Switches from Canada (CA)

Question 1

What is Federal Supply Class 5930?

Accepted Answer

FSC 5930 is the Federal Supply Class (formally known as NATO Supply Classification Class NSC 5930) in the USA for supply items codified in the category of Switches.

Question 2

What is NATO Supply Classification Class 5930?

Accepted Answer

NSC 5930 is the NATO Supply Classification Class (also known as Federal Supply Class FSC 5930 in the USA) for supply items codified in the category of Switches.

Question 3

Which Federal Supply Group is FSC 5930 in?

Accepted Answer

FSC 5930 is in Federal Supply Group (FSG) 59 which contains Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components.

Question 4

Which NATO Supply Classification Group is NSC 5930 in?

Accepted Answer

NSC 5930is in NATO Supply Classification Group (NSG) 59 which contains Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components.

Question 5

What is a Knife Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Knife Switch (SWITCH,KNIFE) is a switch using hinged blades for contacts which enter or embrace fixed contact clips. Includes switches which have a movable blade which swivels to permit contact with each of several fixed contact clips. See also SWITCH, BOX.

Question 6

What is a Mercury Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Mercury Switch (SWITCH,MERCURY) is a switch in which a mercury pool is used to bridge fixed contacts when their inclosing sealed capsule is tilted. Do not use if switch has an actuator, such as lever, push button, toggle, and the like. See SWITCH (as modified). For items in which a contact may be moved into a mercury pool by a magnetic field, see SWITCH, REED.

Question 7

What is a Centrifugal Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Centrifugal Switch (SWITCH,CENTRIFUGAL) is a switch which is actuated by centrifugal force.

Question 8

What is a Foot Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Foot Switch (SWITCH,FOOT) is a switch with a pedal which is actuated by the foot. For items not provided with a pedal, see switch (as modified). Excludes SWITCH, BEAM SELECTING, HEADLIGHT.

Question 9

What is a Lever Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Lever Switch (SWITCH,LEVER) is a switch which is externally actuated by a lever and whose contacts open and close at a speed proportional to the speed at which the lever is operated. Includes pile-up lever switches and wafer lever switches. Excludes SWITCH, TOGGLE; SWITCH, ROTARY; SWITCH, KNIFE; SWITCH, SENSITIVE; SWITCH, BOX; and SWITCH, MERCURY.

Question 10

What is a Toggle Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Toggle Switch (SWITCH,TOGGLE) is a switch which is externally actuated by a lever and whose contacts open and close with an instantaneous (snap) action; includes items having one or more momentary positions. Includes switches (snap action) which use mercury to bridge contacts, and assemblages of complete switches (snap action) having common actuators. Excludes SWITCH, LEVER; SWITCH, ROTARY; SWITCH, KNIFE; SWITCH, SENSITIVE; and SWITCH, BOX.

Question 11

What is a Pressure Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Pressure Switch (SWITCH,PRESSURE) is a switch which is actuated by changes in pressure of any gas or liquid or by changes in a vacuum acting upon its sensing element. Excludes BAROSWITCH; SWITCH, PRESSURE-THERMOSTATIC; and SWITCH, SENSITIVE.

Question 12

What is a Sensitive Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Sensitive Switch (SWITCH,SENSITIVE) is a switch with a quick-acting mechanism actuated by a highly delicate tactile contact. Includes membrane switch.  Excludes SWITCH, FLEXIBLE; SWITCH, PRESSURE; and SWITCH, THERMOSTATIC.

Question 13

What is a Slide Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Slide Switch (SWITCH,SLIDE) is a switch designed to be actuated by the sliding of a button, bar, or knob.

Question 14

What is a Lock Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Lock Switch (SWITCH,LOCK) is a switch which is externally actuated by a key designed to be inserted into a switch, or actuated by a predetermined combination dial setting(s). Excludes SWITCH, LOCK, IGNITION.

Question 15

What is an Interlock Switch?

