Switch FAQs
I need to identify a Carling Technologies' part number for a switch I have in my hand, can you help?
Switch FAQs
| Q: | Is this a Carling Technologies part number.....? |
| A: | We receive many inquiries referencing "Carling part numbers" which actually are not. Often the four-digit internal manufacturing code that is stamped on the base of our switches gets confused for a Carling part number. It is not. In general, the only identifying stamping on a Carling switch is this four-digit internal manufacturing code, and rating values and agency logos for those switches that are agency approved. For some switch series, we will also stamp a product series code, and occasionally we will stamp our end customer's part number on the base of the switch. That number may be helpful for identification, if we know the manufacturer of the piece of equipment in which the switch is found. If you have a part number that you believe is valid, you can use the Part Number Search in our on-line CONFIGURIT. If you need further assistance in identifying a Carling part number, please read the FAQ immediately following this one and contact us. |
| Q: | I need to identify a Carling Technologies' part number for a switch I have in my hand, can you help? |
| A: | Yes, you can contact us directly. However, you can help us to help you by first answering some key questions:
If you are unsure of the terminology above, we encourage you to visit the "Learn More" links found in our Product Selector or the Switch section of this web site. |
| Q: | Can I purchase a replacement switch directly from you? |
| A: | You should always contact the equipment manufacturer first for the proper replacement. If you are unable to obtain a switch or a part number via the manufacturer, then you can contact us directly for help in identifying the switch part number, (please see the FAQ above regarding how to identify a switch part number). We can then refer you to an authorized stocking distributor for purchase of that part number. |
| Q: | What is your switch lead time? |
| A: | Carling Technologies' lead time on all product lines is 4 weeks at receipt of order. This, combined with a 98% on time delivery, focuses on providing you & your customers with the critical responsiveness today抯 market demands. |
| Q: | What DC current and voltage will an AC rated switch handle? |
| A: | The DC current 搑ule of thumb� holds that the highest amperage rating on the switch should perform satisfactorily up to 30 volts DC. For example, if you have an F Series toggle switch which is rated at 10A 250VAC, 15A 125-250VAC, the DC rating is 15A up to 30VDC. |
| Q: | Does Carling Technologies offer high amperage power switches? |
| A: | Yes. Carling Technologies offers high amp power switches up to 100 amps. These switches provide low cost, heavy duty capability with or without an auxiliary switch. For more detailed information on these switches, visit the Hydraulic Magnetic Circuit Breakers section on our web site and look for the 搒witch only� option under our various circuit protection series. Or you can select Circuit Breaker in our Product Selector, and search on 搒witch only� under the Circuit option. |
| Q: | My application has special switch requirements which fall outside your standard switch offerings, can you provide a solution? |
| A: | Carlingswitch is a highly vertically integrated company that can fabricate over 90% of the components that make up its products. This, in combination with complete in-house design, allows us maximum manufacturing flexibility. As a result, we offer a wide range of value added options and customized solutions for your specialized switch or circuit protection needs. Contact us, and tell us of your specific needs and application, and a Carlingswitch representative will deliver a cost-effective solution. |
| Q: | What is the electrical life of a Carling Technologies illuminated switch bulb? |
| A: | The electrical lives of our switch bulbs are as follows: Neon 25,000 hours Incandescent 25,000+ hours LED 100,000 hours |
| Q: | What are the typical transporation switch circiuts ? |
| A: | Marine 昈N-OFF (lights, blower, accessories, fan) �(Mom ON)-OFF (horn) 昈N-OFF-ON (navigation/anchor lights) �(Mom ON) - OFF - (Mom ON) (trim tabs - always double pole) 昈N-ON or ON-OFF-(Mom ON) (bilge pump) Heavy Vehicle 昈N-ON (front work light/rear work light, front/rear control) 昈FF - ON Circuit 1 - ON Circuit 2 (headlight, wiper motor) 昈N-ON-ON (fan switch, turn signal, wiper with 損ark� function) 昈N-OFF (lights, accessory) �(Mom ON) - OFF (horn, engage electronic function, defrost-timing function) 昈N-OFF-ON (selector switch heat/ac, two wheel drive/four wheel drive) �(Mom ON)-OFF-(Mom ON) (cruise control) 昈FF-ON-(Mom ON) (wiper with washer function) |
| Q: | What is the current draw on your LED's? Incandescent? |
