthermore, to prevent the oxidation or
Silver alloy

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
sulfidization of the silver contacts while
Operating Body Gold plated the switch is stored, the contacts may
A part of a machine or equipment, such as be gold-plated.
a cam or dog, which operates the actuator Contacts made with silver alloy are
of the switch.
used for switching high current, such as
the current supplied to TV sets.
Actuator
An actuator is a part of
the switch and is a gener- (7) Contact Gap
ic term that includes
pushbuttons and levers.
The contact gap is either 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.8 mm. The contact gap
is a design goal. Check the contact gap of the switch to be used if a
Power Supplies /

External force imposed on

In Addition

the actuator is relayed to

the internal spring mecha-
minimum contact gap is required. The standard contact gap is 0.5
nism, thus moving the mm. Even for the same switch configuration, the smaller the contact
moving contact to turn the
switch ON or OFF.
gap of a switch mechanism is, the less the movement differential (MD)
is and the more sensitivity and longer durability the switch has. Such
a switch cannot ensure, however, excellent switching performance,
Contact Gap
A distance between the fixed con- vibration resistance, or shock resistance.
tact and moving contact when they A switch becomes less sensitive when the movement differential (MD)
are separated from each other,
increases along with the contact gap due to the wear and tear of the
Others

thus enabling switching operation.

Mounting Hole contacts as a result of current switching operations. If a switch with a
Switch Case Moving Contact Terminals
contact gap of 0.25 mm is used for its high sensitivity, it will be necessary
Also called the housing. Also called a moving spring. A Section where electrical to minimize the switching current in order to prevent the wear and tear of
Protects the switch mech- part of a mechanism for touch- wires are connected for input
anism. ing or separating from the fixed and output of the switch.
the contacts as a result of current switching operations.
contact. A switch with a wide contact gap excels in vibration resistance, shock
resistance, and switching performance.
Common

For information on the MD (movement differential), refer to the terms

related to operating characteristics (page 4).

2
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

Operating Accuracy Vibration

Character Contact DC
force and and and shock Feature
NC contacts displayed gap switching

Sensors
movement durability resistance
Moving contact
0.25 High precision and
H Minimal
mm long durability
Contact gap
0.50 General-purpose
NO contacts G Short
mm applications
1.00 Performance level
F Medium
mm between G and E

Switches
1.80 Highly vibration and
E Long
mm shock resistive

:Excellent :Good :Ordinary :Inferior

Safety Components
(8) Snap-action Mechanism
A snap-action mechanism is the mechanism by which the moving As shown in the following figure on the Switch force relationship,
contact quickly moves from one fixed contact to another fixed contact compression spring counterforce F1 is at equilibrium because of
with minimal relation to the speed at which the switch is operated. If forces F2 and F0 at the free position where no external force is applied
the handle of a knife switch, for example, is moved quickly, the action to the actuator. F0 is the force at which moving contact C is pushed to
is referred to as quick, but the mechanism by which the speed at the other contact, fixed contact B.
which the handle is moved directly correlates to the movement speed Next, force is applied to a part of the pulling spring through the
of the contacts is referred to as slow-action movement rather than actuator, the pulling spring is displaced, forces F1 and F2 at point N

Relays
snap-action movement. The faster the contact switching speed, the progressively increase until the two angles together approach 180°,
shorter the connection time for arcing generated between the and eventually equilibrium is reached with only F1 and F2, i.e., F0 = 0.
contacts. Between the free point and the point where F0 = 0, a bending action
As a result, contact wear and damage are reduced, and stable works to move the contact horizontally, and the compression spring is
characteristics can be maintained. At this switching speed, however, even further bent.

Control Components
in addition to mechanical limits, there is a limit to the speed that is From the position where F0 = 0, a minute displacement applied to the
effective to reduce arcing (i.e., economical speed). In particular, if the pulling spring because of external force produces a force in the
switching speed is too high when the circuit is open, the increased opposite direction, F0, the strong force of the maximally bent
collision energy of the moving and fixed contacts will cause bouncing, compression spring sharply pushes moving spring C downward, and
and the arcing that is generated will produce marked wear on the moving spring C transfers to the opposing fixed contact A by crossing
contacts and contact welding may render the circuit unable to open. open space.

