Key Lock Switches

Key Lock Switches


Keylock switches are popular type of switches that are activated with the help of a key that is turned in a circle and can stop in a range of positions. The switching mechanism of these switches has features like self-cleaning, sliding contacts for providing high reliability, long operating life and a smooth operation. The bushing and housing of these switches is often constructed of fiberglass. Keylock switches are specially designed for meeting the needs of applications that require high reliability.

Keylock 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 for Key Lock Switches
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:
o Angular distance: It is a distance measured in degrees between positions.
o Mechanical life: It is the maximum life expectancy of the switch.

* Electrical specifications: These include:
o Maximum current rating
o Maximum AC voltage rating
o Maximum DC voltage rating

* Stop Styles: These can be:
o Fixed: These come fixed from a manufacturer.
o Adjustable: These can be changed by the end user.
o Continuous: These have no stops.
* Contact styles: These include:
o Shorting: These are Make Before Break and thus, useful for preventing arcing during position change.
o Non-shorting: These are Break Before Make and thus, the switch opens the preceding circuit before closing the next.

* Terminal choices: These include:
o Wire leads
o Solder terminals
o Screw terminals
o PCB pins

* Keylock Certifications: These include
o CE certification
o CSA certification
o UL listed
o 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:
o Computer/peripherals and communication
o Instrumentation
o Industrial/commercial
o Medical equipment