New mini rocker switches with gold contacts suit low-voltage low-current applications

C&K Components now offers its popular D Series miniature snap-in power rocker switches with gold contacts. Designed for low-voltage, low-current applications in a variety of circuits, the industry-standard 19mm x 12mm D Series snap-in power rockers with gold contacts provide more reliable switching performance at lower power ratings than the series’ standard silver contacts, which require higher power to resist tarnish build-up and prevent performance degradation. Rated for 10,000 make-and-break cycles at full load, and available with a wide variety of switch functions, actuators, mounting styles, terminations, and markings, gold-contact D Series rocker switches provide reliable, customizable switching solutions in a broad range of low power lighting, data server, computer, peripheral, medical instrumentation, and small appliance applications. “The D Series’ standard silver plated contacts are ideal for power applications in which the current and voltage exceeds 0.4VA at 20V AC/DC, due to the fact that higher power keeps the contacts clean and free of oxidation by causing a small arc as the switch changes state. Silver contacts will tarnish if there’s not sufficient current and voltage to create an arc, especially in high sulphur and humid environments, and the tarnish will continue to build over time, causing intermittency and unreliable switching,” said Kyle Peterson, product manager, C&K. “Alternately, gold-plated contacts exhibit superior resistance to oxidation at low currents, which makes them ideal for use in low energy switching applications (below 0.4VA at 20V AC/DC) that require stable contact resistance and reliable switching, especially in adverse conditions. So, adding a gold contact option to our proven, and already extremely versatile, D Series miniature snap-in rocker switches effectively doubles the number of applications they’re ideally suited for by opening them to applications with current ratings that are too low to ensure that the silver contacts will provide long term reliable switching.” Rated for 2A to 10A, 30VDC to 250VAC, and -30C to +65C, the switches are highly customizable. Functional configurations include: 15 switch functions — seven single pull double throw (SPDT), two single pull single throw (SPST), four double-pull double-throw (DPDT), and two double-pull single-throw (DPST) - each with multiple combinations of momentary and maintained switch positions, rocker and lever actuators in three colours, four mounting styles, six termination options - three PC through-hole configurations (standard, extended, and right-angle) and three quick-connect configurations (standard, twisted, and wirable), and both gold and silver contacts. The RoHS-compliant series is also available with both standard and custom markings and an optional recessed bracket designed to prevent accidental actuation.