Accepted Answer

An Interlock Switch (SWITCH,INTERLOCK) is an item which completes or interrupts the connections in one or more electrical circuits. Its electrical elements consist of separate parts designed to be mounted respectively on a frame and a door, drawer, or cover, It acts as a safety device to open a circuit when the door or drawer is opened or the cover removed. It does not include devices of which a complete switch with an actuator is one of the parts; for such devices, use SWITCH (as modified). Excludes SWITCH, MERCURY; and SWITCH, REED.

Question 16

What is a Pull Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Pull Switch (SWITCH,PULL) is a switch which is actuated by a device, such as a pull rod or a chain which requires pulling for each action. Excludes LIGHT-SWITCH ASSEMBLY and SWITCH, SENSITIVE.

Question 17

What is a Push Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Push Switch (SWITCH,PUSH) is a switch that is externally actuated by a device such as a push rod or button, which requires pushing for each actuation. The action may be momentary, with mechanical return. The actuating device may or may not be an integral part of the switch. The item may include provisions for mounting indicating lamp(s) or light emitting diode(s) in the actuator. Includes items consisting of individually separable switches that are physically interlocked, that have a common actuator, or are electrically connected. Excludes LIGHT-SWITCH; LIGHT-SWITCH ASSEMBLY; SWITCH, BEAM SELECTING, HEADLIGHT; SWITCH, FOOT; SWITCH, INTERLOCK; SWITCH, PRESSURE; SWITCH, PUSH-PULL; SWITCH, SENSITIVE and SWITCH ASSEMBLY. For devices which start, stop, reverse, select and/or regulate the speed of a motor, see STARTER, MOTOR and CONTROLLER, MOTOR.

Question 18

What is a Push-Pull Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Push-Pull Switch (SWITCH,PUSH-PULL) is a switch which is actuated in one direction by pushing and in the opposite direction by pulling. Excludes LIGHT-SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

Question 19

What is a Thermostatic Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Thermostatic Switch (SWITCH,THERMOSTATIC) is a switch that is actuated by changes in ambient temperature. Excludes CIRCUIT BREAKER; CONTROL, TEMPERATURE (as modified); FUSE (as modified); PROTECTOR, THERMAL-OVERLOAD, ELECTRICAL MOTOR; RELAY, THERMAL; and THERMOSTAT, FLOW CONTROL. See also CONTROL, TEMPERATURE (as modified) and REGULATOR, TEMPERATURE (as modified).

Question 20

What is a Switch Subassembly?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Subassembly is two or more different types of items having a common mounting or mounted on each other which together forms a portion of a switch but which in itself is not a complete functioning item and cannot be assigned a more definite item name. See also SWITCH SECTION, ROTARY and CONTACT ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL.

Question 21

What is an Electrical Switch Cover?

Accepted Answer

An Electrical Switch Cover (COVER,ELECTRICAL SWITCH) is excludes BOOT, DUST AND MOISTURE SEAL; COVER, SWITCH TERMINAL; GUARD, SWITCH; and PLATE, WALL, ELECTRICAL.

Question 22

What is a Switch Assembly?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Assembly is two or more complete switches mounted on each other or having a common mounting the major function of which is to hold the switches. Each switch, as a separable item, must be capable of functioning in accordance with its own name. Excludes items consisting of individually separable switches which are physically interlocked (e.g., one button returns when the other is pushed), which have a common actuator, or are electrically connected. See also SWITCH, PUSH.

Question 23

What is an Electrical Switch Rotor?

Accepted Answer

An Electrical Switch Rotor (ROTOR,ELECTRICAL SWITCH) is an item designed as the rotating part of an electrical switch.

Question 24

What is a Switch Detent?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Detent (DETENT,SWITCH) is a mechanism which is a part of or may be added to a switch to establish predeternimed switching positions. See also STOP, ELECTRICAL SWITCH and LATCH, SWITCH.

Question 25

What is a Rotary Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Rotary Switch (SWITCH,ROTARY) is a switch actuated by a definite angular rotation of the switch shaft about its axis. For items having rated actuation travel and pressure characteristics, see SWITCH, SENSITIVE. Excludes RELAY, ROTARY; SWITCH, STEPPING; and SWITCH, TELEPHONE (as modified).

