Crush Switches

Crush switches are devices that activate a response once the switch’s housing is crushed from a force.

They are often mounted on equipment and machinery, such as a forklift, to detect excessive force, or in munitions safe/arm devices. If the object comes into abrupt contact with another object or surface, the switch is activated and a response can be triggered. The switch senses impact or acceleration in a single direction.

A crush switch is normally-open, meaning the contact remains open until an abrupt force activates the switch. They are also categorized as latching switches. Once the contact is made, it remains closed even after the moment of impact or force.

Showing 1-3 of 3 SORT BY Please Select Name Price ($ to $$) Price ($$ to $) Category Rank Sku PAGE SIZE 25 per page 48 per page 100 per page

Request a Quote Add To Quote Name Switch Detail Switch Length Max. (in) Type Lead Type No. of Leads Special Order Min-Qty 3061-1-000 Normally Open, Latched Closed 0.21 Crush Switches Co-Planar 2 No 3062-1-000 Normally Open, Latched Closed 0.21 Crush Switches Single Lead 1 No 3064-1-000 Normally Open, Latched Closed 0.09 Crush Switches Single Lead 1 No

Showing 1-3 of 3 SORT BY Please Select Name Price ($ to $$) Price ($$ to $) PAGE SIZE 25 per page 48 per page 100 per page

Crush Switches Vs. Impact Switches

Crush switches are sometimes referred to as impact switches, but they are different in that they remain latched and the circuit remains closed. An impact switch will not latch and the circuit will disconnect after the impact.

Crush switches do not have a tight activation level and are therefore somewhat lower in cost compared to impact and acceleration switches.

Some customization is possible with crush switches, primarily by altering the length of the can, but, due to their simplicity, they are fairly standardized in their construction and function.

Coplanar And Single Lead Crush Switches

Coplanar crush switches have two leads on top of the switch: a hot lead and the ground lead. The ground lead is internally welded to the header. When the housing is crushed by an impact, it comes in contact with both leads and closes the circuit.

In a single lead crush switch, the housing serves as the ground lead. This is accomplished as the housing is soldered directly to the PC board and the center pin is soldered to the “hot” pad on the PC board. The switch will remain open until an impact crushes the housing, which then touches the center pin and closes the circuit.

Crush Switches From Select Controls

All of the switches we manufacture are military-grade and meet and exceed all industrial level requirements, including motion sensor switches and more.

These switches feature gold plated contacts and all materials used in their construction are mil-spec grade. They meet all defense-grade electronic circuitry specifications for inert and non-corrosive materials. The housing is made from nickel.

When you’re ready to get a quote or place an order, you can search by part number and submit an RFQ through our catalog. You can also call us to discuss your individual requirements.