Edge length of RF 19 (19.05) and KN 19 (18.8 x 37.8)
2
22.3 mm
Mounting hole acc. to IEC 60947-5-1
27 mm
Mounting depth of RAFIX 22 FS contact block with quick-connect terminals
3
30.5 mm
Mounting hole acc. to IEC 60947-5-1
5
5.1 x 6.4 mm
Dimensions of MICON 5
8
8 mm
Mounting hole for the 8 mm pushbutton series, edge length of RACON 8
9
9.2 mm
is a RAFI-specific mounting dimension. With a mounting depth of 9.2 mm behind the front panel surface, the printed circuit board can be installed and carry RAFI components such as MICON 5, RACON 8, RACON 12, KN 19, RF 15, RF 19 and RAFIX 22 FS contact blocks.
9.7 mm
Overall height for RAFI short-travel keyswitches MICON 5, RACON 8, RACON 12, KN 19, RF 15, RF 19 for use under an overlay
A
Actuator
The component which is actuated mechanically by the operator. Actuators are always located on the surface of a machine.
Ambient temperature
Temperature (°C) in the environment of the component.
Assembly without tools
An assembly process performed without any auxiliary items.
AS-Interface (ASI)
AS-Interface is a field bus at the lower field layer. The installation of AS-Interface components is very easy, saves assembly time and offers great flexibility of assembly.
AS-Interface safety @ work
Safety protocol of AS-Interface for the transmission of safety-related input signals (e.g. emergency off or emergency stop).
AWG - American Wire Gauge
A unit of measurement for thickness and diameter of solid and stranded wires.
B
Barred area
The area around a PCB component where no other components are allowed.
Blanking cap
Used to cover mounting holes without function.
Blister reel
A deep-drawn endless packaging type with a transparent cover strip used for automatic feeding of components to automatic SMD assembly machines.
Breakdown voltage
The voltage (V, kV) that is necessary to cause current to flow through an insulator.
Buzzers
A signalling unit generating an acoustic signal (piezo type).
C
Cage clamp terminal
A static contact for connecting a wire (by a self-locking spring) to integrate components into circuits.
CE marking
A quality mark for devices complying with the European Low-Voltage Directive. The CE mark means that the device marked complies with all relevant requirements and standards. See also the glossary table.
Change-over contact (CO)
Mechanically interconnected normally-open (NO) contact and normally-closed (NC) contact with a common potential.
Class of protection to EN IEC 61058-1
Classifies electromechanical switching devices according to a table of categories for protection against electric shock by a non-conductive material.
Click fixing method
For mounting pushbuttons from the front (LUMOTAST FK, LUMOTAST 25).
Collar
The housing of an actuator.
Collar shape
May exist in different designs; common collar shapes are round or square.
Colour coding to IEC/ EN 60073, IEC 60204 (VDE 0113 Part 1)
Red - Emergency (Warning of a potential hazard -> Immediate intervention required) Yellow - Abnormal condition (critical condition) Green - Normal condition (indicates safe operating conditions) Blue - Mandatory (action required) White - No special meaning Grey - No special meaning Black - No special meaning
Contact block
Contact element for opening or closing a circuit. Contact blocks may contain several different potential-free contact chambers.
The resistance (in mΩ) between two contacts with the circuit closed. The resistance between closed contacts (constriction resistance, surface contamination resistance, etc.).
Contacts
Contacts are distinguished according to static and separable contacts. Static contacts include temporary or permanent connections (screw connections, solder connections, etc.). Separable contacts are referred to as switching contacts in circuits.
Control component
Components designed to input commands on a machine. Control components have a modular design and therefore offer maximum flexibility with regard to the selection of the suitable input components.
Conventional thermal current Ith EN IEC 60947-5-1
The maximum current (A) that a switching device can conduct without thermal overload for at least 8 hours.
Creepage distance EN IEC 60947-1, DIN EN 61058-1
Describes the shortest distance (mm) between two conductive parts on the surface of an insulating material.
CSA
Canadian Standards Association
D
Declaration of conformity
Declarations of conformity for all products concerned are available from us on request. Please specify the accurate order numbers of the specific products in your inquiry.
Degree of pollution DIN EN 60947-1
A measure for the quantity of conductive or hygroscopic dust, gas or salt and the relative humidity which may cause a reduction of the dielectric strength of a switching device. The degree of pollution is described with four different levels for the definition of the ambient conditions.