Automation Systems
To perform this quick action, a spring mechanism is used. The spring Basic Switches use these operating principles to perform contact
mechanism generally uses a dead point, which is the critical action switching at a switching speed (i.e., opening speed) specific to the
point when one condition changes in a springing manner to another switch, regardless of the speed of the force with which the pulling
condition. spring is pushed. The position at which F0 = 0 is referred to as the
The following figure shows an example of a snap-action mechanism operating position, which nearly corresponds with the position at
that combines the pulling spring and the compression spring of a which a part of the pulling spring passes through the dead point.
Basic Switch. The same operating principles apply if a releasing operation is

Motion / Drives
The following section provides a description of the operating performed when the external force is removed. The driving force,
principles of the snap-action mechanism for double-throw Z-series however, will be the opposing force of the bent spring.
Switches

Operating Principles of Basic Switches Using Pulling Spring and Compression Spring

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
Condition Force relation Double-throw Double-throw Double-break
Switch operating condition (Z Switch)
Position (Z Switch) (Z Switch) (V Switch) (WL Switch)

Fixed contact B
No external force N
Fixed end ring
Pulling sp F0 F1
Free F2
position n sp ring
Compressio N
Hook Fixed contact A
Power Supplies /

Moving contact C
In Addition

External force External

External force force
External force
Operating N
F0 = 0 F1
position F2
N
Others

External force External

External force force
Total travel N F1
External force F2
position
N F0
Common

3
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

(9) Contact Resistance vs. Contacting Force

The contact resistance depends on the contacting force. The

Sensors
following figure shows the relationship. The contacting resistance
becomes stable (i.e., smaller) as the contacting strength increases.
Conversely, the contacting resistance becomes unstable (i.e., larger)
as the contacting strength decreases.
Contact Resistance vs. Contacting Force

Switches
Contact resistance

Safety Components
Relays
Contacting force

(10) Terms Related to Operating Characteristics

Definitions of Operating Characteristics Classification Term Abbreviation Unit Dispersion Definition

Control Components
The force applied to the actuator required to
Operating
OF N Max. operate the switch contacts from the free
Force
position to the operating position.
The value to which the force on the actuator
Releasing
Force RF N Min. must be reduced to allow the contacts to
Force
return to the normal position.

Automation Systems
The force required for the actuator to reach
Total Travel
TTF N the total travel position from the free
Force
position.
Releasing position The distance or angle through which the
mm or
Free position Pretravel PT Max. actuator moves from the free position to the
Operating position degrees
operating position.
RF
OF The distance or angle of the actuator
mm or
RT Overtravel OT Min. movement beyond the operating position to
degrees

Motion / Drives
PT
TTF MD
TT the total travel position.
Travel
OT The distance or angle of the actuator from
Movement mm or
MD Max. the operating position to the releasing
Differential degrees
FP position.
RP
OP
The distance or angle of the actuator
TTP mm or
Total travel position Total Travel TT movement from the free position to the total
degrees

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
travel position.
Free mm or The initial position of the actuator when no
FP Max.
Position degrees external force is applied.
Z Center of switch mounting hole
The position of the actuator at which the
Operating mm or contacts snap to the operated contact
OP ±
Position degrees position when external force is applied from
Position the free position.
The position of the actuator at which the
Power Supplies /

Releasing mm or
RP contacts snap from the operated contact
In Addition

Position degrees
position to their free position.
Total Travel mm or The position of the actuator when it reaches
TTP
Position degrees the stopper.