Question 26

What is a Switch Guard?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Guard (GUARD,SWITCH) is a framework fabricated of rigid material designed to protect a switch against external damage and/or prevent inadvertent throwing of the switch. Excludes switch locking devices.

Question 27

What is a Box Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Box Switch (SWITCH,BOX) is a switch designed with its actuator extending from the box which incloses the circuit elements. The door or cover of the box is designed so that it may be readily opened or removed, thus providing relatively easy access to the circuit elements. The item is commonly designated as a safety switch or entrance switch. May be fusible and may have interlocking device.

Question 28

What is a Switch Actuator Adapter?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Actuator Adapter (ADAPTER,SWITCH ACTUATOR) is an adapter designed to be mounted on a switch so that the switch may be opened or closed by an action of force not adapted to directly actuate the integral switching mechanism.  Does not include knobs.  See also EXTENSION, SHAFT.

Question 29

What is a Rotary Switch Section?

Accepted Answer

A Rotary Switch Section (SWITCH SECTION,ROTARY) is an item consisting of electrical contacts mounted on an insulated plate which together form a section of a switch or relay. It includes both rotor and stator but does not include drive or actuating mechanism.

Question 30

What is a Switch Handle?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Handle (HANDLE,SWITCH) is the detachable portion of an actuator. It is usually attached at an angle to the pivoted axis of the actuator. May include a radial lever as an integral or detachable part. Excludes KNOB; and HANDWHEEL.

Question 31

What is a Switch Box?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Box is an enclosure which includes, mounts, and protects one or more electrical switches. It is designed to have a cover which completely encloses the switch(es) and its (their) actuator(s). The cover may or may not be included. May also include mounting hardware, lock(s), conduit fittings, and terminal board(s) used specifically for terminating the switch(es). For boxes containing combinations of different electrical devices, such as switches, jacks, fuseholders, connectors, circuit breakers, terminal boards, and the like, see DISTRIBUTION BOX. For boxes designed to mount but which do not include switches, see JUNCTION BOX. Excludes CONTROL (2) (as modified); PANEL, POWER DISTRIBUTION; SWITCH, BOX; and SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

Question 32

What is a Dust And Moisture Seal Boot?

Accepted Answer

A Dust And Moisture Seal Boot (BOOT,DUST AND MOISTURE SEAL) is a flexible, nonmetallic item designed to prevent entry of dust, moisture and other contaminants into critical areas around shafts, levers, electrical wires and hoses. Sealing may be either static or dynamic. The item may include mounting hardware (support plates, clamps and the like). Excludes BELLOWS, PROTECTION; GROMMET, NONMETALLIC; and CABLE NIPPLE, ELECTRICAL. See also CAP, ELECTRICAL; CAP, PROTECTIVE, DUST AND MOISTURE SEAL; and SHIELD, ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR.

Question 33

What is a Stepping Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Stepping Switch (SWITCH,STEPPING) is an electromagnetically actuated switch having contact wipers which are successively rotated over fixed bank contacts. The contact wipers are progressively advanced over the fixed bank contacts through a repetitive series of stepping operations. The stepping operation may be a continuous forward rotation acting through 360 degrees to return to its normal unoperated position or it may be designed to include an electromagnetic and/or mechanical means for releasing and resetting the switch to its released position for a subsequent operation. The contact wipers may be mechanically held in contact with the fixed bank contacts after the armature of the actuating coil has released. The switch may be released at the end of its travel or at any intermediate position. It includes items designed with two electromagnetic actuators that enable the switch to operate in either direction. For items having the dual function of a switch and a relay assembled together on a common mounting, see RELAY-SWITCH. For other than electromagnetically actuated switches whose contact wipers are manually rotated over fixed bank contacts, see SWITCH, ROTARY. Excludes RELAY, ROTARY and SWITCH, TELEPHONE (as modified).

