8500 Toggle Switches

Introduction

C&K Switches’ 8500 series is a miniature power toggle-switch family intended for power-control duties in harsh environments. The series combines IP67 ingress protection with a broad operating-temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, while offering several single- and double-pole switching arrangements.

Its technical interest lies in bringing sealed toggle-switch operation to applications that may encounter dust, water exposure, temperature extremes, or demanding electrical isolation requirements.

What it does

The 8500 series provides maintained mechanical switching in SPST, SPDT, DPST, and DPDT configurations. These options allow a designer to select a simple on/off function, changeover switching, or switching across two poles depending on the circuit architecture.

The switches are specified for IP67 protection and use a sealing washer constructed from SUS304 and NBR materials. The series also carries a UL 94V-0 flammability rating and UL and ENEC certifications.

Available contact-rating options cover AC and DC use cases, including:

• 20RA at 277 V~ and 25T125
• 20GPA at 277 V~ and 25T125
• 16(6)A at 250 V~ and 40T125
• 7 A at 72 VDC and 40T125
• 14 A at 36 VDC and 40T125

Specified electrical and mechanical life is 10,000 cycles. The series lists contact resistance below 20 mΩ when measured at 2 VDC to 4 VDC and 1 A, plus insulation resistance of at least 200 MΩ at 500 VDC.

Applications

Potential uses that follow from the series’ sealed construction, switching options, and power ratings include:

• Panel-mounted power controls in equipment exposed to dust or water
• On/off or changeover controls for AC-powered equipment
• DC power-control circuits within the stated 36 VDC and 72 VDC rating options
• Equipment requiring single- or double-pole manual isolation or switching
• Control panels operating across a -40°C to +125°C environmental range

Design considerations

Select the pole/throw arrangement and contact-rating option for the specific circuit rather than treating the series ratings as interchangeable. The available configurations range from SPST through DPDT, and the listed AC and DC ratings differ by option.

For insulation and safety design, the series specifies 1500 VAC dielectric strength between terminals and 3000 VAC between terminals and frame, both at 50 Hz to 60 Hz. Designers should also account for the specified 245±5°C soldering temperature during assembly.

The IP67 rating depends on the sealed installation arrangement, including the sealing washer. Materials listed for the switch include a SUS303 shaft, PPS tip, PA9T spacer, and SUS304/NBR sealing washer.

Availability and further information

The source/distributor and datasheet links on this page provide further information on the C&K Switches 8500 series, including configuration details, ratings, and mechanical options.