Company Info FAQs

In order to offer maximum flexibility in providing customized solutions and a wide range of innovative design options, Carling Technologies chooses to manufacture "to order". Carling does, however, offer a worldwide network of qualified authorized distributors to meet your one-time or on-going supply requirements.

You can also check distributor stock directly using our distributor stock check tool. Enter the first few characters of the Carling part number to find which distributors have stock in that item or a similar item.

Q:	What is lead time on your products?
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.

What are your typical shipping in-transit times within North America?

Carling Technologies� distribution center resides in Brownsville, Texas. When using motor freight carriers, standard shipping times from Brownsville are as follows:

Northeastern US: 5 days
Northcentral US: 4 days
Northwestern US: 5 days
Midwestern US: 4 days
Rocky Mountain Region: 4 days
Northern California: 5 days
Central US: 3 days
Southern California: 4 days
Southeastern US: 3 days
Southcentral US: 2 days
Southwestern US: 3 days
Canada: 6-7 days

Q:	Can I order directly from Carling Technologies?
A:	Direct business-to-business accounts can be set up with Carling Technologies. Each request for direct account status is reviewed by Carling Sales and Accounting personnel. To begin the direct account set up process, contact your local Carling Technologies Sales Representative.

Q:	Is Carling Technologies ISO certified?
A:	Yes, all Carling Technologies' facilities world wide are ISO 9001 - 2000 certified.

What is Carling Technologies' Warranty Policy?

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.

What is Carling Technologies' environmental policy?

CARLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we work and live. We recognize that by integrating sound environmental, health and safety management practices into all of our business, we can offer technologically innovative products and services while conserving and enchancing resources for future generations. CARLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. in all locations, will strive for continual improvement in our environmental, health and safetymanagement systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services.

Guiding principles shall:

Reflect a commitment of compliance to all relevant laws and regulations concerningenvironmental, health and safety issues;
Meet customer requirements concerning banned / restricted substances;
Verify our performances through environmental audits and management reviews;
Provide a framework for reviewing environmental targets and objectives;
Advocate the adoption of prudent environmental, health and safety principles and practicesby our contractors, vendors and suppliers;
Communicate environmental , health, safety and customer requirements to all relevant employees;
Design, manage, and operate our facilities to maximize safety, promote energy efficiency, and protect the environment;
Create products that are safe in their intended use, conserve energy and materials, promote safety, and prevent pollution throughout the product life cycle including design, manufacture, use, and end-of-life management;
Strive to continually improve upon our environmental performance by reducing consumption, along with more efficient use of materials and resources;
Ensure tha all relevant employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities to fulfill and sustain the CARLING TECHNOLGIES' environmental, health, safety and customer requirements.
Make this policy available to the public upon request.

Click here to view and download Carling's Environmental Policy.

What is Carling's plan to meet RoHS directive?

We at Carling Technologies are confident that our testing capabilities and commitment to continuous improvements in product reliability and performance will ensure that we are in full compliance of the RoHS directive as stated below:

Circuit Breakers厖厖厖厖.匫ctober 1, 2005

Thermal Circuit Breakers厖厖April 1, 2006

Electro Mechanical Switches厖 October 1, 2005

Miniature Switches厖厖厖厖 April 1, 2006

Electronic Controls厖厖厖�.. April 1, 2006

Power Distribution Centers厖厖April 1, 2006

Electronic Control Systems厖厖April 1, 2006

E L C B � � � � � � � � � � � Consult Factory

All products produced after the effective compliance date willbe marked Suffix "R" at the end of the Date Code, and will have the statement: "RoHS Compliant" on the bar coded shipping label.

Please click here for the PDF file of our complete RoHS Initiatve statement, including label examples.

Switch FAQs

Is this a Carling Technologies part number.....?

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.

I need to identify a Carling Technologies' part number for a switch I have in my hand, can you help?

