April 2009 – Lorlin Electronics, The UK’s longest    established switch manufacturer, continues to widen its    highly successful range of rotary switches. A new IP66    sealed version of the popular CK series of switches is    also now available manufactured from UL-VO compliant     fire retardant material and offers a design solution for switching in harsh and outdoor environments.

The new Lorlin CKS rotary switch family is made in the UK and offers a cost effective single wafer switch for a wide range of applications. The moulded body has a 27.5mm diameter with standard 30º spindle indexing and may be specified with either solder or printed circuit board terminals. Up to 4 poles are available per switch with a maximum 12 positions and shorting (make before break - 30º indexing only) or non shorting (break before make) contact options. An adjustable stop is provided to restrict the number of positions in use. Other special order options available include 60º or 90º indexing, continuous spindle rotation and reinforcement ring and a fixed stop.

The switch body material is UL-V0 rated with gold flashed or gold plated switching contacts. Spindles may be specified with special flats, slots or knurls. No bush and rear drive versions are also available as is sealed PCB termination. The CKS rotary switch family is rated at 150mA @ 250V ac/dc with an expected life >10,000 cycles. Operating temperature is -30ºC to +85 ºC and its proof voltage is 1,500Vac (Initial). 

Typical applications for Lorlin’s new IP66, fire retardant rotary switches include, portable equipment used outside such as marine, test and measurement, remote controls for vehicles etc. Anywhere where there is a requirement for IMP sealing and where the end user requires the plastics used in the switch to be fire retardant. Specific applications to date include, Night Searcher Torches, Auto-Helm boat automatic course steering.