What Makes a Limit Switch Heavy Duty?

• Housing-Metal housing versus a plastic for a standard unit.
• Actuation-Lever that comes in contact with the application like cranes, elevators, heavy doors (bridges/check posts) these all need a switch that can withstand higher forces in mechanical contact applications. (Upwards of 20 inch-lbs.
• Contacts-Heavy duty switches use higher conductivity which are typically silver plated/gold plated contacts depending on the applications with a copper shank material whereas in standard limit switches might have steel contacts that are inferior in terms of conductivity.
• Chatter-An important factor to consider is chatter (this factor mainly arises from external forces acting on the switch) - This is the reason a heavy duty limit switch is preferred for applications such as in ships & cranes that need to be dependable and must be chatter proof considering the safety factors as well.