Lets face it folks, sometimes it just takes a plunger switch. Whether your application is mechanically or physically activated, the tactile feel, and extended actuator of a plunger switch may be the only real solution for your application.

For engineers looking at a harsh duty, wet, outdoor application, you’ve landed in the right place. CPI plunger switches are recognized around the world as the premiere solution to harsh duty waterproof plunger and limit switch applications.

If durability is your first priority in a plunger switch, consider these characteristics:

1. High grade stainless steel construction throughout.
2. Completely submersible, not water-resistant, or splash-proof.  Fully waterproof.  (meets IP68)
3. Dual Plunger Seal design maintains seal integrity during actuation.
4. Ultra-high temperature capability is no sweat for these switches.
5. Hardened actuator configurations are available.

CPI Plunger switches see use in all kinds of hardware.  Often used in safety applications where protecting operators (dead man’s switch) or expensive equipment is a concern.  Also commonly used for detecting doors open or closed in certain types of amphibious, military, or harsh duty construction vehicles.

Manual Plunger Switches for Waterproof Applications

In something like our D1040 Waterproof Plunger Switch, the plunger actuates one of our sealed pendent switches which is mounted firmly in a stainless steel housing. For this application we use one of our low-button momentary switches like our B2, B5, or B9 series, but any of our waterproof B series switches can be used.

The final solution is completely waterproof, with custom leads and termination. An optional rubber plunger boot can also be added. This is also a perfect switch for many custom switch panel applications.

Mechanical Plunger Applications.

For the really harsh applications inside an engine block, or behind a vehicle hood or door as open detection, our J4 series plunger switches are the ultimate in survivable, reliable plunger switches. These switches are all stainless steel with an optional patented seal exclusion design which actually pushes out contaminants like dirt and dust from the housing with every switch depression.

For high temperature applications our J4 plunger even comes with a heat-sink variation that allows for almost 400F operation at the plunger. This is our J4401 series, high temperature limit switch.

For high temperature, high pressure, long travel applications, these switches withstand the most extreme operating conditions.

No Limits on our Plungers

As manufacturers of high durability plunger switches for over 70 years, we’ve got the experience and field resume that insures your search for a reliable plunger switch ends here.

Give CPI a call today to discuss your applications.

This blog originally published at https://www.cpi-nj.com/blog/take-the-plunge-with-a-cpi-plunger-switch/

While most manufacturers are familiar with our line of waterproof switches, and the hundreds of part numbers in our waterproof limit switch line, many don’t realize that our switches can be specified in a subassembly, ie a stainless steel panel, custom built for your form factor requirements and ready to mount in your application.

CPI Waterproof switches offer massive flexibility

Of course then there are a boatload of electrical, temperature, endurance, and ergonomic options you can specify for your basic waterproof panel mount switch. Just some of the customizable parameters of our panel mount switches include:

1. Voltage/Current Ratings
2. Electro-mechanical Endurance Rating
3. Actuation and travel parameters
4. Temperature ratings, down to -50F and up to 221F
5. Switch Panels pre-wired in series or parallel or your custom configuration.

In all our switches, the internal switching mechanism is a snap-action copper sine blade spring with a riveted contact. The standard contact material is silver alloy with gold alloy and gold-plated silver contacts available upon request.

Waterproof Panel Mount Switches in Action

Over the years CPI has collected dozens of applications for its waterproof switch panels including:

• Marine and Boating power on/off applications
• Outrigger control on work trucks
• Winch and Lift Gate Control
• Sanitation vehicle garbage compactor controls
• Trailer Hitch controls
• Horn Activation
• APU activation
• Generator Control
• Crane Operation

And many, many more.

Canned and Custom Switch Panel Products

Over the years CPI has developed some standard panel configurations that meet 90% of the requests we get. These simple panels have one or two switches on them and can have wire lead lengths and terminations that are completely specifiable by the customer

Common examples of this are our K1163-501 and K1164-501 Single and Dual Panels respectively, using variations of our high actuation high force pendant switch. High actuation is better for gloved operation and high actuation force insures that the switches wont easily be activated by accident.

Panel Mounted Waterproof Pendant Switches for Your Equipment

If you have a rough duty piece of equipment begging for a reliable waterproof switch, its highly likely we have an off the shelf product that far exceeds the reliability and capability of what you have now. And we can even stick it in a stainless steel waterproof panel for you

Give CPI a call today to discuss your waterproof panel needs.

This blog originally published at https://www.cpi-nj.com/blog/panel-mounted-switches-save-you-time-and-money/