Precision Switching Products & Linear Position Sensors

Momentary Switches

Waterproof Momentary Contact Switches, Hand Actuated

Our waterproof momentary contact switches are totally submersible and are designed to preserve seal integrity even during activation over a long life. Our switch design utilizes an extremely robust snap-action contact mechanism protected by Mil-Grade Neoprene or industrial grade Santoprene casings. This basic waterproof momentary switch design is incorporated into our E Series limit switch brackets and actuators, and it can also be ordered as a stand-alone waterproof pushbutton switch (a “pendant style” switch).

Momentary Switch Product Types

Our momentary contact switches come in a variety of form factors and contact options allowing them to be used in a tremendous variety of military and industrial applications. We’re proud of how tough these switches are, they last, they’re reliable, and they are 100% designed and manufactured in the USA..

And our momentary switches are truly waterproof, not “water resistant”, or “moisture immune”. Our exclusive Santoprene and Neoprene sealing process produces switches of ultra-high seal integrity along with a wide dynamic operating temperature range that has been certified to commonly required industrial and military specifications.

How To Purchase

Most CPI switches can be ordered
directly form the Websites of
our major distributors

For quotes on production
quantities or special orders please
contact factory sales directly at
(973) 264-4208

WP catalog icon

Momentary Switches – Pendant Style

Pendant Switches – Momentary Contact

Momentary Switches CPI’s waterproof pendant switches see usage in environments that require long life under demanding applications in adverse outdoor conditions. These pendant switches are hand activated and come in a standard and a “Light Touch” actuation version. All switches are fully waterproof and come in a variety of casing materials suitable for a wide variety of Military, Industrial or Low temp applications. All switches may be specified with a variety of mechanical and electrical parameters (see below) including normally-open, normally-closed, or SPDT configurations. Our Line of Pendant Switches includes:

  • B5 Series– standard actuation
  • B7 Series– light-touch actuation
  • B9 Series– low-temp Santoprene (ideal for E1 Limit Brackets)
  • B2 Series– MIL-grade Neoprene, overmolded

Internal Lever Pendant Switches

Really a specialized type of pendant switch, this switch family was developed to meet the needs of welders. These switches are sealed in Neoprene and feature a larger actuator and a “v-back” for easy mounting on pipes and tubing. K1 Series– MIL-C rated, Neoprene V-Back, for pipe mount

Waterproof Plunger Switches

Our panel mount waterproof plunger switches use any of our B series momentary switch types which are then mounted into an all-stainless steel casing with a thermoplastic mounting bushing and plunger. D1 Series– panel-mount plunger switch.

Momentary Switch Design Parameters

If you have a high performance application that requires use of a momentary switch for a tough outdoor environment with potential extremes of high or low temperature, then you are probably going to need more than just switch waterproofing. CPI’s design team is experienced at trading off the many conflicting design requirements necessary to achieve an overall goal for MTBF, cost, and electrical parameters that meets almost any momentary switch operating specification.

Some of the design considerations for our switches include the following:

  • Operating Temperature Range. CPI has engineered our switches to avoid contact “freezing” at operating temperatures down to -20F.
  • Contact travel and pre-travel – These critical parameters affect MTBF directly and must be adjusted to achieve the specified cycle lifetime
  • Mechanical Endurance – CPI has achieved MTBF of over 1 million cycles rated for high dynamic temperature environments, with careful design of mechanical switch parameters, and new manufacturing techniques for sealing.
  • Actuator Style – The actuator used for our momentary switch configurations can be specified: either plunger, lever, roller ball, or hand actuated pendant style switches. All with unique engineering challenges to achieve an overall requirement.
  • Circuit type – Normally Open/Closed and current requirements can be specified for any switch we build, including the challenge of designing for high startup loads.
  • Mounting & Packaging. CPI provides a wide variety of packaging options with any switch. Each present unique challenges for design and operation.

At CPI our engineering team has made and manufactured custom switches for industrial, aerospace and military environments, for over 40 years. Our partnership with OEM’s goes beyond just design but carries through to the manufacturing and field qualification of our units to achieve all program goals.

Make the Switch to CPI

If your momentary switch application demands high performance, we think you should demand CPI.
Please call us today to speak with our engineering team about your needs.

Electrical Ratings 28VDC / 120VAC 5A resistive, 3A inductive

Endurance: (12VDC / 120VAC Resistive)
2A, 5A 100,000 cycles
10A, 15A 25,000 cycles
*Extended life versions available up to 5 million cycles. (load dependent)
Operating Temperature:
Santoprene Seal -40°F to 221°F
Neoprene Seal -65°F to 165°F

Make The “Switch” to CPI

If your momentary switch application demands high performance, we think you should demand CPI. Please call us today to speak with our engineering team about your needs.

(973) 887-9400