MIL-DTL-18396E
3.2 Definitions.
3.2.1 Switch. A switch is a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electric circuit.
3.2.2 Meter switch. The meter switch is used to connect or disconnect a meter in an electric circuit, or to transfer the
meter from one circuit or phrase to another.
3.2.3 Control switch. The control switch is used to connect or disconnect electric power-operated devices in a circuit
or to transfer the device from one circuit to another.
3.2.4 Contact rating.
3.2.4.1 Make and break. The rating of the switch which describes its ability to make or break an electric circuit for
the rated life of the switch without damage. It is described both in amperes and volts.
3.2.4.2 Continuous current rating. The maximum d.c. or root mean square (rms) current in amperes, at rated
frequency, which the switch will carry continuously without exceeding the specified limits of observable temperature
rise in open air.
3.2.5 Shorting contacts (make before break). Contacts that close the circuit in the next switching position before
opening the circuit in the present position.
3.2.6 Nonshorting contacts (break before make). Contacts that interrupt the circuit in the present switch position
prior to completing the circuit in the next position.
3.3 Detail requirements (applicable to individual switches). The detail requirements shall be in conformance with this
specification and as specified on the applicable drawing (see 3.10).
3.4 General requirements.
3.4.1 Materials. Materials shall be as specified herein. Any materials not specified shall be selected from those
listed in MIL-E-917. Even though constituent material is accepted, the finished switch shall comply with all
requirements specified herein and perform its intended functions.
3.4.1.1 Plastics. All molded parts except handles (see 3.5.1.5) and position identification plates (see 3.5.5) shall be
made of molded insulating material, type MAT 30 , MAI 60, GDI 30F or MMI 30 of ASTM-D5948. Laminated
materials shall be of the type specified in MIL-E-917, with a temperature index of 130°C (266°F) or higher.
3.4.1.2 Metals. Metals shall be of the corrosion-resistant type or shall be treated to resist corrosion as specified in
3.4.1.2.1 Dissimilar metals. Dissimilar metals in contact with each other shall be selected to comply with the
requirements of MIL-E-917.
3.4.1.3 Current carrying parts. Nonferrous materials shall be used for current carrying parts. All contact surfaces of
current carrying parts, including their connection surfaces, shall be faced with silver. Silver plating, when used, shall
be in accordance with ASTM-B700, minimum thickness of 0.0002 inch. If silver overlay, or similar construction is
used, the silver material shall be not less than 0.003 inch thick.
3.4.2 Pure tin. The use of pure tin, as an underplate or final finish, is prohibited both internally and externally. Tin
content of switch components and solder shall not exceed 97 percent, by mass. Tin shall be alloyed with a minimum
of 3 percent lead, by mass (see 6.6).
3.5 Design and construction. The switches shall be of the design, construction and physical dimensions as specified
(see 3.3).
3.5.1 Parts.
3.5.1.1 Threaded parts. Threaded parts shall be in accordance with MIL-E-917. Current carrying threaded parts
shall be silver plated in accordance with ASTM-B700, minimum thickness of 0.0002 inch.
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