switch testing

[mikeloveta]

Hi,
I am looking for someone to build a switch tester for power tool switches,(rocker, trigger, snap, etc). It must be able to actuate the switches mechanically and also provide and record the electrical characteristics. It must be able to load the switches to rated current, 0-20A AC @ 120V and simulate an inrush current of 5 times rated for x-mSec.
Thanks

 

[melone]

Are you asking for someone else to build it for you? Or are you looking for an off the shelf solution?

 

[mikeloveta]

Either would be ok. I figure there probably isn’t much as far as off the shelf and will probably have to be custom made.

 

[melone]

Why don't you design one yourself? You can use Labview to control solenoids, power supplies, etc..

 

[OperaHouse]

Last one of these I built (20 years ago)to test slide switches would test 20 switches at a time. The mechanical was pretty simple. If you desire to electronically control the load over a wide range, you will be talking about a lot of mone. Especially if you are desire testing multiple switches at the same time. And you need to do a lot of switches to have any reasonable data. Mechanical failures only need a lot of cycling. To get electrical contact data, use a simple relative load like a solenoid. This will have high inrush current and thar wonderful inductive kick. This will give acceptable representive data. I would never touch this project as you specified it with a wide range adjustable load.

 

[nbucska]

send specs and we shall see...

<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>