A lens diffusing a light signal into many directions. Diffusers are used with signal lamps for visual indication from a distance and are not suitable for legending.
Double gap
A contact type with two switching contact breaking points.
Dupe-proof
A feature of emergency stop switches according to EN 60947-5-5. Dupe-proof means that the initiation of a component cannot be cancelled as soon as a certain point is reached when operated by an accumulated force.
E
Electric arc
A self-sustaining discharge phenomenon between two electrodes.
Electrical operating life
The number of operations of a component at a defined electrical load.
EMC
EMC = Electromagnetic compatibility The components listed in this catalogue are "elementary components such as switches, signal lamps, etc." according to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) legislation and are therefore not subject to the EMC legislation.
Emergency stop switches (EN 60947-5-5) are safety-relevant actuators with a mechanical latching function. Emergency stop switches can be used for the emergency stop function according to IEC EN 13850 and operate according to different stop categories (depending on the safety application).
The following criteria apply according to the EC Machinery Directive: An emergency stop switch: - Must be ready to use at any time. - One actuation must result in immediate disconnection (shutdown). - Resetting an emergency stop switch must not initiate restarting. - The switching device must latch when pressed. - Unambiguous identification (red/yellow).
ENEC approval
European approval mark for device switches according to IEC 61058-1. This European approval replaces all national approval marks in Europe, such as VDE, SEV, ÖVE, DEMKO, SEMKO, NEMKO, FEMKO and KEMA. Many RAFI products have already obtained approval according to the new standard, others are under preparation. Explanation of the ENEC ratings - Example: 25 T 85 (70) means: - Lower temperature: - 25 °C - Upper temperature: + 85 °C (without lamp) - Upper temperature: + 70 °C (with lamp)
ESD strength
The dielectric strength (kV) of a component with static charge.
Extension plunger
An accessory for short-travel keyswitches used for customizing the actuating face to obtain different areas and heights.
F
Filament lamp
A lamp, the light of which is generated by a hot filament wire. The wire is enclosed in a vacuum in order to prevent it from burning.
Front ring An exchangeable design element of RAFIX 22 FS and RAFIX 22 QR control components.
Full-travel keyswitch
An electromechanical keyswitch with a travel from 1 to 5 mm optimised for quick data input.
G
Glow wire test / hotwire ignition to IEC 60695-2-1
The test temperature of 850 °C means that these products can be used in devices designed for unattended continuous operation.
Gold contact
Contacts used for switching low currents and voltages (signal level).
Grid spacing
Defines the distance to the next adjacent component of the same type.
Gullwing terminals
Solder terminals bent towards the outside, used for SMT components.
H
Hall technology
The Hall effect occurs in a current-carrying conductor located within a magnetic field, where an electrical field builds up which is perpendicular to the direction of current and to the magnetic field and which compensates the Lorentz force acting on the electrons.
The Hall effect can be utilised for switching and positioning purposes. The switching method of the RS 76C is based on this technology.
Handle
The handle of a selector switch used for turning and operating the switch.
Housings alignable without gaps
Control components with a housing collar suitable for aligning without gaps make it possible to design an operating panel without gaps between the components. There is no clearance between the housings of the various actuators. This prevents accumulation of dirt.
Pushbutton which can be illuminated for visual signal indication.
Illumination
Used for visual signal indication with illuminated pushbuttons, indicator lights, signal lamps, pushbuttons, etc. The illumination can be implemented with various luminous elements mounted either in sockets or permanently.
Indicators
Components designed for giving a signal to the operator.
Indicator light
A signal lamp indicating a status by lighting up or going out.
Insulation resistance DIN IEC 60512-2
The resistance (k, M) between different poles of an electromechanical contact and live parts.
J
J-lead
Solder terminals bent towards the inside, used for SMT components.
JEDEC
Abbreviation of Joint Electron Device Engineering Council. The JEDEC Solid State Technology Association (in short, JEDEC) is a US organisation for the standardisation of semiconductors. One of its fields of activity is the definition of binding standards for soldering (example: JEDEC 20C soldering standard with RoHS conformity).
K
Keycap
The visible actuating area of a key; it is removable and may be suitable for legending, opaque, translucent or transparent.
