Index
Pushbutton Switch Terminology
The pushbutton switch basically consists of a moveable button, a spring, and internal contacts. When the button is depressed, the internal electrical contacts either connect or disconnect the circuit (depending on the type of switch). When the circuit is connected, electricity flows through the switch contacts. When the circuit is disconnected, electricity stops flowing through the switch contacts.
In momentary switches, when the button is pressed, the electrical connection (or disconnection) is only active as long as the button is physically held down. Once the button is released, the switch immediately returns to its original state (either open or closed electrically). If the momentary switch is designed to be originally open electrically, then the switch action will be called On-Momentary or On-Mom for short. If the switch is originally closed electrically (already conducting electricity), then the switch action will be called Off-Mom.
When the button is pressed, a latching switch will lock into its new state (either electrically on or off) and remain there even after the button is released. The button needs to be pressed a 2nd time to move it back to its original electrical state.
Besides momentary and latching, a switch can be categorized by its internal contact configuration. Normally Open (NO) means that the circuit is open (no current is flowing) when the button is in its resting position, and pressing the button will close the electrical circuit allowing current to flow.
Besides momentary and latching, a switch can be categorized by their internal contact configuration. A Normally Closed (NC) switch means that the circuit is closed (current is flowing) when the button is in its resting state, and pushing the button will open the circuit and the current will stop flowing.
Single Pole-Single Throw (SPST) means that there are two electrical contact points inside the switch. The user connects the electrical input to one contact and the electrical output to the other contact. When the button is pressed, either the current will begin flowing (NO) or the current will stop flowing (NC).
Single Pole-Double Throw (SPDT) means that there are three electrical contacts inside the switch. One contact is connected to input voltage. This leaves two contacts that can be used for output voltage. When the button is not pressed, current will flow through the first output contact, and then when the button is pressed, current will stop flowing through the first output contact and then begin flowing through the 2nd output contact. If the switch is momentary, this SPDT configuration is called On-Momentary (On-Mom). If the switch is latching, this SPDT configuration is called On-On.
A Double Pull-Double Throw (DPDT) switch is like having two SPST switches physically connected so that when you push the button on one switch, the button on the other switch is automatically pushed too. However, this action is done internal in the switch. How this works is that there are 4 electrical contacts with two voltage input contacts and two voltage output contacts. The two input contacts are electrically isolated, and the two output contacts are electrical isolated. So, when the button is pushed, essentially two different electrical connections are being activated at the same time.
Electrical Application Issues
The switch voltage rating is the maximum voltage the switch can safely handle without arcing or insulation breakdown. If the switch voltage rating is equal or greater than the voltage of the circuit, then the switch can be used.
The switch current rating is the maximum current the switch contacts can safely handle without overheating and degrading. If the switch has a current rating equal to or higher than the maximum current draw of the circuit load, then the switch can be used.
Inductive loads (like motors or solenoids) generate voltage spikes when switched off which can cause arcing and reduce the switch life. If switching inductive loads, it is recommended to use a higher rated switch or add arc suppression circuitry.
Mechanical Application Issues
Refer to the website or the data sheet for the panel hole size.
Technically, you are correct. If you look at how threads are specified, it is theoretically possible that they will be too big to fit in the recommended panel hole size. That being said, the thread tooling is maintained on the low side such that Mallory can always guarantee that all panel lights will fit in the recommended hole size. If this issue still bothers you (i.e. the over-lapping tolerances of the threads and panel hole diameter), you can make the panel hole slightly bigger (say 0.3 mm) to avoid running afoul of the thread tolerance.
For metal body switches, use a maximum of 13.3 ft-lbs (18 Nm). For the plastic body switches, use a maximum of 5.9 ft-lbs (8 Nm).
Mallory recommends using a fast-on terminal connection which can be pushed onto the terminal. The Mallory spec. sheet gives the dimensions of the terminal so that the correct size fast-on terminal can be sourced. It is also acceptable to solder to the terminal.
Mallory has a list of replacement part numbers on our website under accessories on the product page, or you can also find them on the panel light Product Application Guide (PAG). You can also contact Mallory at info@mspindy.com or 317-612-1000 (ph).
260 °C for 3 seconds maximum.
LED Issues
Mallory uses solid state LED’s. The LED technology varies depending on the LED used for the body style you are interested in, so contact Mallory if you need further information on the LED used in the part you are looking at
The LED's are electrically isolated from the pushbutton. This means that pushing the button will not turn on or off the LED Light. For the switches with LED Lights, there will be two additional electrical terminals. To turn on the LED Lights, the appropriate voltage needs to be applied to the LED terminals. Refer to the data sheet for the LED rated voltage.
Contact Mallory for this information for the particular model you are interested in. There are many factors that affect how bright the light looks in any application, so they should be tested in the application under the various conditions that the application will see.
