Understanding TACT Switch™ Product Specifications

Product specifications for all Alps Alpine TACT Switch™ products listed on our website are available for download. Here we explain the main parameters of the product specifications.

Ratings

Ratings specify the voltage and current ranges within which a switch can operate. Make sure to use the TACT Switch™ within the specified voltage and current ranges.
Ensure that the voltage and current do not exceed the maximum rating or fall below the minimum rating during use.

Electrical Performance (or Electrical Specifications)

Contact resistance

Contact resistance is the resistance value when the switch is closed (on). A consistently low contact resistance allows the equipment to operate normally. It specifies the guaranteed value under the stipulated test conditions.

Insulation resistance

Insulation resistance refers to how hard it is for current to flow (insulation performance) when the switch is open (off). It is normally specified as "100MΩ min." under the stipulated test conditions.

Voltage proof

Voltage proof is the maximum voltage the circuit can withstand (at which insulation will not break down) when the switch is open (off).

Bounce

Bounce is the phenomenon of contact between the contacts becoming momentarily unstable when closing and opening the switch. A prolonged bounce hinders normal operation of the equipment in which the switch is mounted. Bounce is normally specified as “10ms max.”
Bounce differs from chattering in certain switches, like detector switches, caused by vibrations and other factors while the switch is kept closed or open.

Mechanical Performance (or Mechanical Specifications)

See here for more information.

Stopper strength (or Stop strength)

This is the maximum static load that can be applied when the switch is pressed in a typical manner, beyond which performance is not guaranteed^*.
As stopper strength refers to a static load, it is not the same as the impact load when an object is dropped on the switch or when the product fitted with the switch is dropped on the side with the switch. For example, a switch hit by a baseball moving at 30–40 km/h will incur an impact load more than 10 times the specification value.

Stem strength

In contrast to stopper strength, this is the maximum load that can be applied when the stem of the switch is pulled, beyond which performance is not guaranteed^*.

* If the specification value is exceeded even by a small amount, the product may not immediately break, but performance cannot be guaranteed.

Environmental Performance (or Environmental Specifications)

These specifications measure the degree to which the switch can withstand environmental factors. Specification values are guaranteed under the stipulated test conditions.

Durability (or Endurance Specifications)

Operating life

Operating life indicates that a certain level of performance is guaranteed even after repeated operation under the stipulated test conditions up to the specified number of cycles.
Operating life is not the same as service life.
See here for more about service life.

Vibration resistance

The vibrations with which the switch’s specification values are guaranteed.

Shock resistance

The switch’s specification values are guaranteed when an impact (acceleration) as specified is applied to the switch.
This is not the same as impact load, which is a load directly applied to the switch. This parameter indicates whether the TACT Switch™ can withstand the impact of a product fitted with the switch being dropped, as in the diagram.

Some TACT Switch™ models also guarantee the following specifications based on the anticipated usage.

Soldering Conditions

Soldering conditions are specified according to the mount type of the TACT Switch™.

Cautions of Use (or Precaution in Use)

Any other precautions that should be taken during use of the product are listed.