These switches can be constructed either as a single deck or multi-deck. A single deck switch will have specifications for number of poles; and a multi-deck switch will have specifications for number of decks and number of poles per deck. The number of poles can be explained as the number of separate circuits that can be activated through a switch at any given time. The number of decks can be explained as the maximum number of decks that can be attached to a common actuating shaft.
The poles per deck can be explained as the number of separate circuits that can be activated through a switch at any given time per deck.
Materials of construction
Key lock switches are made from materials like plastic and metal. High quality materials are used for manufacturing the base and key of these switches.
Buying Tips
There are certain physical, electrical and other specifications and parameters that buyers must consider while purchasing or selecting keylock switches. These specifications are:
- Physical specifications: These include:
- Angular distance: It is a distance measured in degrees between positions.
- Mechanical life: It is the maximum life
expectancy of the switch.
- Electrical specifications: These include:
- Maximum current rating
- Maximum AC voltage rating
- Maximum DC voltage rating
- Stop Styles: These can be:
- Fixed: These come fixed from a manufacturer.
- Adjustable: These can be changed by the end user.
- Continuous: These have no stops.
- Contact styles: These include:
- Shorting: These are Make Before Break and thus, useful for preventing arcing during position change.
- Non-shorting: These are Break Before Make
and thus, the switch opens the preceding circuit before closing
the next.
- Terminal choices: These include:
- Wire leads
- Solder terminals
- Screw terminals
- PCB pins
- Keylock Certifications: These include
- CE certification
- CSA certification
- UL listed
- An important environmental parameter that must be considered
while selecting key lock switches is the operating temperature.
- Applications
These switches are generally used in high security applications including:- Computer/peripherals and communication
- Instrumentation
- Industrial/commercial
- Medical equipment