Example of Fluctuation:
Example: Z-15G-B with Operating Force of 2.45 to 3.43 N
The above means that each switch sample operates with a maximum operating force (OF) of 3.43 N when increasing the OF imposed on the actuator from 0.
For information of setting the switch stroke, refer to 1. Operating Stroke Setting on page 4 of Safety Precautions for All Basic Switches.
Others
Common

4
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

(11) Force vs. Stroke vs. Contacting Force time here derives from the contact resistance instability due to
The operating contact wiping and the decrease in contacting force

Sensors
characteristics of Basic en
t immediately before the contact reversal described above.
OF em
Switches are expressed m ov The reverse time derives from the mechanical reversing of the
ard
in terms of force vs. Fo
rw snap-action mechanism. Bounce time derives from the
t
stroke. The figure at the en
Force
ov
em bouncing that occurs when the moving contact collides with
right shows this RF
tur
n m
the fixed contact. During the unstable time and bounce time,
Re
relationship. The stroke
the contacts become heated, which causes contact welding

Switches
(i.e., actuator
and may result in incorrect operation of the electronic circuit
movement) is given on
the horizontal axis and FP RP OP TTP for connections made with the electronic circuit. The Basic
Stroke
Switches are therefore designed to minimize unstable time
Contacting strength

the force applied to the PT MD OT

actuator is given on the and bounce time.

Safety Components
vertical axis. The 1 mA or 100 mA 1 mA or 100 mA
NC
following describes the
FP
characteristics of Basic NC NO
Basic Switch
Switches. Reverse
6 to 8 VDC
6 to 8 VDC
1. The operating Reverse Stroke
position (OP) and +
NO
releasing position Resistance Memory scope

(RP) of the switch −

Relays
can be determined
because the
switch makes a
switching sound Operating time

as the force Reverse time

Control Components
Force vs. Stroke vs. Contacting Force
suddenly Unstable time

fluctuates when NC voltage Bounce time

the switch operates and resets. (or NO)

2. Movement differential makes Basic Switches suitable as

detection switches in equipment because the moving Time
contact is stable at either fixed contact even if the operating

Automation Systems
body that operates the actuator wobbles or moves up and
down to some degree. NO voltage
3. Quickly performing contact switching reduces arc (or NC)

connection time during current switching, which enables Contact switching time
switching of large loads for a small switch.
The relation between the stroke and the operating force is shown (13) Contact Wiping
in the figure above. The contacting force at the free position Wiping may occur on the contacts or barely occur at all depending on

Motion / Drives
decreases as the actuator is pressed in, and reaches zero when the type of snap-action mechanism. Wiping is the action of the
it is pressed to the OP. The moving contact inverts from the moving contact wiping the surface of the fixed contact based on the
normally closed (NC) side to the normally open (NO) side, and a contacting force. The following figure illustrates wiping during
contacting force is immediately produced. The NO-side operation and reset of the moving contact.
contacting force increases when the actuator is further pressed
Wiping has the effect of removing contact welding caused by

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
in. When the actuator returns, a contacting force is produced on
inrush current and cleaning the contact surfaces.
the NC side after the NO side becomes zero.
Operation Reset
(12) Contact Switching Time
NC-side
The figure at the right fixed contact
shows the relation Moving contact Moving contact
between operating
Contact switching speed

FP TTP
Power Supplies /

NO-side
speed and contact
In Addition

fixed contact
switching time.
Contact switching
time increases as the
actuator operating Immediately
Immediately
speed decreases. before OP before RP
The contact switching Operating speed
Others

Contact Switching Time and Operating Speed Amount of swiping Amount of swiping
time is therefore during operation during operation reset
measured at the
minimum operating speed. For the measurement circuit in the (14) Terminal Symbol and Contact Form
figure at the right, the applied current is 1 mA for microload Symbol Terminal symbol
Basic Switches and 100 mA for standard Basic Switches. As
COM Common terminal
shown in the figure at the right, the contact switching time is
Common

NC Normally closed terminal

the sum of the unstable time, reverse time, and bounce time,
NO Normally open terminal
which is 5 to 15 ms for general Basic Switches. The unstable

5
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

(15) Terminal Types (16) Contact Form

Type Shape Symbol Name

Sensors
Solder terminal COM NC SPDT
NO

Quick-connect terminal SPST-NC

COM NC
(#110, #187, and #250)
SPST-NO

Switches
COM NO
Screw terminal
NC
COM NO Split contacts Z-10FY-B
PCB terminal NC
NO

Safety Components
Angle terminal
COM NC Maintained contacts Z-
NO 15ER
Note: In addition to the above, molded terminals with lead wires and
snap-on mounting connectors are available.

