Precise, high reliability switches and actuators designed with amazing simplicity HSI has designed and manufactured hundreds of switches and actuators for harsh environment applications where precision and durability are critical. Examples of these include: the 3-pole space suit Toggle Switch, Seat Switches for the Space Shuttle orbiter, Thrust Reverser Limit Switches for most American planes, Bleed Switches for jet engines, Rubber-molded Boot Switches for aircraft door latches and Locking Toggle Switches for armament. With our custom designs, we have earned more than 50 patents covering blades, packages, actuators and switch mechanisms. If you are working on an application that requires a precise, high reliability switch or actuator, we may be able to custom tailor one of our existing products to your need. If not, we have the technology to produce the product that will solve your problem.

Series 6100

This environmentally sealed switch is designed for uses where high reliability is required in a high or low temperature environment. Temperature range is -85° F to +300° F (-65° C to +150° C). Shock rating: 100g for 11±1 ms. Vibration rating: 10-2000 Hz 20g. Electrical rating: 28 VDC/115 VAC, 400 Hz. Maximum current: 10 Amps. Military spec: MIL-S-8805. Actuator assembly options include: push-button, toggle, leaf and roller leaf actuators . Also available on the 6100 Series is an ultra-high temperature, non-sealed switch with a range of -65° F to +700° F (-54° C to +371° C). Electrical and mechanical life are conservatively rated at 100,000 operations.

Series 6200

This switch is hermetically sealed and built to operate in temperatures ranging from -65° F to +660° F (-54° C to +349° C) continuously. Other environmental characteristics: Shock: 100g for 11 ±1 ms; Vibration: 10-2000 Hz ±20g. Electrical rating: 28 VDC/115 VAC, 400 Hz. Military spec: MIL-S-8805. Series 6200 was originally designed for use on Mach 2 supersonic aircraft. Currently, it is being used in high temperature valves, jet engine thrust reversers and similar severe environment operations. The most recent adaptation is a new low milli-amp version designed to solve a problem related to high temp./low current operations. In the 600° F (316° C) range, the slightest contamination can generate a film on the contacts. Since the low current cannot penetrate even the thinnest film, the result is an intermittent signal. HSI technology solves the contamination problem and prevents failure. No non-mineral materials are used in this design. Cleaning and inspection occur at every step. Finally, our switch cover is welded to the glass metal header in an inert atmosphere to complete the hermetically sealed assembly. True hermetic sealing is maintained per category 5 of MIL-S-8805, i.e. 1 X 10-8 atm. cc/sec.

Series 6300

This hermetically sealed switch is used in military and commercial aircraft and in the NASA shuttle program. Applications include valve limit switches, engine starters, overspeed switches and thrust reverser limit switches on supersonic planes. Fine silver contacts are used for environments up to 300° F (149° C). Platinum contacts are used where temperatures range up to 500° F (260° C). Assembly options include push-button, leaf, roller leaf and toggle. Electrical rating: 28 VDC/115 VAC, 400 Hz.

Other switches

Numerous HSI switch designs are available for push button, 5-position toggle, high current or small space applications. Contact HSI for more detailed information about our switch assembly options.