Illuminated Tactile Switches

B3W-9

263

Safety Precautions

■ Precautions for Correct Use

Electrical Standards

All Use the Switch within the rated voltage and current ranges, other-

wise the Switch may have a shortened life expectancy, radiate heat,

or burn out. This particularly applies to the instantaneous voltages

and currents when switching.

Soldering

1. Soldering Precautions

• Before any kind of soldering, test to confirm that soldering can

be performed properly. Otherwise the Switch may be deformed

by the soldering heat depending on the type of PCB, pattern, or

lands of the PCB.

• Do not solder the Switch more than twice, including rectification

soldering. Wait for at least five minutes between the first and

second soldering to allow the temperature to return to normal.

Continuous soldering may cause the casing to melt or deterio-

rate the Switch characteristics.

2. Automatic Soldering Baths (Wave Soldering)

• Soldering temperature: 260

°C max.

• Soldering time: 5 s max. for a 1.6-mm thick single-side PCB

• Preheating temperature: 100

°C max. (ambient temperature)

• Preheating time: Within 60 s

• Precautions

Make sure that no flux will rise above the level of the PCB.

Also make sure that flux is not applied to the switch terminals or

to the mounting surface of the PCB. If flux overflows onto the

mounting surface of the PCB, it may enter the Switch and cause

a malfunction.

3. Manual Soldering

• Soldering temperature: 350

°C max. at the tip of the soldering

iron

• Soldering time: 3 s max. for a 1.6-mm thick, single-side PCB

• Precautions: Before soldering the Switch on a PCB, make sure

that there is no unnecessary space between the Switch and the

PCB.

Washing

Since Illumination part and actuation part are not sealed, switch can-

not be washed. Doing so will cause the washing agent, together with

flux or dust particles on the PCB, to enter the Switch, resulting in

malfunction.

PCBs

The Switch is designed for a 1.6-mm thick, single-side PCB. Using

PCBs with a different thickness or using double-sided, through-hole

PCBs may result in loose mounting, improper insertion, or poor heat

resistance in soldering. These effects will occur, depending on the

type of holes and patterns of the PCB.

Therefore, it is recommended that a verification test is conducted

Handling

1. Usage Environment

Before installing the Switch, make sure that the area of installation is

not subject to corrosive gases emitted from surrounding parts.

Do not use in areas subject to high temperatures, high humidity, or

toxic gases such as sulfuric gas (H2S, SO2), ammonia gas (NH3),

nitric gas (HNO3), or chlorine gas (CI2). It can cause

corrosive damage to the contacts and result in malfunction. If there is

silicon in the atmosphere, it may stop the contacts from functioning

properly.

If silicon products, such as silicon oil, silicon filler, or silicon wires, are

used in the surrounding area, install a contact protection circuit to

prevent arching or remove the silicon source.

The following situations may cause water to enter inside the Switch,

resulting in a malfunction due to contact failure or corrosion.

• Using the Switch in an outdoor environment where it is exposed

to water drops for an extended period of time.

• Using the Switch in an underwater setting where it is subject to

strong water pressure.

Do not use Switches that have been dropped. The mating section or

other internal parts may be damaged, resulting in malfunction.

Operation

Do not repeatedly operate the Switch with excessive force. Applying

excessive pressure or applying additional force after the plunger has

stopped may deform the disk spring of the Switch, resulting in mal-

function.

Be sure to set up the Switch so that the plunger will operate in a

straight vertical line.

If the plunger is pressed off-center or from an angle it may cause

deformation or damage to some parts. This may result in deteriora-

tion of durability or malfunction.