When designing a product that’s going to be used in a harsh environment where the intrusion of dust or liquids is a concern, it’s imperative that engineers and designers select the best sealed switches available for their application. To find a sealed switch, you’ll first need to check the ingress protection (IP) rating, which grades the resistance and resilience of an enclosure against dust and liquids.
You’ll find a basic summary of how to understand IP ratings directly below, but continue reading to reach sections on the best sealed pushbutton, anti-vandal, tactile, rocker, toggle, slide, snap action, detector and rotary DIP switches.
Best Sealed Switches: IP Rating Meaning
The IP Rating Chart, also known as the IP Code, is a standardized system used to classify and rate the degree of protection provided by an electronic device against the intrusion of solids and liquids. The IP Rating is typically used to describe the environmental protection of products like switches, smartphones, outdoor lighting, industrial equipment and more.
The IP Rating consists of two digits, with each digit representing a specific aspect of protection.
Degrees of Ingress Protection: First Digit
The first digit of ingress protection ratings indicates the degree of protection against dust.
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by hands) |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12mm (e.g. fingers) |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires) |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1mm (e.g. small tools and small wires) |
| 5 | Protected against dust; limited ingress (no harmful deposit) |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust |
Degrees of Ingress Protection: Second Digit
The second digit of ingress protection ratings indicates the degree of protection against moisture.
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water |
| 2 | Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from the vertical |
| 3 | Protected against sprays up to 60° from the vertical |
| 4 | Protected against sprays from all directions; limited ingress permitted |
| 5 | Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions; limited ingress permitted |
| 6 | Protected against strong jets of water (e.g. for use on ship decks); limited ingress permitted |
| 7 | Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure |
Process Seal vs. IP Rated Seal
Based on the above, our standard for defining a “process sealed” switch is “sealed to meet the minimum requirements of IP67.” A process sealed switch withstands a typical water washing procedure that takes place during the PCB assembly cleaning process to remove flux and other contaminates from the finished PCB assembly. An IP rated sealed switch withstands various predefined levels of protection from dust and moisture.
Common IP Ratings for Switches
IP40 – Most switches fall within this rating, where there is protection from solid objects larger than 1mm.
IP54 – Typically referred to as weather resistant, meaning it is resistant to rain but not a soaking with a hose.
IP65 – Same as above, but can actually protect against a water hose.
IP66 – Protected against strong jets of water.
IP67 – Protected against temporary water immersion in less than 1 meter deep.
IP68 – Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.
Best Sealed Pushbutton Switches
#1. 800A Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- SPST or SPDT; momentary function with 0.9mm of travel
- Through-hole mounting (THT) design
- PC Pin: straight, horizontal right angle, vertical right angle, V-bracket
- Electrical Ratings: Silver – 3A, 120VAC or 28VDC (UL listed); Gold – 0.4VA, 20V Max. (AC or DC)
- Long life expectancy of 50,000 cycles and robust -30°C to +85°C operating temp
#2. RP8200 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- SPST; maintained (latching) function
- LED dot illumination options with 200,000-cycle life
- Threaded mount
- Electrical Rating: 100mA @ 24VDC
- Seven different cap color choices
#3. RP8300 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- SPST circuit; momentary function
- Electrical Rating: 500mA @ 48VAC, 200mA @ 50VDC/250VAC
- Metal Diecast housing (black, stain nickel or chrome)
- LED illumination options with 500,000-cycle life
