Waterproof momentary rocker switch with enclosure

Electromechanical Switches
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1

I’m looking for a momentary rocker switch (3-wire) that is waterproof with a waterproof enclosure to contain the wire connection. This is for a low-volt application (pool cover open/close). I’m finding lots of switches but none with made-to-fit waterproof enclosures. Most switches have exposed terminals and I need the terminals enclosed in a waterproof box.

Any ideas?

2

Hello eric1,

Welcome to the DigiKey TechForum! You’re right regarding the terminals being exposed; many of the rocker switches are designed to be dropped into already pre-existing panels/boxes. The main thing to be looking for in these cases is the Ingress Protection, as that indicates whether it is waterproof or not.

If you need something that comes with the cover already, you will mostly want to have it with wire leads so the terminals already have a connection, such as the following part:

3

Thanks. This part looks good. But is there an enclosure into which I can snap this switch? I realize with the ready-wired switch, I don’t really need the enclosure, but I have a three-wire cable coming out of the pool cover control box, which I’ll want to solder to the switch terminals/wires, and I’ll need a waterproof enclosure for that. So I might as well get a rocker switch with exposed terminals and put the rocker switch in a waterproof enclosure to protect the connections and provide some stability to the switch, which otherwise would be just free sitting.

4

@eric1

I would think that a fair number of boxes can be used. Would you only be wanting to have the above switch that was recommended in it? Or would you be adding for to the inside of the box than just the termination for the switch?
Boxes | Electronic Components Distributor DigiKey

Also other switch options that have ingress rating that can work similarly to the original.
SPDT Mom-Off-Mom Rocker Switches | Electronic Components Distributor DigiKey

The 360-2281-ND would not have the wire leads.
WR18AF NKK Switches | Switches | DigiKey

5

Thanks for all this info. I’m ok with either the switch with wires or one with terminals. I’m finding the “Boxes” link a bit difficult to follow given the myriad of options/sizes. Can you suggest a specific combination of switch and box so that I don’t have to figure out a matching pair?

6

Hello eric1,

There will not be a box designed for the switch, as it already having the hole to snap the switch info. One possible option is HM386-ND. This should be large enough to mount the switch into it, and be deep enough for the wires. Please check the dimensions and the datasheet for verification.

7

So if I were to get the HM386-ND enclosure, I would have to cut a hole for the switch (say the 360-2281-ND switch), right? It would appear the enclosure comes with a cover made of polycarbonate material. Is that easy to cut and make waterproof? Are there no enclosures with a cover already cut for the right size of the 360-2281-ND switch?

8

Hello,

I would say no that this material would be harder to cut than a metal type enclosure. Though some of the suppliers will do custom requests. You can find the contact information to send an e-mail and the explanation on this link:

Hammond Mfg Custom Enclosures | DigiKey Electronics

You can review this to see if this is something you are interested in. You can just send an e-mail to the link provided and they can give more details.