Best Sealed Switches: Sealed Pushbutton, Toggle, Rocker, Tactile and More

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.

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 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.

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Best Sealed Pushbutton Switches

#1. 800A Series

The 800A Series sealed, subminiature pushbutton switch has an IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture. They perform Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) or Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) functions with multiple termination options: right angle PCB pin and vertical PCB pin. The 800A Series subminiature pushbutton switch features an actuator with 0.9mm of travel, requiring an operating force of 200gf to actuate. This sealed pushbutton switch is durable and long-lasting, with a life expectancy of 50,000 cycles and an operating temperature range from -30 to 85°C.

#2. RP8200 Series

The RP8200 Series is an affordable, maintained (latching), sealed pushbutton switch that is panel mounted with options to illuminate. This sealed pushbutton offers threaded panel mounting with multiple actuator color options. The discrete LED options on the RP8200 Series offer design freedom to control when you want to illuminate. Aesthetic versatility, a sealed IP67 rating and life expectancy of 200,000 cycles allows the RP8200 to be used across a wide variety of applications and operating conditions.

#3. RP8300 Series

The RP8300 Series round, illuminated pushbutton switch is encased in metal die cast housing. This panel mount pushbutton series is for those seeking rounder edges and industrial strength durability without sacrificing style. Multiple LED and cap color options are available for this illuminated pushbutton. RP8300 Series round pushbuttons feature a threaded panel mount, perform momentary functions and are sealed at an IP67 rating. They also has a long life expectancy of 500,000 cycles.

#4. RP8600 Series

The RP8600 Series square, sealed pushbutton switch protects against temporary immersion at an IP67 rating. This square pushbutton switch features a threaded panel mount meant for a cutout of 16mm in diameter. RP8600 Series sealed pushbutton switches have a mechanical life expectancy of 100,000 operating cycles and an electrical life expectancy of 50,000 cycles. These switches operate in temperatures ranging from -30 to 85°C.

#5. PB66 Series

The PB66 Series illuminated pushbutton switch is easy to operate and totally protected against dust and strong jets of water at an IP66 rating. Illuminated and non-illuminated options are available for this switch, and it comes with a laser etched power symbol on the round actuator. PB66 Series pushbutton switches operate in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 55°C and can be stored at -25°C to 85°C. The double-pole, single-throw (DPST) circuits on these switches perform Off-On latching functions and come with a UL electrical rating of 16(16)A @ 127VAC. The electrical life expectancy on these pushbutton switches is 50,000 cycles, and they fit a 25mm cutout.

#6. LA Series

LA Series sealed, illuminated pushbutton switches protect against dust and moisture at an IP65 rating. These sealed switches come with circuits up to four poles and as pilot, maintained (latching) or momentary pushbuttons. They feature a flush panel mount configuration with circular panel cutouts sized 22.0mm, 25.5mm and 30.5mm in diameter. The LA Series has a variety of illumination options, with LED, neon or incandescent lamps available. Lamp colors include red, green, yellow or none, and lens colors include red, green, blue, white, orange and yellow.

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Best Sealed Anti-Vandal Switches

#1. PV2 Series

The PV2 Series sealed anti-vandal switch is dust and water resistant to an IP65 rating. This anti-vandal switch has a long life expectancy and is meant for mounting in a panel cutout sized 16mm in diameter. The PV2 Series water resistant switch offers a single-pole, Off-(On) circuit configuration and your choice of domed, flat or high actuator options. This anti-vandal switch is also available with a black anodized finish, along with four other attractive finishes.

#2. PV5 Series

The PV5 Series long life anti-vandal switch features an IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture. It offers a domed actuator with multiple color options, including black, white, yellow, blue, green, red, nickel and stainless steel. Multiple actuator finish options are available, including a black anodized finish. PV5 Series sealed anti-vandal switches have an electrical rating of 2A, 36VDC and an electrical life expectancy of 200,000 cycles. These long life anti-vandal switches come with single-pole circuits and screw or solder lug termination options. They are meant for mounting in a panel cutout sized 12mm in diameter.

#3. PV6 Series

PV6 Series sealed, long life anti-vandal switches are illuminated with multiple color options available. The RGB multicolor LED indicator light feature combines red, green and blue to produce over 16 million hues of light, making the color options nearly unlimited. They are available with either dot or ring illumination. The PV6 Series illuminated anti-vandal switch features a long life expectancy of up to 50,000 electric cycles and dust and water resistance at an IP65 rating. It’s meant for mounting in a round, 16mm panel cutout. Additional options include solder lug or wire lead termination, high actuator, a pilot indicator and a black anodized finish. The pilot indicator does not have internal switch contacts, only illumination.