#4. RP8600 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Square pushbutton with threaded mount for 16mm panel cutout
- SPST circuit; momentary function
- Contact Rating: 0.4VA Max. @ 20V Max. (AC or DC)
- Life expectancy of 100,000 cycles
#5. RP8700 Series
- IP68 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Solder lug, PC thru-hole or wire leads with connector termination
- LED illumination options, multiple cap colors and styles
- Threaded bushing for mounting
- 500,000-cycle life expectancy
#6. PB66 Series
- IP66 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Illuminated and non-illuminated options; laser etched power symbol
- DPST circuit; latching function
- Contact Rating: 16A, 127VAC (UL listed)
- 25mm diameter panel cutout
#7. LA Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Three panel cutout sizes: 22.00mm, 25.50mm or 30.50mm
- SPDT, DPDT, 3PDT or 4PDT; momentary, latching or pilot light functions
- Contact Ratings: 5A @ 250VAC, 8A @ 125VAC, 0.2A @ 250VDC, 6A @ 24VDC
- LED, neon or incandescent lamps available
Best Sealed Anti-Vandal Switches
#1. PV2 Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 16mm diameter panel cutout
- Domed, flat or high actuator options
- SPST circuit; momentary function
- Solder, screw or wire leads (300mm) termination
- Gold, nickel, polished stainless, brushed stainless or black anodized finish
#2. PV5 Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 12mm diameter panel cutout size
- Solder, screw or wire leads (300mm) termination
- Raised or domed actuator; eight actuator finish options
- Long mechanical life of 1M cycles and 200K electrical life
#3. PV6 Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 16mm diameter panel cutout size
- SPST circuit; momentary function with high or flat actuator
- Illuminated ring, dot, power symbol or non-illuminated
- LED color choices, including bi-color and RGB
- Nickel, stainless steel or black anodized finish
#4. PVA6 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 16mm diameter panel cutout size
- SPST circuit; momentary or latching function
- Illuminated ring or ring/power symbol; many LED colors, bi-color
- Solder lug, wire leads (500mm) or molded back with leads
#5. CS Series
- IP68 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Touch sensor: capacitive switching technology (1A of 5-24VDC)
- Ring or ring/power symbol lens styles in red, green or blue
- 19mm or 22mm diameter panel cutout sizes
- SPST; latching or momentary
- Long life of 50 million cycles
#6. ULV4 Series
- IP67 rated for protection against dust and moisture
- 19mm diameter panel cutout size
- SPDT or DPDT circuit; momentary or latching function
- Contact Rating: 3A 250VAC (UL listed)
- Long life of 500,000 cycles
- Illuminated dot, ring, power symbol or over 40 commonly used graphic icons
- Solder lug, wire leads (300mm), molded boot with leads or detachable socket with leads
#7. PVHC4 Series
- IP67 rated seal against dust and moisture
- 19mm diameter panel cutout (PVHC7 for 22mm cutout)
- SPST circuit; latching or momentary function
- 20A, 250VAC; UL listed
- LED illuminated ring, ring/power symbol or non-illuminated
#8. PZ Series
- IP68 rated; 50 million cycle electrical life
- 16mm, 19mm or 22mm diameter panel cutout
- Electrical Rating: 1A, 24VDC; piezoelectric switch with momentary pulse function
- Wire leads (150mm or 300mm long) with connector
- Clear or black anodized finish; concave or flat bezel
- RGB illuminated ring or non-illuminated
Best Sealed Tactile Switches
#1. TL3145 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- 6.45mm x 6.45mm outline with 3.5mm or 5.2mm actuator height
- Surface mount (SMT) design with J-lead termination
- Long life of up to 3M cycles
- -40°C to +85°C operating temperature
#2. TL6215 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Long life of 500,000 cycles and -20°C to +70°C operating temperature
- 7.70mm x 6.37mm outline
- Through hole (THT) design; vertical or right angle mounting
- Multiple LED color options and cap options
#3. TL6330 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Surface mount design (SMT)
- 2.80mm x 4.60mm outline with 1.90mm or 2.50mm actuator height
- Robust operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C
- Long life of 200,000 cycles
#4. TL6340 Series