Keylock switch
A switching element provided with a priority function, where the key is used as the actuator.
Keyswitch
A signal-generating switching unit closing (or opening) a circuit when operated. The circuit opens (or closes, respectively) after operation.
KN 19
Short-travel main switch for low-profile data entry systems, overall height of RAFI KN 19: 9.2 mm
L
Label holder
Legend label modules which can be mounted separately for control components of the RAFIX 16 and RAFIX 22 QR series.
Lamp
A luminous element with artificial light used for illumination.
Lamp socket
An element which can accommodate a standard luminous element with a specific base.
Latching
The contact remains in the switching position when operated once.
Latching function
The contact remains in the switching position when operated once.
LED
A light emitting diode used, for example, for indicating a signal status. LED's can be operated either with direct current (DC) or with alternating current (AC).
LED clip
A special LED-type luminous element for RAFIX 22 FS control components that can be used with contact blocks with quick-connect terminals.
Legending
Required to identify the effects of the specific input or output signal. Legending technologies used by RAFI: - Engraving - Hot stamping - Pad printing - 2-component spray painting - Laser engraving - etc.
Lens
The part of a pushbutton which an operator touches directly. Lenses are provided with different colours to identify the effect of pressing the pushbutton.
Locating pip
A projection provided for locating an actuator. Panel cut-outs complying with IEC 60 947-5-1 are provided with the matching groove, or indent.
Luminous element
A term designating electric components emitting light.
LUMOTAST
A brand name for RAFI pushbutton series that have been offered as mono-elements for more than 35 years. The current LUMOTAST series include LUMOTAST FK LUMOTAST 25 LUMOTAST 75
LUMOTAST FK
An illuminated pushbutton and signal lamp product series suitable for mounting from the front and provided with a flat ribbon cable connection.
LUMOTAST 25
An illuminated pushbutton and signal lamp product series suitable for mounting from the front, with a collar size of 25 x 25 mm and provided with a flat ribbon cable connection.
LUMOTAST 75
An illuminated pushbutton and signal lamp product series suitable for mounting from the front for applications up to 250 V.
M
Make/break arc
An arc caused when making and breaking a contact, having a detrimental effect on the electrical operating life.
Make current
The current flowing immediately after initial power-on and which may be a multiple of the rated current flowing later.
Marking
Marking is made in accordance with the Low-Voltage Directive 72/33/EEC or the CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC in the shipping documents, on the packaging or on the product itself.
Materials
See plastic materials.
Mechanical operating life
Number of mechanical operations of a component.
Momentary
Signal generation only when operated - (The circuit is kept closed or open as long as the device is operated.)
Mono-element
Complete element consisting of actuator and contact block.
Mounting depth
The space required for RAFI components behind the front panel. The mounting depth always includes the front panel thickness, which may vary.
Mounting hole
A round or square opening in the front panel used for installing RAFI components. Mounting holes may be standardised, e.g. according to EN 60 947-5-1.
Mushroom head
The actuating area of the mushroom pushbutton.
Mushroom pushbutton
A pushbutton with an enlarged actuating area.
N
Neon lamp
A lamp, the light of which is generated by electrical discharge effects in thinned gas. These lamps offer the advantages of low heat loss, a long operating life and excellent shock resistance.
Normally-closed contact (NC)
A contact breaking (opening) a circuit when operated (normally closed).
Normally-open contact (NO)
A contact closing a circuit when actuated.
O
Opaque
Non-transparent material structure used, for example, with coloured lenses of pushbuttons (see also "Transparent" and "Translucent").
Operating force
The force (N) which must be exerted on an actuator in order to be able to initiate the intended function.
Operating point
The position in the switching process where the contact closes or opens.
Operating temperature
Admissible ambient temperature range during operation.
Operating torque
The force to be applied to input a command with a selector switch or keylock switch.
Operating travel
The travel of a pushbutton, mushroom pushbutton, emergency stop button, etc. required for command input.
Operations according to EN IEC 61058-1
Refers to the complete cycle of a logical change of state until back in the initial position.
P
Panel mounting sockets
Sockets for accommodating filament lamps and LEDs provided with a base.