Question 34

What is a Reed Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Reed Switch (SWITCH,REED) is an item actuated by an external magnetic field and having two or more contacts inclosed in a sealed capsule. Do not use if switch has an actuator, such as a lever, push button, toggle, and the like. See SWITCH (as modified). For items provided with an operating coil, use RELAY (as modified). It includes items in which a contact may be moved into a mercury pool by a magnetic field.

Question 35

What is a Proximity Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Proximity Switch (SWITCH,PROXIMITY) is a switch designed to perform the function of opening and/or closing one or more electrical circuits. The switching function is accomplished by means of separable contacts, semiconductor devices, or a combination of separable contacts and semiconductor devices. The item functions in response to electrical changes in its internal circuit caused by capacitance, inductance, or magnetic flux changes. It is activated by permanent magnets, metallic materials, or nonmetallic materials which come within its sensing range. For sensing switches which respond to changes other than capacitance, inductance, or magnetic flux, see SWITCH, AIRFLOW; SWITCH, CENTRIFUGAL; SWITCH, INERTIA; SWITCH, PRESSURE; SWITCH, PRESSURE-THERMOSTATIC; SWITCH, THERMOSTATIC; and SWITCH, TILT.

Question 36

What is a Flow Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Flow Switch (SWITCH,FLOW) is a switch which is specifically designed to operate by the influence of a gaseous, liquid, or solid media velocity on its actuator.

Question 37

What is a Liquid Level Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Liquid Level Switch (SWITCH,LIQUID LEVEL) is a switch which is actuated by a float or sensing device(s) to control liquid level and/or actuate visual or audible warning systems. It may include a relay controlled by the switch element. Excludes TRANSMITTER,LIQUID QUANTITY.

Question 38

What is an Electrical Switch Retainer?

Accepted Answer

An Electrical Switch Retainer (RETAINER,ELECTRICAL SWITCH) is an item designed to position and/or restrain the movement of one or more switches in their normal operating positions.

Question 39

What is a Switch Actuator Arm?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Actuator Arm (ARM,SWITCH ACTUATOR) is an arm designed to be mounted on a switch mechanism shaft.

Question 40

What is a Switch Key?

Accepted Answer

A Switch Key (KEY,SWITCH) is a device intended for insertion into the actuator of a switch to lock the switch in either an on or off position.

Question 41

What is a Push Button?

Accepted Answer

A Push Button is an item which constitutes the detachable portion of a switch, circuit breaker, controller, motor starter actuator or items equipped with a key type station selector device etc, upon which the pushing pressure is applied to operate the item. It may be of any shape or design and may include a detachable top, marked with letter(s), numeral(s), or other characters, and/or a plunger or rod as an integral or detachable part. Excludes KNOB; HANDLE, SWITCH; BAR ACTUATOR, ELECTRICAL SWITCH and KEYTOP, KEYBOARD.

Question 42

What is a Code Indicating Wheel Switch?

Accepted Answer

A Code Indicating Wheel Switch (SWITCH,CODE INDICATING WHEEL) is a switch which is externally actuated by a thumbwheel and/or pushbutton. A legend or message is visually displayed at each position of the indicating wheel which corresponds to electrically coded output. Electrically coded output is achieved by rotating a set of brush contacts permanently attached to the code indicating wheel, against a stationary commutator which is usually a printed wiring board having electrical pads or contacts which are interconnected by the rotating brush contacts. May have additional electrical components (such as resistors, capacitors, diodes) premounted on that portion of printed wiring board which extends beyond the back of switch housing.

Switches - Canada (CA)

Federal Supply Class (FSC): 5930

NATO Supply Classification Class (NSC): 5930

Federal Supply Group (FSG): 59 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components

NATO Supply Classification Group (NSG): 59 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components

Items Managed by Canada (CA) - NCB is 20 or 21

Page 37 of 39

NSN Format for Switches
Codified by Canada

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) for Federal Supply Class 5930

Supply Items Included in Federal Supply Class 5930

Stock Items From Supply Class 5930 Page 37 of 39