Switch Mounting

 

Mounting refers to the way in which a switch is physically attached to a panel or mounting plane. It does not refer to any type of electrical connection.

Form & Fit, Cut-out Dimensions Available

Snap-in Mount

The snap-in mount is a front panel mounting option where a switch is inserted through the panel cut out and snapped into place. The switch is held in place by the pressure created between flexible, expanding barbs or "ears" and a sturdy front lip (bezel overhang). Snap-in mount switches require no external mounting hardware and therefore offer a quick, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing mounting style.

Snap-in mounting is the standard panel mounting method for all Carling Technologies' rocker actuated switches. All rocker switch series feature nylon molded-in barbs and bezels for maximum stability.

Additionally, the TIG, TII, TIL, TIH, LTIL, LTIG, and LTIH-Series offer detachable metal snap-in brackets in wide and narrow widths. To further address mounting and aesthetic options, Carling's V-Series: Contura II & III, Contura IV & V, Contura X & XI, and Contura XII offer snap-in mounting panel modules in single, three, or six unit lengths. V-Series mounting panels can also be constructed using separate "end" and "middle" pieces that link together to create a module length of your choosing.

Carling's R135-Series rotary switches also offer a snap-in mounting option, using a .500" diameter panel cut out.

Bushing Mount

All Carling Technologies' toggle and pushbutton switches use front panel bushing mounting. Depending on the switch series, bushings are constructed of brass with nickel plating or plastic. Standard bushings are threaded and contain a keyway slot that can be married to a keyway notch cut in the panel mounting hole. Keyways provide an orientation point and anchor for the switch, preventing switch rotation. Lock washers and locking rings are also available as alternatives for anchoring a switch.

The standard bushing fits a .500 inch diameter panel cut out. Standard bushing lengths vary from series to series. In general, the most typical metal bushing lengths for toggle switches are .343 and .465 inches; the typical nylon bushing length is .379 inches. The most common bushing length for pushbutton switches is .562 inches.

One exception to the bushing "rules" above is the PP-Series plastic pushbutton, which has a nylon, non-threaded bushing .550 inches in diameter and .565 inches in length, and is secured using a mounting clip. In addition to the standard .500" diameter bushing, the P26-Series also offers a .300" bushing diameter.

Bushing mounted switches are supplied with hex nuts assembled and ring nuts packed in bulk. To extend your aesthetic choices, Carling also offers a variety of face nuts and bushing plates. On-line PDF files for these and other bushing accessories can be found on the product page of each toggle or pushbutton series listed on this web site.

Carling Technologies' rotary switches also feature threaded bushing style mounting. The R135-Series fits a .375 inch diameter mounting hole. The 700 and 800-Series fit a .468 inch diameter mounting hole.

Screw Mount

Carling's TIL, TIG, TIH, TII, LTIL, LTIG, and LTIH-Series rocker switches also offer a variety of screw mount options. "A" and "B" screw mount bracket styles are constructed with tapped threaded holes with accommodate #6-32 screws. Carling's "C" screw mount bracket is constructed with a .156 inch diameter clearance hole, which would be used in conjunction with a nut and bolt. Which bracket to use is dependent on how deeply recessed you wish an actuator to be. The "A"style is used shallow actuator recession, the "C" style bracket is used for deep actuator recession.

The typical center-to-center hole spacing for Carling screw mount brackets is 1.62 inches.

On-line PDF files for bracket specifications can be found on the product page of these series. If you have special bracketing needs, please contact your Carling Technologies Sales Representative for assistance.