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Insulation Resistance
This is the resistance between two normally
insulated metal parts, such as a pair of terminals.
It is measured at a specic high DC potential,
usually 100 Vdc or 500 Vdc. Typical values for
new switches are in the range of thousands of
megohms. These values usually decrease during
switch life. This is a result of build-up of surface
contaminants. Typical industry standard “end of
life” criteria for the parameter are:
MIL-DTL-3786: 1000 megohms
(for plastic insulation)
MIL-S-6807: Not specied
MIL-S-8805: 2000 megohms
MIL-S-83504: 1000 megohms
Another special test condition is commonly
specied. It measures insulation resistance for
switches in a high humidity atmosphere (90%-98%
R.H.). In this condition, condensation of moisture
commonly occurs on the surface of the insulating
material. Some types of insulation will absorb
varying amounts of moisture. This will normally
lower the insulation resistance. Typical industry
values for this condition are:
MIL-DTL-3786: 10 megohms
(for plastic insulation)
MIL-S-6807: 3 megohms after
drying
MIL-S-8805: 10 megohms
(for plastic material)
MIL-S-83504: 10 megohms
Dielectric Strength
This is the ability of the insulation to withstand
high voltage without breaking down. Typical
values for new switches in this test are in excess
of 1500 Vac RMS. During switch life, contaminants
and wear products deposit on the surface of the
insulation. This tends to reduce the dielectric
withstanding voltage. In testing for this condition,
a voltage considerably above rated voltage is
applied. Then, the leakage current is measured
at the end of life. Typical industry standard test
voltages and maximum allowable leakage currents
are as follows:
MIL-DTL-3786: 1000 Vac and 1 mA
maximum leakage
MIL-S-6807: 600 Vac RMS after life
10 microamperes
maximum leakage
MIL-S-8805: 1000 or 1000 plus
twice working voltage
(AC) RMS and 1mA
maximum leakage
MIL-S-83504: 500 Vac and 1 mA
maximum leakage
UL Standard: 900 Vac without
breakdown (UL
Standard (dependent
on test)
Voltage breakdown is another method for
describing the ability of the insulating material
to withstand a high voltage. Voltage breakdown
describes the point at which an arc is struck and
maintained across the insulating surface with the
voltage applied between the conducting members.
ADDITIONAL LIFE FACTORS
Effect of Loads
On any switch, an arc is drawn while breaking a
circuit. This causes electrical erosion of the contacts.
This erosion normally increases contact resistance
and generates wear products. These wear products
contaminate insulating surfaces. This reduces
dielectric strength and insulation resistance.
The amount of this erosion is a function of current,
voltage, power factor, frequency and speed of
operation. The higher the current is, the hotter
the arc and the greater the erosion. The higher
the voltage is, the longer the arc duration and the
greater the erosion.
Inductance acts as an energy storage device. This
returns its energy to the circuit when the circuit
is broken. The amount of erosion in an inductive
circuit is proportionate to the amount of inductance.
Industry standard test inductance as described in
MIL-I-81023 is 140 millihenries. Other test loads
include 250 millihenries and 2.8 henries.
Frequency can also affect erosion. The arcing
ends when the voltage passes through zero. To
a certain extent, the following is true. The higher
the frequency, the sooner arcing ends, the lower
the erosion.
The speed of operation affects the duration of the
arc. Fast operation can extinguish the arc sooner.
This reduces the erosion, unless the air within the
switch is completely ionized.
Actuating Force
Rotational torque is the actuating force required to
turn a rotary switch through the various positions.
The actual torque or force required depends on
the design of the switch. It varies widely from one
design to another. See appropriate MIL Specs or
manufacturers literature for typical industry values
for specic designs.
When torque or force values are specied, it
is customary to give a minimum and maximum
value. During life, two offsetting factors may occur
to change the initial value. Relaxation of spring
members will tend to lower torque or force values.
Wear or “galling” of mating surfaces, however,
may tend to increase these values. Typical end
of life specications may require the switch to fall
within the original range. Or, they may specify a
maximum percentage change from original value.
For example, “the rotational torque shall not change
more than 50% from its initial value.
Effect of Ambient Temperature
Temperature extremes may affect switch
performance and life. Very high temperatures
may reduce the viscosity of lubricants. This allows
them to ow out of bearing areas. This can hasten
mechanical wear of shafts, detents, plungers, and
cause early mechanical failure. Contact lubricants
are sometimes used. Too little lubrication can
result in a high rate of mechanical wear. Too much
lubrication owing from other bearing areas can
adversely affect dielectric strength and insulation
resistance.
Through careful design and selection of lubricants
most manufacturers attempt to minimize these
affects. Nevertheless, continual operation in high
ambient temperatures will shorten the life of a
switch regardless of design.
Extremely low ambient temperatures may also
create problems. Low temperatures may cause an
increase in the viscosity of the contact lubricant.
Higher viscosity can delay or prevent the closing
of contacts, causing high operating contact
resistance. Under certain atmospheric conditions,
ice may form on the contact surfaces. This also
causes high and erratic contact resistance.
Neither of these conditions may materially
reduce the life of the switch. However, it may
cause unsatisfactory operation. If the voltage of
the circuit is high enough, it can break down the
insulating layer. Some current will ow through the
high resistance contacts. A local heating action is
created, which tends to correct the condition in a
short period of time.
Switches with high contact pressures may minimize
the low ambient temperature effect. This is
particularly true if the application calls for switching
signal level voltages and currents.
Effects of Altitude
In high altitudes, barometric pressure is lower. Low
pressure reduces the dielectric strength of the air.
The arc strikes at a lower voltage and remains
longer. This increases contact erosion. Switches
for use in high altitudes will therefore require de-
rating in terms of loads and/or life.
Effects of Duty Cycle
Mechanical life testers cause accelerated life
testing. Testers operate switches at a rate of
approximately 10 cycles per minute. This rate is
greatly in excess of normal manual operation in
equipment. It constitutes a severe test of the switch.
Lubricants do not have an opportunity to redistribute
themselves over the bearing surfaces at this duty
cycle. The contact heating caused by arcing does
not have a chance to dissipate.
Specifications are subject to change. Please refer to the current datasheet on www.grayhill.com for the most current published specifications for this product.