If you’re in the market for industrial switches, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. And if you’re not careful, you could end up making a costly mistake. In this blog post, we will explore seven mistakes to avoid when buying industrial switches. From failing to consider your application to selecting the wrong switch type, we will help you steer clear of common pitfalls. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of what to look for in an industrial switch.
Research the different types of industrial switches
When it comes to choosing the right industrial switches for your facility, there are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. Here are four of the most common mistakes made when selecting industrial switches:
1. Not Researching the Different Types of Industrial Switches
There are many different types of industrial switches available on the market, so it’s important that you take the time to research each one before making a purchase. Some of the most popular types of switches include limit switches, push button switches, toggle switches, and selector switches.
2. Not Considering Your Facility’s Specific Needs
Not all industrial facilities have the same needs, so it’s important that you select switches that will meet the specific requirements of your facility. For example, if you have a hazardous environment, you’ll need to choose switches that are explosion-proof or intrinsically safe.
3. Not Selecting the Right Switch Rating
The switch rating is one of the most important considerations when choosing an industrial switch. Make sure to select a switch with a rating that matches or exceeds the power requirements of your facility. Otherwise, you could end up with blown fuses or damaged equipment.
4. Not Checking for Compatibility With Your Existing Equipment
Before making a purchase, be sure to check whether or not the industrial switch you’re considering is compatible with your existing equipment. This is especially important if you have older equipment that uses obsolete connection standards.
Consider the environment the switch will be used in
When choosing an managed industrial switch, it is important to consider the environment in which it will be used. Will the switch be exposed to dust, dirt, or other debris? Will it be used in a wet or humid environment? Will it be subject to extreme temperatures?
All of these factors can affect the performance of an industrial switch and should be taken into account when making a purchase.
Don’t forget about safety features
When it comes to industrial switches, safety is always a top priority. There are a few key safety features to look for when selecting an industrial switch, such as:
• Temperature protection – This feature prevents the switch from overheating, which can be a serious hazard in industrial applications.
• Shock and vibration protection – These features help to protect the switch from damage due to rough handling or extreme conditions.
• IP rating – The IP rating of a switch indicates its level of Protection against water and dust ingress. A higher IP rating means better protection, so it’s important to choose a switch with an appropriate IP rating for your application.
Determine the required life span of the switch
When it comes to industrial switches, one of the most important factors to consider is the required life span of the switch. This will vary depending on the specific application and needs of your business, but it’s essential to make sure that the switch you choose is able to meet those needs. There are a few different things to keep in mind when determining the required life span of an industrial switch:
First, consider the specific application or use case for the switch. If it’s going to be used in a high-demand environment, it will need to be able to withstand more wear and tear than a switch that will be used in a low-demand setting.
Second, take into account the overall lifespan of the equipment that the switch will be controlling. If you’re using a switch to control machinery with a shorter lifespan, then it stands to reason that the switch itself won’t need to have as long of a lifespan.
Finally, think about any warranty or guarantee that may come with the switch. This can give you some peace of mind knowing that if something does go wrong with the switch, you’ll be covered.
Keep these factors in mind when determining the required life span of an industrial switch, and you’ll be sure to choose one that meets your specific needs.
Get quotes from multiple suppliers
When you’re looking for an industrial switch supplier, it’s important to get quotes from multiple suppliers. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best price for the switches you need.
It’s also important to compare the features and benefits of each supplier. Make sure you understand what each supplier is offering, and that it meets your needs.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in shipping costs when you’re comparing prices. The last thing you want is to find a great deal on switches only to discover that the shipping costs are sky-high.
Compare total cost of ownership
When considering which industrial switch to buy for your facility, it is important to compare the total cost of ownership (TCO) of each option. The TCO includes the purchase price of the switch, as well as the costs of installation, operation, and maintenance over the lifetime of the switch.
To calculate the TCO of an industrial switch, you will need to know:
The purchase price of the switch
The expected lifetime of the switch
The costs of installation and setup
The costs of operation and maintenance, including energy consumption
Once you have this information, you can compare the TCOs of different switches to find the most cost-effective option for your facility.
Make sure the switch is compatible with existing hardware
When it comes to industrial switches, compatibility is key. Make sure the switch you’re considering is compatible with existing hardware before making a purchase. Otherwise, you could run into problems down the road. Doing your research upfront will save you time and money in the long run.