COM NC COM NC DPDT DZ

NO NO

Relays
Terms Related to EN61058-1 Standards
• Electric Shock Protective Class: Indicates the electric shock • Ambient Operating Temperature: Indicates the operating
preventive level. The following classes are provided. temperature range of the switch. Refer to the following table for

Control Components
Class 0: Electric shocks are prevented by basic insulation only. the meanings of the notation.
Class I: Electric shocks are prevented by basic insulation and Symbol T85 25T85
grounding. Temperature range 0°C to 85°C –25°C to 85°C
Class II: Electric shocks are prevented by double insulation or
enforced insulation with no grounding required. • Solder Terminal Type 1: A type of solder terminal classified
Class III: No countermeasures against electric shocks are by heat resistance under the following test conditions.
required because the electric circuits in use operate

Automation Systems
Dip soldering bath applied:
in a low-enough voltage range (50 VAC max. or
The terminal must not wobble or make any change in
70 VDC max.) insulation distance after the terminal is dipped for a
• Proof Tracking Index (PTI): Indicates the index of tracking specified depth and period into a dip soldering bath at a
resistance, that is, the maximum dielectric strength with no temperature of 235°C at specified speed.
short-circuiting between two electrodes attached to the switch Soldering iron applied:
sample while 50 drops of 0.1% ammonium chloride solution are The terminal must not wobble or make any change in
dropped between the electrodes drop by drop. Five levels are

Motion / Drives
insulation distance after the terminal is soldered by
provided. The following table indicates the relationship applying wire solder that is 0.8 mm in diameter for two to
between these PTI levels and CTI values according to the UL three seconds by using a soldering iron, the tip
Plastics Recognized Directory. temperature of which is 350°C.
PTI CTI Classified by UL Yellow Book • Solder Terminal Type 2: A type of solder terminal classified
by heat resistance under the following test conditions.

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
PLC level 1: 400 ≤ CTI < 600
500
(Check with material manufacturer to see if the material meets CTI 500) Dip soldering bath applied:
PLC level 2: 250 ≤ CTI < 400 The terminal must not wobble or make any change in
375
(Check with material manufacturer to see if the material meets CTI 375)
insulation distance after the terminal is dipped for a
PLC level 2: 250 ≤ CTI < 400 specified depth and period into a dip soldering bath at a
300
(Check with material manufacturer to see if the material meets CTI 300)
temperature of 260°C at specified speed.
250 PLC level 2: 250 ≤ CTI < 400
Soldering iron applied:
175 PLC level 3: 175 ≤ CTI < 250
The terminal must not wobble or make any change in
Power Supplies /
In Addition

• Number of Operations: Indicates the operation number of insulation distance after the terminal is soldered by
durability test provided by the standard. They are classified into applying wire solder that is 0.8 mm in diameter for 5
the following levels and the switch must bear the corresponding seconds by using a soldering iron, the tip temperature of
symbol. A switch with high switching frequency must withstand which is 350°C.
50,000 switching operations and that with low switching • Clearance distance: The minimum space distance between
frequency must withstand 10,000 operations to satisfy IEC two charged parts or between a charged part and a metal
standards. foil stuck to the non-metal switch housing.
Others

Number of operations Symbol

• Creepage distance: The minimum distance on the surface of
100,000 1E5 the insulator between two charged parts or between a charged
50,000 5E4 part and a metal foil stuck to the non-metal switch housing.
25,000 25E3 • Distance through insulation: The minimum direct distance
10,000 No symbol required between the charged part and a metal foil stuck to the
isolative switch housing through air plus any other insulator
Common

6,000 6E3
3,000 3E3 thickness including the housing itself. The distance through
1,000 1E3 insulation will be the insulator thickness when there is no
300 3E2 distance through air.