Yes, you can contact us directly. However, you can help us to help you by first answering some key questions:

What series of switch do you think it might be? (our Product Selector can offer you a great deal of assistance in this area).
What is the type, shape, and color of the actuator?
Is there any imprinting on the actuator?
Is the switch illuminated? What are the illumination/lens colors?
What is the full rating stamped on the side of the switch?
What is the type and number of terminals?
Does it have Maintained or Momentary action?
What is the mounting style: snap-in, screw mount, or threaded bezel?
Who is the manufacturer of the equipment from which the switch came?

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.

Can I purchase a replacement switch directly from you?

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.

Does Carling Technologies offer high amperage power switches?

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.

My application has special switch requirements which fall outside your standard switch offerings, can you provide a solution?

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

What are the typical transporation switch circiuts ?

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.

I have a switch application where the environment is particularly harsh. What do you suggest?

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.

What type of illumination is best for transportation applications?

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.

What is Carling Technologies' Warranty Policy?

Circuit Protection FAQs

My application has special circuit protection requirements that fall outside of your standard circuit breaker offerings, can you provide a solution?

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 your circuit breaker 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.

What is the operating temperature range for Carling Technologies circuit breakers?

The operating temperature range for our hydraulic/magnetic circuit breakers is -40 C to 85 C(32 F - 185 F). Their hydraulic/magnetic design and precision mechanisms are temperature stable and are not adversely affected by temperature changes in their operating environment. As such, derating considerations due to temperature variations are not normally required and heat-induced nuisance tripping is avoided.

The operating temperature range for our thermal circuit breakers is -10 C to 60 C. Thermal breakers are temperature sensitive, which can be an advantage when the withstand capacity of the component to be protected is also temperature sensitive.

Q:	Do you offer circuit breakers with a guard to prevent accidental actuation?
A:	Yes, our A-Series, M-Series, C-Series, and PD-Series rocker actuator circuit breakers all offer a Rockerguard� option for the prevention of inadvertant actuation.

What is the difference between UL489 listing and UL1077 recognition?

A UL489 listed circuit protector can act as the final overcurrent device dedicated to protecting the branch circuit and outlets. It does not require an additional 揵ack up� overcurrent device wired in series to protect a circuit. Visit our C Series and E Series and F-Series circuit breakers for UL489 offerings.

UL1077 recognized circuit breakers act as supplementary circuit protectors. They require a listed overcurrent device as a back up.

Do you offer Ground Fault (GFCI) circuit breakers?

Yes.Carling Technologies fulfills the need for GFCI equipment protection with the PD-Series, "SmartGuard". In addition to ground fault protection, the SmartGuard also offers overload and short circuit protection. The SmartGuard is designed to be an equipment ground fault protection device with a choice of ground fault sensing settings from 6 to 100 milliamps. This broad range of protection makes it an ideal choice for almost any application.

Q:	I have an application that requires circuit protection in a gaseous environment, do you have anything I can use?
A:	Our ignition protection offerings (UL1500) are ideal of applications which require protection against explosive environments (generators and marine vessels are two such applications). This provides the reliability of a hydraulic/magnetic circuit breakers within a regulated senstive area. Many amperages and delay curves are avialable. Vist our A-Series, B-Series, or C-series product pages.

Q:	I have a Carling circuit breaker 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 circuit breaker.

Q:	What is the expected mechanical life of a Carling circuit breaker?
A:	The mechanical life of our hyraulic/magnetic circuit breakers is tested to 10,000 operations @ 6 per minute with rated current and voltage.

Q:	Are AutoCAD, DWG, DXF, or IGES files of your circuit breakers 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:	Do you offer a "waterproof" or "water resistant" circuit breaker?
A:	Carling Technologies does not offer water resistant circuit breakers.

Q:	I have a requirement for circuit breakers that will disengage at a loss of power to the breaker. Do you offer something like this?
A:	Carling does not offer an undervoltage trip construction.

What is Carling Technologies' Warranty Policy?