#4. PVA6 Series

The PVA6 Series illuminated anti-vandal switch offers a long life expectancy, dust and water resistance to an IP67 rating, and ring or power symbol illumination. This tamperproof pushbutton switch has a 16mm panel cutout size. Additional options include a high, high flat or rounded bezel option and your choice of solder lug or wire lead termination. The wire leads are 500mm long. PVA6 Series illuminated anti-vandal switches have electrical ratings of 2A of 36 VDC, mechanical life expectancies up to a million cycles and operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C.

#5. CS Series

Our CS Series illuminated, anti-vandal switches provide capacitive switch technology, also known as touch sensor. These anti-vandal switches come with 150mm wire length and connector, and the CS Series is rated IP68 for dust and moisture protection. There are ring or ring/power symbol lens style options with color illumination options of red, green or blue. The CS Series illuminated touch sensor switch is available for panel cutouts in two sizes: 19mm or 22mm. Circuit functions on these anti-vandal switches include latching or momentary, with SPST contact arrangements, a long electrical life of 50 million cycles and an electrical rating of 1A of 5-24VDC current.

#6. ULV4 Series

ULV4 Series anti-vandal switches are rated to handle 3A of 250VAC and are UL certified for safety standards. The ULV Series is IP67 rated for moisture and dust protection, offers SPDT or DPDT functionality, an operating life of up to a million life cycles (momentary) and 500,000 cycles (latching), and requires a 19mm panel cutout size. Switches are available as non-illuminated or illuminated dot, ring or power symbol in multiple LED color options and voltage options. A special feature of the ULV4 Series is the availability of etched icons on the actuator with added illumination. A total of 43 commonly used icons are standard, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, STOP, START and more. Standard graphic icons eliminate costly tooling. The ULV4 Series comes with several termination options: solder lug, prewired (300mm long), molded boot with wire leads (500mm long) and a detachable socket with wire leads (500mm long).

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Best Sealed Tactile Switches

#1. TL3145 Series

The TL3145 Series long life, SMT tactile switch features actuator heights of 3.5mm and 5.2mm. This tact switch also offers the choice of three different actuation forces. The 350gf and 260gf have long life expectancies of 500,000 cycles, while the 180gf option has a long life expectancy of 3,000,000 cycles. TL3145 Series tactile switches are sealed to an IP67 rating, protecting against dust and moisture. They come in tape and reel packaging and operate in temperatures ranging rom -40 to 85°C.

#2. TL6215 Series

The TL6215 Series right angle, illuminated and sealed tactile switch has multiple LED color options and cap options. It also offers a choice of right angle or vertical through-hole mount. These tactile switches are sealed to an IP67 rating for dust and moisture protection and have a 500,000 cycle operating life. These tact switches operate best between the temperatures of -20 and 70°C and are 7.7mm x 6.37mm in size.

#3. TL6330 Series

The TL6330 Series tactile switch offers a surface mount, PC board design with a small package size of 2.80mm x 4.60mm with actuator height options of 1.90mm or 2.50mm. These high-temperature tactile switches have a long life of up to 200,000 cycles and operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85°C. This SMT tact switch is a Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) switch with 200, 300 or 400 gram force options, and an IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture. The electrical rating on these tactile switches is 50mA of 32VDC current and the actuator travel is 0.25mm.

#4. TL6340 Series

The TL6340 Series tactile switch is a right angle, surface mountable (SMT) switch with a 2.90mm x 3.85mm x 2.00mm footprint. The actuator on this tact switch is only 0.8mm off the PCB surface, making it a great choice for applications where space is limited. The TL6340 Series is an Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) momentary tact switch with an actuation force of 160 grams and carries an IP67 rating for dust and moisture protection. It has a life expectancy of 200,000 cycles with a travel of 0.2mm. This tactile switch also has an industrial level operating and storage temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

#5. TL6800 Series

The TL6800 Series tactile switch is sealed to an IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture and features a long life expectancy of up to a million cycles. Two actuation force options are available for this surface mount tact switch: 160gf and 260gf. TL6800 Series tact switches can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C. These IP67 rated switches are silver plated, with a SPST circuit, and an electrical current rating of 50mA @ 12VDC.

#6. TL9320 Series

The TL9320 Series sealed, long life tactile switch features an array of benefits, including a moisture protection rating of IP67, giving complete protection against temporary water submersion. This, combined with its 500,000 cycle life expectancy, makes this switch well suited for a variety of applications in multiple markets. TL9320 Series tactile switches come conveniently contained within 8.4mm x 8.4mm housing, making it a well-rounded tact switch capable of handling today’s consumer and commercial functions.

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Best Sealed Rocker Switches

#1. WB2 Series

The WB2 Series high current power rocker switch has a panel cutout of 22mm x 30mm and an internal dust and water protection seal rated IP55. These heavy duty, power rocker switches are meant for 2-pole maintained and momentary functions. The WB2 Series high current rocker switch has an electrical rating of 20A,125/250VAC T65/T85 with cURus approval. This power rocker switch mounts to a panel cutout sized 22mm x 30mm and comes with a curved actuator.