| A: | The current draw on our LED's is 20 milliamps. The current draw for incandescent lamps is dependent on the volltage used: Voltage Current draw 3V 350 milliamps 6V 200 milliamps 12V 80 milliamps 24V 40 milliamps 48V 20 milliamps For more information on our varioius illumination options, see the "Learn More: Illumination" page in our switch section, or visit our Product Selector. |
| Q: | What is the operating temperature range of your switches? |
| A: | The temperature range for our rocker and pushbutton switches is 0 C - 85 C (32 F - 185 F). The temperature ranges for our toggle switches are -17.8 C to 65.6 C (0 F - 150 F), or 0 C to 85 C (32 F to 185 F) depending on series. |
| Q: | Do you have AutoCAD, DWG, DXF, or IGES files of your switches available? |
| A: | Yes. We may have the required file archived in our library, or a drawing may need to be created. Therefore, contact us directly with your request. |
| Q: | I have a Carling switch part number that has an "X" in it. What does the "X" indicate? |
| A: | The "X" indicates there is some type of special construction that falls outside of Carling抯 standard catalog offerings. Contact us directly to obtain the specific details and description of the switch. |
| Q: | What does IP68 mean? |
| A: | IP68 is the International (IEC/EN) rating for degree of protection against ingress of liquid or solid debris. It can also include impact characteristics. See our IP68 rated Contura II I& II, Contura IV & V, Contura X, XI, & XII, and L-Series switches. |
| Q: | I have a switch application where the environment is particularly harsh. What do you suggest? |
| A: | Our sealed switches Contura II & III, Contura IV & V, Contura X, XI, & XII, and L Series switches are ideal for such applications. Originally created for the marine industry, Contura switches have become an industry standard in the transportation market, and are also used in the appliance sector. These switches are sealed against the environment to the international standards of IP66 and IP68 for dust and water intrusion. They are available in virtually any circuit combination and combine aesthetics with functionality. Their interchangeable actuators also offer maximum options with minimum inventory required. |
| Q: | What type of illumination is best for transportation applications? |
| A: | LED's (Light Emitting Diodes), composed of a DC diode chip and connections encased in plastic and epoxy which protects against shock and vibration, are considered the ideal illumination choice for the transportation industry. At 100,000+ hours, LED lamp life is ten times that of incandescent lamps. Unlike incandescent lamps, heat rise is not a factor for LED life cycle; LED's generate only a 6 degree temperature rise above ambient, as compared to the 51 degree temperature rise of incandescent lamps. Because LED's are absent of fragile filaments, they are also not susceptible to breakage or DC notching. LED's offer focused beam brightness (measured in millicandellas) which is able to match or exceed the light intensity of incandescent lamps. LED's are available in a wide range of colors and intensities including the standard 8 millicandella LED, 60-100 millicandella super bright LED, 750 millicandella high intensitry green LED, and the 8000-9300 millicandella megabright amber/red LED. Carling also offers special blue, white and Bluish Green LED's and Bi-Color and flashing red/amber LED's. |
| Q: | On what type of voltages can your Contura and L-Series switches be used? |
| A: | Contura (V-Series) and L-Series switches are typically designed for 12/24V applications. Other voltages are available, high and low restrictions apply. Extreme low voltage would require gold contacts/platings. High voltages would require switches to be derated. |
| Q: | Do you offer actuator guards for your switches to prevent accidental activation? |
| A: | Our Contura X and XI rocker switches offer a raised bracket/bezel that helps prevent inadvertent actuation. This design also prevents debris from being trapped under the actuator. We also offer a locking guard hardware option for our toggle and pushbutton switches with a .500 diameter bezel. |
| Q: | What is Carling Technologies' Warranty Policy? |
| A: | Carling Technologies (seller) warrants that the goods sold hereunder shall be free of defects in material and workmanship as follows: Circuit Breakers: One year from the date of shipment Electrical, Electronic Lighted, and Unlighted Switches: One year from date of shipment. In the event of such defects, the seller's only obligation shall be the replacement of the defective goods. This warranty is the seller's sole obligation and excludes all other remedies or warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, whether or not purposes or specifications are described herein. Carling Technologies further disclaims any responsibility for injury to person or damage to or loss of property or value caused by any product which has been subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident; or misapplied, or modified or repaired by a person or persons not authorized by the seller or which have been improperly installed |