Product Selector FAQs

Q:	What happens when I select the "Must Have" box in the Product Selector?
A:	The "Must have" feature excludes from the resulting lists, all of the product series and suggested part numbers that do not match the selected "must have" requirement (s).

I don't see a feature that I require as a choice in the Product Selector. How do I find the right catalog number?

The selection options in Product Selector represent the key features generally used to select a Product Series and part number. They do not represent all possible options that are selectable within a specific catalog ordering scheme.

If Product Selector's suggested Part Numbers do not provide you with the specific catalog number you need, or if you need to see a more complete description of the part, please use our on-line CONFIGURIT (or the "Configuration" link displayed underneath the suggested part number)

Q:	Can I view a list of suggested part numbers in Product Selector based on my selections?
A:	Yes, once you have linked to a particular product series page via the Product Selector (this page will appear in a pop up window), use the "Suggested Part Number" link located above the product image to generate a list of suggested part numbers.

Q:	Does the suggested part number list represent all of Carling's available part numbers for a particular series?
A:	No, the suggested part number list represents the most "standard" part numbers that match the preferences you selected. If you don't see what you need on this list, then you can configure your own part number using our on-line Configurit. If you have custom requirements that fall outside of Configurit's offerings, please contact us directly.

Q:	In Product Selector, when I select "no preferences" for all the options, I see fewer suggested part numbers than when I select some preferences. Why?
A:	If you leave all options as "no preference", then the Product Selector will provide a list of only the "most standard" suggested part numbers for a given series. If you enter preferences, Product Selector will evaluate all its suggested part numbers for that series and display those part numbers in "best match" order.

Q:	What does text displayed in red mean?
A:	Details shown in red indicate an exception to the preferences you have selected.

Configurit FAQs

I know I've entered a valid Carling catalog number in the Search by Part Number screen, but it's telling me I haven't. Why?

For some switch series, Configurit's Search by Part Number is not properly handling "space compression". We are working on this problem, and expect to have it corrected in the near future. HOWEVER, you can still configure those part numbers using the "Configure Part Number" path. Please be sure to USE YOUR MOUSE when selecting catalog number components.

The switch series affected by this issue include: R, T, LTA, TTG, TIL, TIG, TIH, TII, LTIL, LTIG, and LTIH- Series Rocker switches; F, G, H, 110/216-Series Toggle switches; MAAOA/215, 110/316-Series pushbutton switches, and R135, 700, and 800 rotary switches. Circuit Breaker part numbers are not affected by this issue.

Please also keep in mind, when using Configurit抯 Part Number Search feature, you must enter a complete and accurate Carling catalog number, including all dashes and slashes in their correct positions. Make sure that zero抯 are zero抯, and letter O抯 are letter O抯.

You will also receive this message if you enter a valid Carling catalog number that contains an "X". The "X" indicates there is some type of special switch or circuit breaker construction that falls outside of Carling抯 standard catalog offerings, and therefore outside of Configurit抯 offerings.

It also takes a little time for newly released Product Series to be added to Configurit. If a Product Series is not listed within the 揅onfigure New Part� selections - then they will also not be available in the 揚art Number Search.�

If you receive this messsage and are unsure why, please use the Configure New Part path, and you will most likely discover the answer.

Is there a recommended browser for use with Configurit?

The Minimum recommended Browsers for PC, Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or XP is Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5.

Minimum Recommended Browsers for Macintosh: PowerPC OS 8.1 or later is Microsoft Internet Explorer 5, Macintosh Edition.

We do not recommend using AOL browsers for either platform

For more detailed software systems requirements, please see the Configurit Software Requirements on the Configurit Main Page.

Q:	How do I obtain a Configurit User Name and Password?
A:	You must be a Carling Technologies� Sales Representative or Carling authorized distributor in order to be granted a User Name and Password. Please use the Contact US: Web Site Comments form found on our web site to request a User Name and Password. Your request will be reviewed, and a User Name and Password will be emailed to you upon approval.

