Important information

This is an important information about our switches and transmitters and the provided information on IP classes for the different type of connectors. As we have seen claims around this topics during the past months, we would like to provide an official statement regarding the conformity of our products to the IP classification. 

Besides the common spade and screw terminals for electrical connection, we provide switches and transmitters also with integrated connector types such as AMP Superseal, AMP Junior Timer, Deutsch Connector, Packard MetriPack, Bajonett DIN 72585, M12x1, DIN EN 175301 or other options upon request.

It is important for all contact systems and connectors to protect them from any physical contact, dust or moisture. Without protection and proper connector type the IP class for all products is IP00. Based on the technical instructions and norm for the connector types from each manufacturer, the given protection classes such as IP65, IP67, IP6K9K for integrated connectors can only be achieved together with the suitable and mounted counter plug of the system. The suitable counterpart is necessary because of the integrated sealing for the connector. In some cases, our switches or transmitters have also an integrated ventilation feature which only works with mounted connector. In application, where switches with spade or screw terminal are installed, the customer needs to consider a protection cap to achieve the IP class with a cap which is given in our datasheets.

Why is this important?

• The stated IP classes on our drawings and datasheets are only valid with mounted counter plug of the connector (or protection cap). If the plug is not mounted but the connector is open, the switches or transmitters have IP 00 as protection class. This is important to know for an intended painting or cleaning process at your customers. The possible ingress of water or cleaning substances has to be avoided in order to prevent the switches or transmitters against internal damages (corrosion). For such cases and to protect the integrated connectors, we offer a suitable range of mating connectors to seal connectors against water or dust ingress. Please ask us about the possible option in case you have a request from the customer.
• In addition, customers need to be aware that the counter plug of the connector has to be mounted on the switch when installed on the machine – all the time. If for any reason, the counter connector is removed, it means water ingress or dirt contamination can occur and damage the switch installed on the machine (due to protection class IP 00).

As a result, please make your customers aware of this topic whenever needed, to achieve the desired IP protection class by handling the switch connectors in the correct way. If you have any further questions about this topic, please contact our Sales Team.