- IP67 rated for protection against dust and moisture
- Right angle, surface mount design (SMT)
- Ultra-miniature 2.90mm x 3.85mm x 2.00mm footprint
- Low profile of 0.8mm off PCB surface
- Robust -40°C to +85°C operating temperature
- Long life of 200,000 cycles
#5. TL6800 Series
- IP67 rated for protection against dust and moisture
- Surface mount design (SMT) with J-lead termination
- 6.30mm x 6.20mm outline
- Long life expectancy of up to 1M cycles
- Extreme operating temperature of -40°C to 90°C
- SPST; 160gf or 260gf operating force options
#6. TL9320 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Surface mount design (SMT) with gull wing termination
- 8.40mm x 8.40mm x 3.95mm dimensions
- 500,000-cycle life expectancy
- SPST; 400gf actuation force
#7. TL6059 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Through hole mounting design (THT) with radial lead packaging
- 6.00mm x 6.00mm outline and 4.30mm or 7.00mm actuator height
- Up to 1,000,000 life cycles
- 100gf, 160gf or 200gf operating force options
Best Sealed Rocker Switches
#1. WB2 Series
- IP55 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Industry standard 22mm x 30mm panel cutout
- Rating: 20A, 125/250VAC T65/T85 (cURus certified)
- 2-pole maintained and momentary functions
- Curved actuator with color and marking options
#2. RB5 Series
- IP67 rated for protection against dust and moisture
- Industry standard 30.2mm x 22mm panel cutout
- Up to 25A, 125VAC; UL and ENEC listed
- DPST or DPDT; momentary or latching functions
- Illuminated, dual illuminated or non-illuminated
#3. R7 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- 37mm x 21.2mm panel cutout size
- UL power rated; ergonomic design for harsh environments
- 1 or 2 poles; 2 or 3 positions; latching or momentary
- Actuator style and marking options; LED illumination
#4. RCA1913 Series
- Full IP68 rated protection on both sides of the panel
- 19.2mm x 13mm panel cutout
- Quick connect, solder, PC pin, PC pin right angle or wire leads (300mm)
- Electrical Ratings (UL and ENEC listed):
- 16(8)A, 125/250VAC
- 10(4)A, 125/250VAC
- 16A, 30VDC
- SPST or SPDT contacts; On-Off, On-On or On-Off-On functions
#5. RRS20 Series
- IP68 rated from panel
- 20mm diameter panel cutout
- Up to 16A, 250VAC; UL and ENEC listed
- SPST or SPDT circuit; 2 or 3 position function
- Illuminated or non-illuminated actuator with marking options
Best Sealed Toggle Switches
#1. 200A Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- SPDT, DPDT, or SPST; momentary or latching functions
- Through hole mounting: straight, right angle, vertical right angle or V-bracket
- Electrical Ratings:
- Silver – 3A, 120VAC or 28VDC; 1A, 250VAC; (UL, cUL)
- Gold – 0.4VA Max. @ 20V Max. (AC or DC)
- Multiple actuator and bushing options available
#2. ST4 Series
- IP68 rated protection against dust and moisture
- 12mm diameter panel cutout
- Electrical Rating options:
- 16(8)A @ 125/250VAC, μT55; UL, cUL
- 20(8)A @ 125/250VAC, μT55; UL, cUL
- 20A @ 6-30VDC, μT55; UL, cUL
- Single or double pole, 2 or 3 positions; nine function options
- Quick connect, solder, screw or wire leads termination
Best Sealed Slide Switch
#1. 500R Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Electrical rating: 0.4VA Max. @ 20V Max. (AC or DC)
- SPDT or DPDT circuit; 2 or 3 positions; latching function
- Through hole, or through hole right angle mounting design
Best Sealed Snap Action Switch
#1. WS1 Series
- IP67 rated seal against dust and moisture
- Electrical ratings:
- 0.1A 48VDC or 125/250VAC; UL, cUL
- 3A 12VDC or 125/250VAC; UL, cUL
- SPDT circuit; latching function
- 500,000 cycles Min. mechanical life
Best Sealed Detector Switch
#1. TD1250 Series
- IP67 seal rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 8.25mm (L) x 5.25mm (W) x 11.70mm (H) dimensions
- Through hole or panel mount design; PC pin or solder termination
- Round pin plunger, straight lever, or leaf lever actuator
- -40°C to +85°C operating temperature
Best Sealed Rotary DIP Switch
#1. RDT Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- 4, 6, 8, 10, or 16 positions; real or complementary code
- Through hole vertical, right angle or surface mount (SMT) design
- Operating temperature: -40ºC to +85ºC (THT); -60ºC to +125ºC (SMT)
- 2×3 or 3×3 PCB terminal layout