Plastic material
Housings, keycaps and lenses are exclusively made of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic materials with excellent electrical characteristics, high impact resistance and high temperature resistance. We do not use any cadmium for surface protection of contact and connection elements and we only use cadmium-free plastic materials and asbestos-free filling materials. Cadmium-containing and cadmium-free plastics have the same technical characteristics. Equivalent quality is confirmed by the manufacturers. A limitation is the consistence of hue. In some cases it can be noticed by visual inspection. However, in general the difference can only be detected by measuring equipment.
Positive opening operation according to EN IEC 60947-1
Describes the mechanical movement of a normally-closed contact which guarantees that the contact opens when the actuator is in the corresponding open position.
Positively driven contact
Potentiometer drive
An actuator of control components used for operating a potentiometer.
Previous products
In this catalogue, we present the current RAFI product range. Many articles from previous product ranges are still available. Please contact your usual RAFI distribution partners.
Priority keylock switch
Offers various functions with different keys.
Pushbutton
Pushbuttons are actuators operated by pressing. Pushbuttons may have a momentary or latching switch function.
Q
Quick-connect terminals
A static contact for connecting a wire (by a quick-connect blade terminal for cable lugs) to integrate components into circuits.
R
RACON 8
RAFI short-travel keyswitch in square design with an edge length of 8 mm and sealed gold contact system.
RACON 12
RAFI short-travel keyswitch in square design with an edge length of 12 mm and sealed gold contact system.
RAFIX
The brand name of the RAFI control component series. The RAFIX brand is more than 40 years old. The current RAFIX generation includes the following series: RAFIX 16, RAFIX 16 F, RAFIX 22 FS, RAFIX 22 QR
RAFIX 16
A complete control component series designed for a mounting hole diameter of 16.2 mm.
RAFIX 16 F
A design-oriented control component series with a very low profile.
RAFIX 22 FS
A control component series designed for a mounting hole diameter of 22.3 mm. Special characteristics of this series are: - Low mounting depth - Easy assembly - Compatibility with short-travel keyswitches
RAFIX 22 QR
A complete control component series designed for a mounting hole diameter of 22.2 mm.
Rated impulse withstand voltage (Ui) EN IEC 60947-1
A measure for the strength of the interior of a switching device to withstand rated impulse surge voltages (kV).
Rated insulation voltage (Ui) EN IEC 60947-1
The voltage (V, kV) to which insulation tests and creepage distances refer. The maximum rated operating voltage must not be higher than the rated insulation voltage.
Rated operating voltage (Ue) EN IEC 60947-1
The voltage (V, kV) to which insulation tests and creepage distances refer. The maximum rated operating voltage must not be higher than the rated insulation voltage.
Rated operating current (Ie) EN IEC 60947-1
The amperage (A) a switching device may conduct, taking the rated operating voltage, the operating time, the usage category and the ambient temperature into account.
Rated uninterrupted current (Iu) EN IEC 60947-1
The amperage (A) a device may conduct in continuous duty (for weeks, months, years).
REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
A EU regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.
Reflow soldering is a soldering process for SMT components. A solder paste placed onto the printed circuit board or conductive film is molten by heat (infrared, vapour phase, laser or radiant heater) and subsequently hardened by cooling down to form a rigid connection with the component.
Resistance to climatic conditions
Maximum admissible temperature and humidity range
RF 15
RAFI short-travel keyswitch series of square design with an edge length of 15 mm provided with gold or silver contacts and many different integrated illumination options.
RF 19
RAFI short-travel keyswitch series of square design with an edge length of 19 mm provided with gold or silver contacts and many different integrated illumination options.
RG 85 III
A modular short-travel system for elevator control, info terminals, vending machines, etc. The RG 85 III product series comprises pushbuttons, signal indicators and keylock switches.
Ring nut
A threaded ring used for fixing the actuators.
RK 90
Standard keycap system for use with RAFI short-travel keyswitches.
RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances
A EU regulation for the restriction of the use of certain materials in electrical and electronic devices.
Rotary switch
A rotary switch is a special panel mounting pushbutton used for setting logical states by mechanical rotation. Different logical states are realized with specific rotating angles assigned.
RS 74
RAFI full-travel keyswitch series with an operating travel of 2.5 mm.
RS 76
RAFI full-travel keyswitch series with an operating travel of 4 mm.
S
Screw terminal
A static contact for connecting a wire (with a screw) to integrate components into circuits.
