In the world of work trucks, there are literally hundreds of applications for lifts of some kind.  These can be either hydraulic or electric and can be found on everything from your commonly used forklift, to scissor lifts, to liftgates on the back of your rented Uhaul. Common design and safety considerations for switches used in industrial lifts include the following:

1. Outdoor or Industrial Use – Lifts are generally deployed in conditions that require resistance to the elements, and some durability under environmental extremes. These are almost universally industrial grade applications, not consumer grade.
2. End of Travel Detection – Whether operator controlled or automatic, you don’t want your engine or hydraulic pumps running when the lift is at the end of its range. Mechanically actuated shutoff switches are common in these kinds of applications.
3. Small Form Factor – It’s really important that the form factor of these switches be kept small yet be extremely tough and reliable for use in tight spots, or panel or steering wheel mounting.
4. Both Mechanical or Human Actuation – Lifts typically employ both types of switches. One that requires the right tactile feel for human operators and another which offers high durability and a calibrated mechanical actuation with long lifetime and high durability.
5. Resistance to Vibration – Work trucks and lift vehicles are subject to high vibration and sudden impacts during operation and can’t fail to operate as a result. Designs of safety and control switches must demonstrate a high degree of immunity to vibration.