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Circuit Breaker Types

Circuit Breakers: Thermal and Magnetic Circuit Breakers A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that is automatically operated and is designed to protect an electrical circuit from excess current or short-circuiting. A circuit breaker’s main function is to interrupt current flow if a fault is detected. Ranging in size, our circuit breakers offer thermal protection and magnetic-hydraulic trip-free operation and can protect something as small as a household appliance or be a switchgear that protects high voltage circuits for an entire city.

Types of Toggle Switches

Maintained and momentary toggle switches A toggle switch is a type of electrical switch that is actuated by moving a lever back and forth to open or close an electrical circuit. There are two basic types: maintained contact and momentary toggle switches. A maintained switch changes its position when actuated and will remain in that position until actuated again, such as an ON/OFF function. A momentary toggle switch is actuated only when someone is operating the switch. We design and manufacture a wide range of toggle switches with several mounting options. Our broad portfolio includes toggle switches with different actuator styles and amperage ranging from 3 to 20 amps, as well as different load-carrying capabilities and locking combinations. Further, we offer switches with and without guards to prevent accidental switching as well as individual switches and complete switch assemblies with additional sealed housings. Because of its ease of operation, the toggle switch is used in various applications, including military/aerospace, commercial, plant and industrial engineering, instrumentation, and medical equipment.

Button Switches

Momentary switches: Change current with a pushbutton switch A push button switch causes a temporary change in an electrical circuit only while the switch is physically pushed. A spring returns the switch to its original position immediately afterwards. A push button is typically made of plastic or metal and may be flat-surfaced or contoured to the finger or hand. Also known as momentary switches, they are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. We offer push button switch types in wide ranges from standard to IP-rated. Our portfolio includes Alcoswitch and KISSLING switches. Common applications include emergency stop (e-stop) and alarm switches, calculator buttons, doorbells, and refrigerator light switches.

Snap Action Switches

Snap switches in multiple actuator styles Remove the definition from below and add here: - A snap action switch is a mechanical switch that sends a rapid transfer of contacts from one position to another. TE’s snap action switches come in a range of actuator styles and mounting options. Our snap product offering ranges from miniature styles to IP-rated switches and standard products.

Definite Purpose Contactors

DP contactors: Fast and convenient set up Definite purpose contactors have FLA, LRA, and Resistive UL ratings as well as horse power (HP) and lighting UL ratings. These are used in single phase and three-phase applications up to 600VAC max. DP contactors are used in applications that include agriculture, battery chargers, pools, food processing, HVAC, pumps/compressors, and vending machines. These are also used in the refrigeration, welding, pool and spa, electrical motor controllers and lighting applications where the control requirements are well defined.

Types of Contactors

Essentially a heavy-duty version of a relay, a contactor is typically controlled by a circuit that has far less power than a switched circuit. While considered a special type of relay, the essential difference between a relay and a contactor is that a contactor is used for applications with higher current carrying capacity, while relays are used for lower current applications. Our electrical contactors are typically fitted with a normally open (NO) contact and they suppress the arc that is produced when interrupting heavy motor currents. Electrical contactors can handle currents of over 5000 amperes and high power over 100 kW. While there are various types of contactors, the most common application is high-current load. We have extensive capabilities in designing and manufacturing contactors for a wide variety of applications, including HVAC, power supply, locomotives, elevator control and motor controls, aerospace and defense, hybrid cars, electric cars, and fuel cell vehicles, as well as EV charging systems. Among our portfolio of contactor brands are some of the more respected names in the high performance switching industry, including Potter & Brumfield, HARTMAN, KILOVAC, and PRODUCTS UNLIMITED.

Aerospace and Military Contactors

High Power contactors are a special class of electrical relays that are required to switch to much higher currents and voltages. Not only must the power systems accommodate the routine flight requirements, but they must also offer backup power and emergency power. These electrically controlled devices use a low-power coil drive circuit to switch to a higher power circuit. The contactor is located near the controlled load, allowing for weight savings because of smaller wirings sizes that are used for on/off coil control of the remote load. Our Mil-Aero contactors control high power circuits and offer efficient and smart operation to protect against overcurrent and faults. One of the biggest trends today for aerospace and military contactors is building more electronic intelligence to protect against abnormal events and to detect system faults. Our lightweight Mil-Aero contactors offer continuous current ratings up to 2000A and voltages up to 1,800 VDC in compact, sealed packages. Contactors are used to control different power sources in large commercial military aircraft, which includes engine-driven generators, auxiliary power units, batteries, external power, and ram air turbines. Our contactors provide the switching performance required for aerospace and defense applications.

Military and Aerospace Relays

These electromechanical relays and solid state relays are specifically engineered to operate in extremely harsh environments. Our portfolio includes relays for TO-5, 1/6th, 1/5 size (.150 grid), ½ size crystal can, full-size 2, 5, 10, and 25 amp devices, which are generally hermetically sealed allowing for contaminate-free operation. Our portfolio includes mil-spec solid state relays (SSRs) MIL-qualified to specs like M28750 and M28776, which can address similar electrical and environmental conditions as our electromechanical relays. Our relays portfolio includes CII low-signal and mid-range relays and HARTMAN AC and DC relays.