C&K Components announced that it will add painted and laser-etched custom graphics or symbols to the backlit caps on the illuminated versions of its AP Series industrial pushbutton switches. Available illuminated by either blue or white LEDs, the backlit caps provide a visual indication that the switch has been activated or turned on. Additionally, since the LEDs are independent of the switching mechanism, customers can control the LED to indicate whether the switch is in the up (on) or down (off) position, and can even provide a warning (blinking) when the switch is activated. Ideal for joystick modules and control panels used in off-road transportation and construction equipment controls, in addition to a variety of other harsh industrial applications, the rugged, backlit AP Series switches feature an extended operating life of up to 1,000,000 cycles.
The illuminated, industrial AP Series pushbutton switches are SPST (single-pull, single-throw) momentary action devices, and are available in both a threaded version that features an IP67 panel seal and an IP65 snap-in version without a panel seal. Contacts are available in a range of ratings (200 mA/24 VDC; 100 mA/50 VDC; 400 mA/22 VAC; 125 mA/125 VAC) and operating life cycles (500,000 and 1,000,000) with a resistance of 50 mW. Rated for use in temperatures spanning -40 °C to 85 °C, AP Series switches feature a total travel distance of 2.1mm (±0.2) and are available with an operating force of either 4N (±1N) or 2N (±0.5N).