#2. RB5 Series

The RB5 Series rocker switch is designed for high quality and high reliability. These sealed switches are available with five electrical ratings, providing an IP67 rating. Dual Illumination is available in five colors. This switch also features eight marking options. The RB5 Series rocker switch is meant for front panel mounting in cutouts sized 22mm by 30.2mm. These rockers perform two pole maintained or momentary functions. Electrical ratings range from 16-20amps and the electrical life on these switches is 10,000 cycles. All RB5 Series rockers are cURus and ENEC15 approved.

#3. R7 Series

The R7 Series illuminated, sealed rocker switch offers many features and is one of the most customizable rocker switches available at E-Switch. There are many actuator styles to choose from and many LED rocker switch illumination options as well, including dual LED illumination in multiple colors. The R7 Series sealed rocker switch is made for harsh environments and has a sleek, ergonomic actuator design. It is UL listed and rated to IP67 standards for total protection from dust and immersion up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. It offers single- or double-pole circuits with up to three actuator positions. You also have your choice of termination options: solder, quick connect or screw.

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Best Sealed Toggle Switches

#1. 200A Series

The 200A Series subminiature, sealed toggle switch is protected from dust and moisture at an IP67 rating. It is offered with both Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) and Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT) circuits for completing both momentary and maintained (latching) functions. The 200A can be PC board mounted at a right angle or vertically with a toggle switch mounting bracket. Eight different termination options are available and actuator options include metal or plastic. Contacts are available in both silver and gold, with an electrical rating of up to 3A, 120VAC with cURus approval. These toggle switches can handle alternating or direct currents.

#2. ST4 Series

ST4 Series sealed toggle switches are rated IP68 for dust and moisture protection and offer single pole or double pole circuit function with 2 or 3 actuator positions. Select from 10 different function options and three electrical rating options. This toggle switch features either a 17mm metal or 22mm plastic bat actuator. The ST4 Series toggle switch also offers four terminal options: 3/16” quick connect, 1/4” quick connect, solder lug and screw terminal. The ST4 Series industrial toggle switch series joins the ST1, ST2, and ST3 Series of heavy-duty toggles. These ST Series toggle switches are UL approved.

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Best Sealed Slide Switch

#1. 500R Series

The 500R Series sealed slide switch offers an IP67 rating for protection from water, dust and the elements, and with a 40,000 cycle life expectancy, you can depend on this slide switch. The actuator has up to three positions, has both Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) and Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT) circuit options, and comes with gold contacts that have electrical ratings of 0.4VA of 20V alternating or direct current. 500R Series sealed slide switches are PC board mountable at a right angle or vertically. These slide switches can work well in a variety of applications and markets where protection from moisture and dust is of a concern.

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Best Sealed Snap Action Switch

#1. WS1 Series

The WS1 Series sealed snap action switch is UL certified and has an IP67 rating, making it totally protected from dust and the effects of temporary immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This sealed switch operates in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85°C. The WS1 Series sealed snap action switch has SPDT circuits, with a long mechanical life of at least 500,000 cycles. It comes in either 0.1A or 3A current rating and is compatible with both DC and AC. It has two different termination options: solder lug or wire leads.

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Best Sealed Detector Switch

#1. TD1250 Series

The TD1250 Series features a mechanical life expectancy of 500,000 cycles at minimum and operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. These long life detector switches also provide moisture and dust protection at an IP67 rating. They have an electrical rating ranging from 1mA, 5VDC to 50mA, 16VDC with an electrical life expectancy of 300,000 at 5VDC, 1mA, 200,000 cycles at 12VDC, 50mA, and 150,000 cycles at 16VDC, 50mA. The TD1250 Series sealed detector switch offers Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST), Normally Open (NO) functionality and offers PCB or solder lug termination options. The compact housing size is a good fit for applications with limited space, measuring 8.25mm (L) x 5.25mm (W) x 11.70mm (H). Multiple actuator options include pin plunger, straight lever and an S-shaped lever that all require 160gf to actuate.

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Best Sealed Rotary DIP Switch

#1. RDT Series

The RDT Series sealed, rotary DIP switch offers convenience in a small package size and is sealed to an IP67 rating. This rotary DIP switch offers four, six, eight, 10 or 16 positions and has right angle or vertical PC board mounting options. Surface mount, through hole termination is also available. RDT Series sealed, rotary DIP switches with surface mount termination operate in temperatures ranging from -60 to 125ºC. The through hole design operates in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85ºC. These sealed DIP switches arrive in tape and reel or tube packaging with either extended or flush actuators.