6
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

Further Information
Basic Switch Actuator Type and Selection Methods

Sensors
Shock and
Pretravel Overtravel Operating Repeat
Appearance Type vibration Description
(PT) (OT) force (OF) accuracy
resistance

★★ Suitable for short direct strokes, switch characteristics are

★★ ★★ used directly, and high-precision position detection is
Pin plunger Small Small Large
／ ★★ possible. The overtravel, however, is the shortest of any
★★★ actuator, requiring a reliable stopper.

Switches
Overtravel is longer than for a pin plunger, but the same
Slim spring application methods are possible. The plunger diameter is
plunger
Small Medium Large ★★ ★★★ slightly larger, but off-center loads must be avoided, i.e.,
the load must be on the center of the plunger.

Safety Components
Overtravel is large, just as for a slim spring plunger. The
Short spring
plunger
Small Medium Large ★★ ★★ plunger is short and has a larger diameter to make
alignment easier.

The overtravel is the largest of all plunger types. The

switch is mounted to a panel using a hexagonal nut and
Panel mount lock nut (mounting position can be adjusted by adjusting
plunger
Small Large Large ★★ ★★ the nuts). The plunger can be operated either manually or
mechanically, and usage in combination with a low-speed
cam is also possible.

Relays
A roller is attached to a panel mount plunger switch and is
Panel
operated with a cam or dog. The mounting position can be
mounted
Small Large Large ★★ ★ adjusted the same as a panel mount plunger switch, but
(cross) roller
the overtravel is slightly smaller. Cross rollers are also
plunger
available that run parallel to the switch.

Control Components
The stroke is larger because of a strong leaf spring, making
this actuator suitable for low-speed cams or cylinder drives.
Leaf spring Medium Medium Medium ★ ★★ The bearing point is fixed, so the overtravel must be
maintained within specifications in the application to prevent
damage.

Roller leaf A leaf spring actuator with a roller attached. Suitable for
Medium Medium Medium ★ ★★

Automation Systems
spring cam or dog operation.

Used with a low-speed, low-torque cam. The shape of the

Hinge lever Large Medium Small ★ ★ lever can be changed to match the operating body. Steel
is mainly used as the material for the lever.

Motion / Drives
Simulated A hinge lever with the end bent into a curve to enable
roller lever
Large Medium Small ★ ★ application as a simple roller.

Hinge roller A hinge lever with a roller attached. Suitable for high-
Large Medium Small ★ ★

Energy Conservation Support /

lever speed cam operation.

Environment Measure Equipment

The actuator can be operated with the operating body
One-way moving in one direction. If the operating body comes from
action hinge Medium Medium Medium ★ ★ the other direction, the roller will bend and operation will
roller lever fail. It can be use to prevent operation in the wrong
direction.
Used with a low-speed, low-torque
Power Supplies /

Reverse cam, the shape of the lever can be Reverse operation is

★
In Addition

operation Large Small Medium ★★★ changed to match the operating

achieved with a coil
hinge lever body. Steel is mainly used as the spring that
material for the lever. continuously presses
a pushbutton. The
Reverse
A reverse operation hinge lever pushbutton is
operation
Medium Medium Medium ★ ★★★ with a roller attached. Suitable for pressed in the free
hinge roller
cam operation. state, so high
lever
resistance is
provided to vibration
Others

A hinge roller lever that is shorter

Reverse and shock. (The
for reverse operation. The
operation operating force is
Small Medium Large ★ ★★★ operating force is larger, but it is
short hinge larger.)
suitable for cam operation with a
roller lever
short stroke.
Can be operated in any of 360° except in the direction
running along the center of the rod. The operating force is
Flexible rod Large Large Small ★ ★ small. Effective for detecting when the direction or shape
Common

is not consistent. The overtravel is absorbed by the

actuator, providing a large leeway in operating object play.
Note: Indications for repeat accuracy and shock and vibration resistance are as follows: ★: OK, ★★: Good, ★★★: Excellent, ★★★★: Superior

7
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

Selecting PCB Basic Switches

Selecting PCB Basic Switches According to Environmental Conditions

Sensors
Use the Basic Switch with the sealing and grade that are suitable to the dirt, gas, dust, and water droplets conditions.
Basic Switches
Dirt
Water Degree of
and Gas Models Environmental resistance Sealing
droplets protection
dust

