All Categories
History
This section provides an overview for operation switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 operation switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked operation switch companies as of December, 2024: 1.GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V., 2.Electroswitch Electronic Products, 3.Light Country Co., Ltd..
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Operation Switches
An operation switch is an input device operated mechanically by an external force to switch electrical signals.
These switches are essential for toggling circuits in equipment and device control systems. Their operation involves moving an actuator through direct actions like pressing a button, pulling a lever, or turning a knob.
Consequently, the internal contacts either make or break the circuit, enabling or preventing current flow.
Operation switches play a pivotal role in control and power systems, facilitating actions such as power toggling, command issuance, and equipment switching. They enable operators to start, modify, or stop machines during operation.
Operation boxes, or control boxes, house these switches and, increasingly, also feature programmable displays and panel computers as modern input methods.
Take the toggle switch as an example: it comprises a body, lever, contacts, and terminals. Activating the lever moves the contacts to switch the circuit ON or OFF.
Contacts, responsible for circuit continuity, come in three types:
Make Contact (a-contact)
This type remains open (OFF) until operated to close (ON), facilitating load activation.
Break Contact (b-contact)
Normally closed (ON), this contact opens (OFF) upon operation, used for load deactivation.
Break-Make Contact (c-contact)
This contact combines both functions, switching between ON and OFF states upon operation, ideal for circuit toggling.
The terms "pole" and "throw" denote the switch's circuit control capabilities, with variations including:
Switches may operate in alternate or momentary modes, exemplified by push-button switches:
Variations of operation switches are distinguished by the actuator's shape and motion, including:
These switches engage contacts via a button press, available in alternate and momentary modes.
Specialized emergency stop switches are designed for visibility and rapid activation.
Selector switches alter contacts through lever rotation, with specifications like notch number and angle, dictating switching capabilities and lever positioning.
Rocker switches, with their distinctive shape, toggle contacts by pressing a paddle, similar to common light switches.
These switches operate by moving a lever, with variations supporting different positioning and actuation types.
Tactile switches are characterized by their short stroke and distinct feedback.
Rotary switches control circuits through knob rotation, differing from selector switches in internal design.
Operated by sliding a lever, slide switches are another form of tactile actuation.
Keylock switches require a key for operation, providing secure access and control.
These innovative switches detect hand presence without physical contact, employing near-infrared technology for hygienic operation.
Utilizing RFID technology, these switches offer secure, personalized control through tag recognition.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
C&K is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and was established in 1928 as a manufacturer of electromechanical switches. The company designs various Push buttons, Toggles, Navigational, Slides, and Rotary switches, along with Smart Card Connectors that are used in vending machines, digital satellite receivers, and other equipment. C&K switches serve a huge market of consumer electronics, transportation, aerospace, and medical to name a few. The High Reliability connectors are also produced to cope with applications that have extreme operating conditions such as space, military, automotive, etc
E-Switch, established in 1979 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical switches. Their diverse product range includes pushbuttons, rocker switches, toggle switches, and safety switches. These are available in various types, such as momentary, latching, and illuminated, offering variable control options for appliances, industrial equipment, and medical devices. Additionally, E-Switch provides safety switches like emergency stop switches and door interlock switches to ensure the protection of individuals and equipment in industrial settings. E-Switch offers custom-designed switches, serving a wide range of industries, including appliances, industrial equipment, medical devices, and transportation.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Electroswitch Electronic Products is a manufacturer of electric switches that is headquartered in Rayleigh, North Carolina and was founded in 1986 as a unit of Electro Switch Corp in 1946. The company offers a product catalog of rotary switches, toggle switches, pushbutton switches, rocker switches, encoders, and indicator lights. The company provides electroswitch brand central such as CRL centralab, Eaton commercial controls, Gaynor, Oakgrigsby, Shallcross, and ASM. The company caters to the commercial, industrial, and defense market industries.
Taiwan Alpha Electronic, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Taoyuan, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components and customizable sensor solutions. Their product offerings include force sensors used in industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive applications, position sensors utilized in machine tools, robots, and conveyors, proximity sensors for detecting object presence in various industries, and temperature sensors applied in industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive sectors. Additionally, Taiwan Alpha Electronic provides custom-designed sensors to meet specific customer needs. Their products are widely used in industries such as industrial automation, medical devices, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Switronic Industrial Corp. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision switches founded in 1986 and based in Taipei, Taiwan. The company produces a wide range of switches for use in consumer electronics, automobiles, and industrial facilities. Its products include limit switches, tactile switches for keyboards, and rotary switches for dimmer lighting controls. The company also offers additional technical support services, and customization options for clients with unique project specifications. Some of its notable clients include Samsung, Nissan, Honeywell.
GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V., established in 1952 and based in Italy, is a manufacturer of safety components for industrial technology. The company operates in the areas of automation, handling systems, lift-elevator, and atex and iecex. The company's components adhere to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality System and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Standard by constantly monitoring the environment. The company’s European and international standards-certified products are sold in 75 countries. The buildings like the contemporary Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which has more than 160 floors, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris both utilised the company's materials.
NKK Switches Co., Ltd. is a designer and manufacturer of multiple industrial operational switches, offering illuminated, process sealed, specialty, surface mount, and LCD programmable switches, established in 1953 in Japan. The company’s target audience is the industrial equipment market, where it offers switches and related equipment. They have a particularly high global market share in toggle switches. They also have a network of manufacturing and sales subsidiaries in the United States, Hong Kong, China, Europe, the Philippines, and Dongguan.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Canal Components Inc. is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company is a distributor of quality electrical and mechanical components to customers worldwide. The company sources from suppliers in China and Taiwan as well as perform in-house production in its ISO 9001-certified factories providing product testing. The company’s product categories include switches, sockets, fuses, and other component parts. The company also has a line of waterproof and washable electronic parts. The company bridges communication between suppliers and customers and encourages inquiries from customers about products.
Taiway Electronics Components, established in 1995 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, is a distributor of electronic components. Their product offerings include a wide range of resistors, capacitors, diodes, as well as transistors and integrated circuits. These components are essential for controlling current flow, storing electrical energy, and amplifying or switching signals in electronic circuits. Taiway's components serve various industries, including telecommunications, industrial automation, and consumer electronics, enabling efficient electronic designs and applications.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GIOVENZANA INTERNATIONAL B.V. |
25.0%
|
| 2 | Electroswitch Electronic Products |
25.0%
|
| 3 | Light Country Co., Ltd. |
12.5%
|
| 4 | C&K Components, Inc. |
12.5%
|
| 5 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
12.5%
|
| 6 | Switronic INDUSTRIAL CORP. |
12.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the operation switch page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Taiwan
|
5 | 45.5% |
|
United States of America
|
4 | 36.4% |
|
Netherlands
|
1 | 9.1% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 9.1% |