The short answer is yes. That being said, there are many things to consider when using an LED in daylight applications. For example, all LED’s can be difficult to see when the sun is shining directly on them. This is why vehicles are generally designed with a dash board to provide a little shade to the
panel lights. In general, blue and green lights will show up a little better than red or yellow in bright daylight, and if you turn the light off-and-on (i.e. blink it), that will make it even more noticeable. There are many factors that affect how bright the light looks in any application, so they should be tested in the application under the various conditions that the application will see.
Amber LED’s are more cost effective and perform better than what most people would call a yellow LED’s, so it is common in the industry to go with the amber LED’s and still call the color, yellow.
Mallory does work on custom requests, so contact Mallory with your need.
Environmental Issues
Most models are either IP-65 or IP-67 rated and come with a rubber gasket. See the data sheet for the rating for that particular switch.
The minimum life for the pushbuttons switches is 50,000 cycles, but many models are rated to 100,000 cycles. The limitation is not the physical pushing of the button, but the electrical contact wear over time. Contact Mallory if you need more than a 50K cycle life and we can recommend models to use.
Most FJ1 & HJ1 models are UL & CUL approved. See the data sheet for verification. If you need a copy of the on-line UL certificate, contact Mallory.
UL Listed means that a piece of equipment has met the requirements spelled out by UL for that type of equipment. UL Recognized means that the individual component has met the requirements spelled out by UL for that type of component. The main difference is that equipment is UL Listed while components are UL Recognized. Since Mallory panel lights are components, they are only required to be UL Recognized in order to be used in UL Listed equipment.
While Mallory switches are mainly used in industrial and non-aerospace applications, they can be used in Aerospace applications as long as the use is non-critical to human or flight safety. While Mallory has not been directly involved with the FAA during the PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) process, Mallory has (and will) supply all needed information for any certification and/or approvals that are required by the application to the user. It is up to the user to work with the FAA to gain approval.
The dielectric rating is a minimum of 1500 VAC for all models. Contact Mallory for the dielectric rating of any specific model.
Contact Mallory with your model number and we can get this information to you.
No. Mallory switches can be used in a variety of consumer, industrial, military, and aerospace applications. However, these products do not meet the criteria of a defense article on the U.S. Munitions List nor do they have the equivalent performance or capabilities of a defense article on the U.S. Munitions List. Therefore, Mallory Sonalert panel lights are not subject to ITAR regulations
or restrictions.
Contact Mallory to discuss- info@mspindy.com (email) or call 317-612-1000
Design Engineering uses a variety of tests during the verification and validation design phases. These tests can include: surge voltage, reverse voltage, hot & cold life tests, room temperature life test, humidity, vibration, shock, salt spray, and terminal strength. Contact Mallory if you need further details.
Warranty
The seller warrants the goods to be supplied hereunder will conform to the pertinent specifications, drawings and approved samples, if furnished, and that such goods will be of good materials and workmanship and free of defects if properly installed and used as sold by Seller. If within one-year period from the date of shipment to Purchaser such goods, not having been subject to misuse, alteration, modification, neglect. Improper installation or unauthorized repairs not exposed to an abnormal environment, are shown not to be in conformity or are shown to be defective in workmanship or materials, Seller’s sole and exclusive obligation under this warranty is to repair or replace such goods, provided return is made prepaid to Seller or its designated representative with the following tagged information: (i) date of shipment of such goods to Purchaser; (ii) date such goods are determined to be non-conforming or defective; and (iii) specifying the apparent non-conformity or defect. No claim will be allowed under this warranty unless Purchaser notifies Seller of such claim within 30 days after Purchaser learns of facts giving rise to such claim. Purchaser’s failure to test, inspect and make claim within such one-year period shall be conclusive evidence that the goods shipped were satisfactory in all respects. The liability of Seller under the forgoing warranty shall not exceed the price charged by Seller for the goods which give rise to the Purchaser’s claim. THE AFORESAID WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE), EXCEPT OF TITLE. SELLER ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY TYPE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES RELATED TO LOST SALES AND PROFITS, EXCESSIVE OR INCREASED COSTS AND EXPENSES, FIELD RECALL AND RETROFIT, COSTS AND EXPENSES , DOWNTIME COSTS AND CLAIMS OF CUSTOMERS OR PURCHASER FOR SUCH DAMAGES) RESULTING FROM NON-CONFORMING
OR DEFECTIVE CONDITION OF ANY GOODS SOLD BY SELLER TO PURCHASER HEREUNDER, AND PURCHASER ASSUMES ALL LIABILITY FOR ALL CONSEQUENCES ARISING OUT OF ITS USE OR SALES OF SUCH GOODS. THE AFORESAID REMEDY OF PURCHASER IS EXCLUSIVE AND THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY PROVISION SHALL APPLY TO ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR SUITS BASED UPON NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH LIABILITY MAY BE ASSERTED AGAINST SELLER BY PURCHASER OF OTHERS.