Switches
D2A D3DC
D3C Dirt and dust hardly enter the
Δ × × IP00
D2X Switch. No protection is
D3D provided against gas, water,
VSS-P oil, or other liquids.
D3V-01D2S If there is a possibility that the
VXD2F Switch will be subject to

Safety Components
D2MVJ water or other liquid, use a
Δ × × IP40 Basic Switch with IP67 Dirt and dust hardly enter the Basic Switches by reducing
D2RVD2MQ
D2MCD2D protection or use a Limit the gaps at the actuator section (the pushbutton and case),
D3MD2T Switch. between the case and cover, and at terminal section by
SS means of giving mating sections interlocking shapes.
These Switches provide
superior dust resistance and
water resistance because they
D2VW models with terminals have no gaps inside the Actuator section sealing

Relays
O IP67 D2SW models with terminals Switches, for example, at the
(except (except D2SW-P models with terminals actuator section or between
O Δ
terminal terminal D2HW models with terminals the case and cover. The
sections) sections) D2JW models with terminals terminal sections are exposed,
D2QW models with terminals so if there is a possibility that
the Switch will be subject to

Control Components
water or other liquid, use a
model with lead wires.
D2VW models with lead wires Actuator section sealing
The actuator, between the
D2SW models with lead wires
case and cover, and the Lead wires
D2SW-P models with lead wires
O Δ O IP67 terminal section are all
D2HW models with lead wires
sealed to keep out dirt, dust,
D2JW models with lead wires
gas, and water.
D2FW-G models

Automation Systems
Note: 1. O: Can be used, Δ: Some models can be used (check which models.), ×: Cannot be used.
2. Also refer to Safety Precautions for All Basic Switches.

Temperature and Humidity Shock and vibration resistance

• Check the ambient operating temperature range for each • In the characteristics specifications, malfunction due to
model. (with no icing or condensation) vibration or shock means that the contacts open for longer
than 1 ms.

Motion / Drives
• Select Switches that have wide contact gaps and
lightweight operating sections.
Selecting Microload Models
If you are switching a microload, we recommend Basic Switches that have contact specifications suited to the application zone in the
microload range, as shown in the following figure.

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
5mW 0.8W 3W

D2MQ models with silver plating

D2MQ models with gold plating

Power Supplies /
In Addition

D2MC-01

D3V-01, VX-01, D2MV-01, D3M, SS-01, SS-01P, D2S-01, D2F-01, D2VW-01, D2SW-01,
D2SW-P01, D2JW, D2QW, D2A, D3C, and D2X
D2HW
Others

30
3W
DC 10
voltage (V)
5
5mW 0.8W
Common

0.1 0.16 1 5 10 20 26.6 50 100 160 500

Current (mA)

8
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

PCB Basic Switch Actuator Types and Selection Methods

Sensors
Shock and
Pretravel Overtravel Operating Repeat
Appearance Type vibration Description
(PT) (OT) force (OF) accuracy
resistance
Suitable for short direct strokes, switch characteristics are used
★★ ★★ directly, and high-precision position detection is possible.The
Pin plunger Small Small Large
★ ★★ overtravel, however, is the shortest of any actuator, requiring a
reliable stopper.

Switches
Use the deflection of the lever to achieve a large stroke. They are
Leaf lever Large Large Medium ★ ★ suitable for detecting various operating bodies, such as cams and
dogs.

Simulated
A switch with a leaf lever that is rounded on the end and can be

Safety Components
roller leaf Large Large Medium ★ ★ used as a simple roller lever switch.
lever

Used with a low-speed, low-torque cam, the shape of the lever can
Hinge lever Large Medium Small ★ ★ be changed to match the operating body.Steel is mainly used as the
material for the lever.

Simulated A hinge lever with the end bent into a curve to enable application as
roller lever
Large Medium Small ★ ★ a simple roller.

Relays
Hinge roller A hinge lever with a roller attached. Suitable for high-speed cam
lever
Large Medium Small ★ ★ operation.

