Specialty Switches

MASON toggle, rocker, rotary, and slide switches and related components are among our original products developed for high-reliability aersopace applications. FIrst used to switch very high current circuits, these extremely rugged and dependable switches are now specified where failure-free operation is mandatory. They are used in aircraft trim, safe/arm, weapon management, and manned space vehicle systems.

For more detailed information, please email mason.sales@esterline.com or call 818-361-3366 or 800-232-7700 (toll free in USA only).

Toggle and Rocker Switches

MASON toggle switches incorporate snap-feel, quick-make, quick-break, contact wipe, and true positive action.

Spring mechanisms within the switch cause the operating force to be highest near the center of travel and drop off rapidly thereafter, producing a satisfying snap feel when operated. This snap feel, combined with the natural motion of the thumb, or finger, operating the switch, results in a quick-make, quick-break action. Having the electrical contact, as well as the operating knob, attached to the actuator assures that they move as a single unit. The result being that the position of the knob indicates the position of the switch and whenever the knob is moved, the contact must also move. So, once the knob is moved away from a closed position, that circuit will definitely be opened: a true positive action.

This is not the case, for instance, with limit switches, where the actuator and contacts are independent and the circuit could remain closed even though the actuator operates. After operation, the mated contacts travel on different paths so that they move across each other, rather than together, resulting in a brisk wiping action that cleans the contacting surfaces.

These features, so necessary for high current switching, turn out to also be desirable for low current switching. Variations of MASON toggle switches using different contact materials are capable of switching low and very low currents.

Rotary Switches

MASON rotary switches feature enclosed construction, double-make, double-break circuitry and stored energy action.

All contact surfaces and switching mechanisms are located inside the switch where they are protected from outside elements. This enclosure also makes the switch explosion proof. A circuit is completed by a shorting member that bridges a separate input contact and output contact at each switch position. This allows circuit versatility and forces the current to make and break at two points simultaneously, dividing the load, heat, and wear. As rotation to the next position is begun, a spring in the advance mechanism is compressed, storing energy that is released all at once as rotation continues. This rapid advance produces a quick-break, quick-make that is virtually independent of the speed of the actuator.