MIL-DTL-18396E
3.5.1.2 Terminals. Nonferrous terminal posts or binderhead screws shall be furnished for all connections. Terminals
shall conform to requirement 19 of MIL-HDBK-454.
3.5.1.3 Contacts. Contacts shall be of simple and rugged construction. The contacts shall have wipe action and
shall be of such type that no adjustments are required to complete the endurance test (see 4.7.7.1). Contacts shall
be shorting or nonshorting, as specified (see 6.2.1).
3.5.1.4 Springs and hinges. Springs and hinges shall not be depended upon to carry current.
3.5.1.5 Operating handles (knobs). Operating handles shall be molded plastic, type CFI-5, in accordance with
ASTM-D5948. The handle finish shall be smooth and free of flash. The handle shape shall be as specified (see
1.2.3 and 6.2.1). Metal fastening devices securing the handle to the operating shaft shall not come in contact with the
o0perators hand.
3.5.2 Construction. Switches shall be of closed construction so that the switching mechanism and the switching
contacts are fully enclosed (except terminals), to prevent foreign matter from entering the switch mechanism or
interfering with the contacts. Covers may be used as a means of satisfying this requirement.
3.5.3 Creepage and clearance distances.
3.5.3.1 Type MC. Switches shall be in accordance with MIL-E-917. External parts shall meet the requirements for
set C spacings, "open creepaqge", and internal parts shall meet the requirements for set C spacings, "enclosed
creepage". Mounting screws and operating shafts shall be considered ground.
3.5.3.2 Type MO. The same requirements apply as for the type MC switch, except that set B spacings shall be met.
3.5.4 Operational requirements.
3.5.4.1 Ambient temperature. Switches shall be designe3d for operation in a 65°C (A149°F) ambient.
3.5.4.2 Indexing. Switches shall have a positive detent or indexing mechanism, locating each switch position,
except when a spring return action is specified (see 6.2.1). The positive detent or indexing mechanism shall be
designed to minimize the possibility of the movable elements coming to rest between positions. The spring return
mechanism shall return to the specified fixed position when the operating force is removed and the movable element
shall come to rest in a positive detent position (see 4.7.1).
3.5.4.3 Rotational torque. When switches are tested as specified in 4.7.2, the torque required to rotate the shaft
from each position to the next shall be within the specified limits (see 3.3). Following the endurance test, and
following the vibration and shock test, the values shall not vary by more than 20 percent from the original values.
3.5.4.4 Operation. When switches are tested in accordance with 4.7.1, the electrical circuit configuration shall
conform to the applicable drawing, including indication of shorting or nonshorting contacts. Momentary, detent, or
push-pull operation should be as specified (see 6.2).
3.5.4.5 Dielectric withstanding voltage. When switches are tested as specified in 4.7.3, there shall be no evidence
of flashover, mechanical damage, arcing, or insulation breakdown.
3.5.4.6 Insulation resistance. When switches are tested as specified in 4.7.4, the insulation resistance shall be not
less than 100 megohms.
3.5.4.7 Temperature rise. When switches are tested as specified in 4.7.5, the measured temperature rise shall not
exceed 65°C (149°F).
3.5.4.8 Overload. When switches are tested as specified in 4.7.6, they shall remain electrically and mechanically
operative.
3.5.4.9 Endurance (electrical and mechanical). When switches are tested as specified in 4.7.7.1 and 4.7.7.2, they
shall remain electrically and mechanically operative during and after the test. After the test there shall be no
evidence of broken, deformed, displaced, or loose parts.
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