Control Components
These are low-torque rotational movement actuators.
Rotary
action
Large Large Small ★ ★ These actuators are suitable for detecting coins, paper, and other
light objects.

Note: Indications for repeat accuracy and shock and vibration resistance are as follows:
ntlpxSymbol★: OK, ★★: Good, ★★★: Excellent, ★★★★: Superior
Actuators related only to the Z Switches are not covered here.

Automation Systems
Motion / Drives
Energy Conservation Support /
Environment Measure Equipment
Power Supplies /
In Addition
Others
Common

9
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

FAQs

Sensors
The load does not turn ON when the switch is What causes contact failure and what can be done
pressed. What is causing this? about it?

Switches
The following causes are probable. The following causes are possible.

Causes 1. Contact faults Cause 1 Dirt or dust adhesion.

• The actuator was not pressed sufficiently.
• A standard switch (i.e., a switch with silver

Safety Components
Countermeasure 1 Remove the cause, insert the switch into box, or
contacts) is being used for a microload use a sealed switch.
(electronic circuit).
2. Fused contacts
Cause 2 The effects of harmful ambient gases or
3. Broken internal spring switching in a low-load range is causing an
4. Incorrect operating speed
insulating film to be generated on the contact
5. Incorrect operating frequency
surface.
6. Dirt or dust adhesion

Relays
Countermeasure 2 Replace the switch with a switch that uses a
contact material with excellent environmental
resistance (e.g., gold or alloy).

Control Components
What causes degraded insulation and what can be
done about it? Cause 3 Solder flux entered the switch.

Countermeasure 3 Review the soldering method and use a switch

that flux does not enter.
The following causes are probable.

Automation Systems
Cause 1 A large load capacity is causing arcing and the The input of the programmable controller does
contacts are scattered about. not turn ON when the Basic Switch is pressed.
What causes this and what can be done about it?
Countermeasure 1 Do not use a switch to switch a direct load. Use a
relay or contactor to switch the load.

Motion / Drives
DC inputs of programmable controllers are generally
Cause 2 High humidity is high and extreme changes in 12 to 24 VDC and several milliamperes. The rated
ambient temperature have caused a lot amount current for standard Basic Switches is 5 to 10 A. Silver
of water droplets to enter the switch. Liquid contacts are used. Sulfide gas and oxidizing gas in

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
entering the switch is carbonized by arc heat. the atmosphere produce an insulating film on the
surface of silver contacts, which results in contact
Countermeasure 2 Remove the cause, insert the switch into a box, failure. Use microload Basic Switches that use gold
or use a sealed switch. alloy contacts.
Example: Z Switch
Standard Switch: Z-15GW22-B
Power Supplies /

↓
In Addition

Microload Switch: Z-01HW22-B

Others
Common

10
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

What Basic Switches are suitable as door Note: 1. Do not use the switch with the actuator continuously
pressed in. Doing so may accelerate degradation and
switches?

Sensors
change the characteristics.
2. Waterproof Z-D55 Switch
The rubber boot (i.e., rubber cap) hardens as the ambient
Hinge roller lever switches are suitable. temperature decreases. Therefore, resetting will be
Example: Z-GW22 delayed and may fail if the switch is used with the actuator
pressed in for a long time in a low-temperature
Sliding Door 1 environment. If the switch is to be used for this type of
environment or application, contact your OMRON

Switches
Turns ON (or OFF) when door closes.
representative for special switches that use silicon rubber
for the rubber boot (rubber cap) for superior resistance
Dog
against cold.

The contacts are occasionally open when they

Safety Components
should be touching. What causes this and what
Turns OFF (or ON) when door opens. can be done about it?

30° max.
The following reasons are possible.

Note: 1. The amount the actuator is pressed is roughly Causes Vibration or shock imposed on the switch is

Relays
70% to 100% of the OT rated value. causing the contacts to open.
2. When the door is opened, the first position that
the actuator comes into contact with is the slope
of the dog. Countermeasure Replace the switch with one that has a greater
contacting force
Sliding Door 2

Control Components
(generally, a switch with high OF).
Actuators in D, Q, and S Pushbutton Switches can also
be used.
Turns ON (or OFF) when door closes. Are there high-humidity models of Basic Switches
available?

