FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What mounting options are available?
Ametek offers a variety of mounting options through the use of brackets. Options include floor mount, wall mount, and curved mount brackets. Please see each series data sheet for mounting options.
What is the IP rating of your product?
The IP rating is dependent on the series and is based on the IEC 60529 specification. We have the following ratings:
J46 Series: IP31
Plastic Case: IP67
Metal Case: This series does not have an IP rating, although we state that the construction is “splash proof” through the use of a sealant
What is the difference between different coil duty cycles?
The continuous duty ratings means that the coil can remain energized indefinitely without damage to the coil. Intermittent duty coils have more power which improves switching characteristics, but because more power is generated than the coil can dissipate, they cannot be energized indefinitely. There are different intermittent duty ratings for the various series:
J46 Series
Prolonged: Up to 90% duty cycle; 50 minutes maximum on time; a little more force than continuous duty
Intermittent: 50% duty cycle; 15 minutes maximum on time; more force than continuous and prolonged duty
High Power: Up to 25% duty cycle; 3 minutes maximum on time; the highest force available.
Plastic Case & Metal Case series
Heavy Duty Intermittent: 25%; 10 minutes maximum on time
Intermittent: 25% duty cycle; 2 minutes maximum on time; more force than HD intermittent
What is the advantage of using large contacts?
One of the consequences of using switching DC currents is the erosion of the contact material. There are many parameters that effect arc erosion, contact size being one of them. Ametek offers a larger contact, on the J46 series, that will improve the life of the contactor in severe switching applications like inductive loads.
Can Ametek Prestolite Switch perform my test?
Ametek has the capability to perform DC electrical load testing including continuous current, resistive load, inductive load, and motor load. Ametek can also perform a variety of environmental test.
What is the temperature rating of your product?
The temperature rating is dependent on the product series. Ametek has the following ratings:
J46 Series: -20°C to +50°C
Plastic Case:
SAZ heavy duty intermittent series: -28.9°C to +93°C
SAZ intermittent series: -28.9°C to +121°C
SBC & SBJ series: -28.9°C to +85°C
Metal Case: -40°C to +50°C
Are your products UL approved?
The majority of Ametek Prestolite Switch products are UL recognized components listed under the following files:
E117477: (NRNT2) Component – Switches, Industrial Control
E158802: (QPQY2) Component – Power Distribution Centers for Communications Equipment
E161810: (QPQY2, QPQY8) Component – Power Distribution Centers for Communications Equipment
Au1754: (YCFT2) Component – Truck Accessories, Battery – Powered
Au2277: (YCFT2) Component – Truck Accessories, Battery – Powered
Are your products RoHS compliant?
The majority of Ametek Prestolite Switch products are RoHS compliant. There are some applications that still use Cadmium contacts at the customer request. Please see the outline drawing to determine if the contactor is compliant.
What is the advantage of using coil suppression?
Coil suppression helps protect sensitive equipment from the transient voltage (back EMF) generated from the coil during de-energization. Ametek Prestolite Switch offers optional suppression devices including a resistor, varistor, diode, diode & resistor. The user must take into account that the coil suppression will increase the release time which will reduce the life of the contactor.