Q:	I've forgotten my Configurit User Name and Password, what do I do?
A:	Please use the Contact US: Web Site Comments form found on our web site to request your User Name and Password. Your request will be reviewed, and we will email to you your User Name and Password.

When I click on Configurit log on, it states "Page cannot be displayed."

Check to make sure you're using Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater.

Generally you will see this message if your Explorer browser is not set up for 128-bit encryption.

To check this, while in the Internet Explorer browser, click on the Help Menu and select "About Internet Explorer". A small dialogue box will appear that shows some information about your Browser.

The "Cipher Strengh" shown in the box should read "128 bit". If it does not, then you'll need to update. Click on the "Update Information" link next to it and that will lead you out to a Mircosoft web page that provides an update download. Once you update, the page should display for you.

Q:	I logged in as an authorized Carling Technologies' distributor, however when I configure a catalog number I do not receive a list price.
A:	When you log on to Configurit, you need to enter your User Name and Password, and then click the 揕OG ON� button on the LEFT. If you enter your User Name and Password and click the 揋UEST LOG ON� button, you will be treated as a 揋uest�, and not have access to list pricing. If you are currently logged on to Configurit, quit or exit out of the browser and then log on again.

Q:	Using Configurit, can I search on a partial catalog number?
A:	Configurit is not a database that stores completed and 搒earchable� Carling catalog numbers. Instead, it is a software program that configures catalog numbers interactively. Therefore, when using Configurit抯 Part Number Search feature, you must enter a complete and accurate Carling catalog number, including all dashes and slashes in their correct positions.

Q:	Can I run Configurit without being connected to the Internet?
A:	Yes. If you are a Carling Technologies' Sales Representative or Authorized Distributor, you can download a stand alone version of Configurit, using the "Configurit Download" link. Once downloaded, you can run Configurit locally on your own PC or Mac. Because Configurit is updated regularly, we recommned you download periodically in order to remain current.

I have a special requirement that is not listed within Configurit's options. What do I do?

If you have special requirements for a switch or circuit breaker that fall outside of Configurit's offerings, please contact us directly. In this instance, you may wish to use Configurit to create a part number that is similar to the configuration you require. Then create the data sheet for that number using the "Comments" feature under the Print/Save tab to describe your special requirement (Example" Similar to this part number, except with bent tab terminals"). You can then email this sheet to us, while also having a copy for yourself.

Digital Switching Systems FAQs

Q:	Does the ECS III comply with any EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing?
A:	Yes, the ECS III conforms to the requirements of EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, as amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC. Refer to the Digital Switching Systems Catalog found in Carling's eLibrary for electrical, environmental, mechanical, and other specifications.

What Operator Control Module (OCM) styles or looks are available on your ECS III?

Carling Technologies can create any custom OCM and we are continuously developing new looks. The 4 and 8 button OCMs shown on this site and in our Digitial Switching Catalog are the first of many new styles that will be available. There are also various color combinations available which are elaborated upon in the ECS III Configuration Sheet.

Both the Digitial Switching Systems Catalog and the ECS III Configuration Sheet can be accessed in our eLibrary or within the Digital Switching Systems section of this web site.

If you wish to discuss your custom requirements, contact your local Carling Sales Representative.

Q:	What is the maximum Electronic Communications Cable (ECC) length?
A:	There are various of factors that can determine the maximum overall cable length, including the number of connections and what's being connected (ie. ECP, 8 button OCM, 4 button OCM, etc.). An acceptable overall cable length for an ECC with only 3 or 4 connectors would be up to 100 feet under all conditions.

Q:	Do you offer any mounting suggestions for the ECP or OCM?
A:	Yes, mounting suggestions can be found in the "ECS III Installation Guide" found in our eLibrary or the Digital Switching Systems section of this web site.

Q:	The ECS is not responding to any button presses, what should I do?
A:	If you feel your ECS III System is not behaving properly, please refer to the "ECS III Trouble Shooting Guide" found in our eLibrary.