Selector switch
Actuators used for selecting a certain condition. Selector switches are operated by turning and offer an unambiguous switching position indication.
Selector switch with long handle
A selector switch with a larger handle which is used, for example, if operation is necessary wearing gloves.
Shock resistance
Describes the ability of a switching device to withstand pulse-like impact movements without effect on the operating status and without suffering mechanical damage.
Short-travel keyswitch
An electromechanical keyswitch with a maximum travel of 1 mm providing a distinct tactile feedback for the complete operating behaviour.
Signal indicator
Components for visual status indication used with panel mounting pushbuttons (RG 85 III, RF).
Signal lamps
Components indicating process states on machines by means of a visual signal.
Silver contacts (Ag contacts)
Silver or silver/nickel alloy contacts are usually used for switching power levels >/= 1W and voltages >/= 12V.
Single-handed assembly
The actuator inserted at assembly is kept in the panel cut-out by the cast-on seal. This makes it possible to pre-install all actuators from the front, even if minor vibrations occur. Subsequently you can complete mounting by tightening the ring nut without having to hold the components with your hand.
SMT (Surface Mounted Technology)
SMT devices are provided with a soldering contact pad. They are soldered directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board.
Solder heat resistance
Definition of the maximum admissible soldering time and temperature when soldering components with solder terminals.
Solder terminals (etc.) EN IEC 61058-1
Contact points on a component used for connection to a printed circuit board by soldering.
Spacer
Used to obtain a defined distance between the front panel and the printed circuit board (e.g. 9.2 mm – Front panel thickness = Spacer height).
Spark distance EN IEC 60947-1, EN IEC 61058-1
The shortest distance (mm) in air between two conductive parts.
Special sealing
A special wear-resistant seal used in some pushbuttons.
Standard
A rule with a generally accepted binding nature.
Storage temperature
Admissible temperature range (°C) for storing a device.
Switch
This term is often used as a generic term for electrical switching components. In contrast with pushbuttons, switches latch when operated once. To unlatch them, they must be operated again.
Switching capacity
A parameter specifying the rated operating currents (Ie) as a function of the rated operating voltage (Ue).
Switching contact
The purpose of switching contacts is to switch on circuits, conduct currents, switch off circuits and ensure insulation when the circuits are open.
Switching device
General term used for single components for opening / closing circuits.
T
Tactility
Tactile feedback
Terminals
Specifies the way a switch is connected to a circuit or device to switch. Available types are screw terminals, solder terminals, PCB mounting pins, stranded wires, wire-wrap terminals and a large selection of male and female connectors.
Static contacts for connecting RAFI components with wires, conductor tracks, etc. Static contacts can be designed as removable contacts (screw, quick-connect, cage clamp terminals, etc.) or permanent contacts (solder, welding contacts, etc.).
THT (Through Hole Technology)
Through hole technology involves inserting the components through the PCB holes and joining them with special THT soldering processes (wave soldering, manual soldering).
Tightening torque (Nm)
A measure for the torsional effect of a force (N) acting on a rotary object.
Tool
An auxiliary item used for assembly.
Torque (Nm)
A measure for the force acting on a rotary object.
Translucent
Light-transmitting material structure used for large-area diffused (sometimes coloured) illumination.
Transparent
Light-transmitting material structure, sometimes also with a colour shade, e.g. for diffuser lenses.
Twin pushbutton
Two separate pushbuttons on one switching unit (mounting hole, coupling)
All dimensions in this catalogue are given in mm. For conversion tables for various units of measurement, see glossary.
Usage categories to IEC 60947-5-1 [120 -230V]:
Alternating current [AC]: AC-12 Control of resistive loads and solid-state loads with isolation by optocouplers. AC-13 Control of solid-state loads with transformer isolation. AC-14 Control of small electromagnetic loads (< 72 VA). AC-15 Control of electromagnetic loads (> 72 VA). Direct current [DC]: DC-12 Control of resistive loads and solid-state loads with isolation by optocouplers. DC-13 Control of electromagnetic loads. DC-14 Control of electromagnetic loads having economy resistors in circuit.
V
V
VDE
Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker – Association of German Electrical Engineers (German approval organisation)
W
W
Wave soldering
Process for lead-free and lead-involving soldering standardised in E DIN EN 60068-3-20.
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