Automation Systems
There is no definition of high-humidity models for
Basic Switches, and so they are not made by
Turns OFF (or ON) when door opens.
OMRON. Use a standard model.

Motion / Drives
Note: The amount the actuator is pressed is roughly 70%
to 100% of the OT rated value.

Double Doors

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
Actuators in D, Q, and S Pushbutton Switches can also
be used.

Note: The amount the actuator is pressed is roughly 70%

Power Supplies /

to 100% of the OT rated value.

In Addition

Closet
Others

Note: The dog is basically the same as with Sliding Door

1.
Common

11
 Technical Explanation for Basic Switches

Troubleshooting
Location of
Failure Possible cause Corrective action
failure

Sensors
• Dust and dirt on the contacts.
• Remove the cause of the problem, place the
• Water or other liquid has penetrated into a switch in a box, or use a sealed switch.
switch.
• Chemical substances have been generated
on the contact surface due to the
atmosphere containing chemical corrosive

Switches
• Use a switch having contacts with high
gas. environmental resistivity (such as gold or
Contact failure
• Chemical substances have been generated alloy contacts).
on the contact surface when the switch
switches a very low load.
• Solder flux has penetrated into the switch. • Review the soldering method.

Safety Components
Failures • Remove the material generating gas, or
related to • Silicon gas exists near the switch. adjust contact capacity to prevent formation
Contact
electrical of silicon compounds on the contacts.
characteristics
• The contacts are separated from each other • Use a switch having a high contact force
Malfunction
by vibration or shock. (generally a high OF).
• Switch the load with a high-capacity relay or
Contact
• The load connected to the switch is too high. magnetic relay or insert a contact protection
welding

Relays
circuit.
• Contacts have been melted and scattered • Switch the load with a high-capacity relay or
by arc. magnetic relay.
Insulation • Water has penetrated into the switch because
degradation the switch has been used in an extremely hot

Control Components
(burning) environment. • Remove the cause of the problem, place the
switch in a box, or use a sealed switch.
• Liquid has penetrated into the switch and
been carbonized by arc heat.
• The sliding part of the actuator has been • Make sure that no excessive force is applied
damaged because an excessive force was to the actuator, or use an auxiliary actuator
applied on the actuator. mechanically strong.

Automation Systems
• Foreign material like dust, dirt and oil has • Remove the cause of the problem or place
Operating penetrated into the switch. the switch in a box.
failure • The actuator does not release because the
• Use a switch having a higher OF.
operating body is too heavy.
• The switch is loosely installed and thus does
not operate even when the actuator is at the • Secure the switch.
rated OP.

Motion / Drives
Actuator • The shape of the dog or cam is improper. • Change the design of the dog or cam.
Low
durability • The operating method is improper. • Review the operating stroke and operating
• The operating speed is too high. speed.
• Striking or other excessive shock has been • Remove the cause of problem or use a

Energy Conservation Support /

Environment Measure Equipment
Failures applied to the actuator. switch mechanically strong.
related to
• The caulked part is not good enough or the
mechanical • Replace the switch with a new one.
assembled condition is poor.
characteristics Damage
• Deformation or drop-out
• Actuator was subjected to an excessive
• Review the handling and operating method.
force and force from an inappropriate
direction.
Power Supplies /

• Screws have not been inserted straight. • Check and correct screw insertion method.
In Addition

• The mounting screws were tightened with • Tighten the screws with an appropriate
Mounting too much torque. torque.
Damage
section
• The mounting pitch is wrong. • Correct the pitch.
• The switch is not installed on a flat surface. • Install the switch on a flat surface.
• An excessive force was applied to the
• Do not apply an excessive force.
terminal while being wired.
Others

Terminal Damage • Reduce the soldering time or soldering

• The plastic part has been deformed by
temperature. (Refer to the information given
soldering heat.
under Safety Precautions for that model.)
Common

12