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Technical Terms (cont.)

Lamp

In-rush current is the condition that result in the lamp load rating. The resistance rating of a lamp is normally specified when the lamp is hot. However,

when the lamp is cold the resistance is low. This in-rush current can be 10 times the normal current, resulting in welding of the contacts.

Low Level Circuit

Low level circuits are classified in MIL-8805 as those with resistive loads less than 10mA at 30mV. The use of gold plated contacts and the hermetic

enclosure of the switch contacts afford an ideal environment for switching low level loads.

Pretravel

The distance the button moves from the free position to the actuation point.

Free Position

The position of the button when there is no external force other than gravity applied to it.

Actuation Point

The position of the button at which the movable contact snaps from the normally closed contact position to the normally open contact position.

Release Position

The position of the button at which the movable contact snaps from the normally open contact position to the normally closed contact position.

Maximum Overtravel Position

The position of the button when the positive overtravel stop is reached. Further overtravel would damage the switch.

Actuation Force

The force which must be applied to the button to cause the movable contact to snap from the normally closed contact position to the normally open

contact position.

Release Force

The level to which the force on the button must be reduced to allow the contacts to snap from the normally open position to the normally closed contact

position.

Overtravel

The distance that the button can travel beyond the actuation point.

Movement Differential

The distance the button moves from the actuation point to the release point.