ALPS Develops and Commences Mass Production of Waterproof Switch Compatible With 4.5A Currents

SDDH Series: Compatible With Weak to Medium Currents

Duesseldorf, Germany, August 09, 2011 - ALPS ELECTRIC has developed the SDDH Series waterproof switch, which is compatible with weak to medium currents. Mass production commences in August 2011. Switches used in control elements, such as starters or stop lamp on/off switching, of motorbikes, buggies, other sports mobiles, and agricultural equipment require high water resistance so they can be used in the rain or immersed in water. Demand for switches compatible with weak through to medium currents is also on the rise due to increasing use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for items like stop lamps on motorbikes. The SDDH Series is a waterproof switch compatible with weak to medium currents between 10mA and 4.5A. Setting mechanical parts of contacts within a seamless casing, sealing with adhesive, and covering the knob (the moving part) with rubber ensures excellent water resistance. Water resistance is IP68*-equivalent, indicating the switch can even be operated submerged in water. Insulation is improved with a 9.2mm pitch between tab terminals. The switch area employs a snap action contact mechanism, providing a clear-cut operating feel. The clear-cut sensation is created when the moving contact hits the fixed contact via a spring. The moving part also slides over the fixed contact during on/off operation, removing oxide film and dust from the contact surface. This maximizes reliability of the contact. * International Protection (IP) Code. The digits indicate the level of resistance to intrusion by solid objects and liquids. IP68 indicates protection against dust (6) and immersion in water (8). Conditions for immersion in water are determined between the manufacturer and the user of the equipment. Features Waterproof switch compatible with weak to medium currents IP68 water resistance Compatible with broad rating range Snap action contact mechanism provides clear-cut clicking sensation Principal Applications Motorbike stop lamp on/off switching Mechanical detection applications in sports mobiles (e.g. buggies and personal watercraft), ship-related applications, or other applications Power switching or detection applications in agricultural, industrial, or other equipment Specifications Download press release including table of specifications More information on the new product

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. ALPS Electric (Tokyo: 6770) is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electronic components for mobile devices, home electronics, vehicles and industrial equipment. With the philosophy of “Perfecting the Art of Electronics” ALPS Electric supplies over 40,000 different components to about 2,000 companies all over the world. For more information, visit www.alps.com. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989 the European Head Office has been located in Düsseldorf, where a team of specialists works in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. The activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris, Milton Keynes, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and our sales office in Milan are coordinated from Düsseldorf.