5 Operation Switch Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for operation switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 5 operation switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked operation switch companies as of April, 2024: 1.GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V., 2.Electroswitch Electronic Products, 3.Pepperl+Fuchs Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is an Operation Switch?
An operation switch is an input device operated mechanically by an external force to switch electrical signals.
These switches are essential for toggling circuits in equipment and device control systems. Their operation involves moving an actuator through direct actions like pressing a button, pulling a lever, or turning a knob.
Consequently, the internal contacts either make or break the circuit, enabling or preventing current flow.
Uses of Operation Switches
Operation switches play a pivotal role in control and power systems, facilitating actions such as power toggling, command issuance, and equipment switching. They enable operators to start, modify, or stop machines during operation.
Operation boxes, or control boxes, house these switches and, increasingly, also feature programmable displays and panel computers as modern input methods.
Principle of Operation Switches
Take the toggle switch as an example: it comprises a body, lever, contacts, and terminals. Activating the lever moves the contacts to switch the circuit ON or OFF.
1. Types of Contacts
Contacts, responsible for circuit continuity, come in three types:
Make Contact (a-contact)
This type remains open (OFF) until operated to close (ON), facilitating load activation.
Break Contact (b-contact)
Normally closed (ON), this contact opens (OFF) upon operation, used for load deactivation.
Break-Make Contact (c-contact)
This contact combines both functions, switching between ON and OFF states upon operation, ideal for circuit toggling.
2. Poles and Throws
The terms "pole" and "throw" denote the switch's circuit control capabilities, with variations including:
- Single Pole Single Throw (SPST): Controls 1 circuit with 1 contact
- Double Pole Single Throw (DPST): Controls 2 circuits with 1 contact
- Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT): Controls 1 circuit with 2 contacts
- Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT): Controls 2 circuits with 2 contacts
3. Operation Modes
Switches may operate in alternate or momentary modes, exemplified by push-button switches:
- Alternate
Maintains the actuator's position and contact state post-operation. - Momentary
Resets to the original state upon releasing the switch.
Types of Operation Switches
Variations of operation switches are distinguished by the actuator's shape and motion, including:
1. Pushbutton Switch
These switches engage contacts via a button press, available in alternate and momentary modes.
Specialized emergency stop switches are designed for visibility and rapid activation.
2. Selector Switch
Selector switches alter contacts through lever rotation, with specifications like notch number and angle, dictating switching capabilities and lever positioning.
3. Rocker Switch
Rocker switches, with their distinctive shape, toggle contacts by pressing a paddle, similar to common light switches.
4. Toggle Switch
These switches operate by moving a lever, with variations supporting different positioning and actuation types.
5. Tactile Switch
Tactile switches are characterized by their short stroke and distinct feedback.
6. Rotary Switch
Rotary switches control circuits through knob rotation, differing from selector switches in internal design.
7. Slide Switch
Operated by sliding a lever, slide switches are another form of tactile actuation.
8. Key Lock Switch
Keylock switches require a key for operation, providing secure access and control.
9. Touchless Switch
These innovative switches detect hand presence without physical contact, employing near-infrared technology for hygienic operation.
10. RFID Switch
Utilizing RFID technology, these switches offer secure, personalized control through tag recognition.
List of 5 Operation Switch Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Japan
- Netherlands
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Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
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Electroswitch Electronic Products
Manual Standard Instrument and Control Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Electroswitch Electronic Products is a manufacturer of electric switches that is headquartered in Rayleigh, North Carolina and was founded in 1986 as a unit of Electro Switch Corp in 1946. The company offers a product catalog of rotary switches, toggle switches, pushbutton switches, rocker switches, encoders, and indicator lights. The company provides electroswitch brand central such as CRL centralab, Eaton commercial controls, Gaynor, Oakgrigsby, Shallcross, and ASM. The company caters to the commercial, industrial, and defense market industries.
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GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V.
Control station with mushroom
Manufacturer Overview
GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V., established in 1952 and based in Italy, is a manufacturer of safety components for industrial technology. The company operates in the areas of automation, handling systems, lift-elevator, and atex and iecex. The company's components adhere to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality System and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Standard by constantly monitoring the environment. The company’s European and international standards-certified products are sold in 75 countries. The buildings like the contemporary Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which has more than 160 floors, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris both utilised the company's materials.
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NKK SWITCHES CO., LTD.
IP-RATED SWITCHES
Manufacturer Overview
NKK Switches Co., Ltd. is a designer and manufacturer of multiple industrial operational switches, offering illuminated, process sealed, specialty, surface mount, and LCD programmable switches, established in 1953 in Japan. The company’s target audience is the industrial equipment market, where it offers switches and related equipment. They have a particularly high global market share in toggle switches. They also have a network of manufacturing and sales subsidiaries in the United States, Hong Kong, China, Europe, the Philippines, and Dongguan.
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Manufacturer Overview
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
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Operation Switch Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V. |
33.3%
|
| 2 | Electroswitch Electronic Products |
33.3%
|
| 3 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
33.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the operation switch page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.: 7,100
- NKK SWITCHES CO., LTD.: 280
Newly Established Company
- Electroswitch Electronic Products: 1986 (38 years ago)
- GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V.: 1952 (72 years ago)
- NKK SWITCHES CO., LTD.: 1951 (73 years ago)
Company with a History
- Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.: 1945 (79 years ago)
- NKK SWITCHES CO., LTD.: 1951 (73 years ago)
- GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V.: 1952 (72 years ago)
Operation Switch Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Operation Switch Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
2 | 50.0% |
Netherlands
|
1 | 25.0% |
Japan
|
1 | 25.0% |
List of Operation Switch Products
136 products are listed.
Fuji Electric Equipment Control
Command switch AM22, DM22 series
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
One step wiring that only inserts the wiring (push -in method). You can suppress not only the number of man -hours but also the wiring quality vari...
Fuji Electric Equipment Control
Command switch AR30, DR30 series
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
One step wiring that only inserts the wiring (push -in method). You can suppress not only the number of man -hours but also the wiring quality vari...
Fuji Electric Equipment Control
Command switch AR22, DR22 series
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
One step wiring that only inserts the wiring (push -in method). You can suppress not only the number of man -hours but also the wiring quality vari...
Fuji Electric Equipment Control
Command switch AG28, DG28 series
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
One step wiring that only inserts the wiring (push -in method). You can suppress not only the number of man -hours but also the wiring quality vari...
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
Double action switch HKW series
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
■ Use Mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
Switch (custom) HXW series
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
■ Use Remote control, digital camera, in -vehicle equipment, etc.
Fuji Electric Equipment Control
Command switch φ16 series
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
New added value that is not limited to specifications, such as miniaturization and high performance of devices. A new design command switch support...
Fuji Electric Equipment Control
Command switch φ22 system
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
New added value that is not limited to specifications, such as miniaturization and high performance of devices. A new design command switch support...
Komori Safety Device Lab Co.,Ltd
Hand switch (AC type double -handed operation type activation device switch)
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 22 hours ago
The hand switch starts by touching it with a pulling hand, not "pressing". This kind of operation creates high productivity. * AC type double -hand...
Rocky Co., Ltd.
Custom -made custom -made panel intelligent flat panel switch for industrial use
Last viewed: 19 hours ago
We offer the design and manufacturing of "Intelligent Flat Panel Switch" equipped with CPU on the back of the switch board, and "panel switch", whi...
