Cherry FAQs

In order to determine a part number, we must first know the series prefix that is stamped or printed on the switch.
Using the "Ask a Question" section in this website (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1aska1e.htm), please provide
the series prefix and describe the switch in as much detail as possible (ex: size, actuator, ratings, portions of part
numbers, etc.) and submit the form. You can also call our Switch Application Engineering department at 800-228-3327
or 262-942-6518. Cherry's technical experts will do their best to determine what product you are describing.
NOTE: If the switch is custom, it may be available only to or through its specified customers / distributors.

How can I obtain printed literature for a switch?

Use the "Request a Catalog" section in this website (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1reql1e.htm) to submit your request.
You can also navigate here by clicking 'Request Literature' (a menu option) under "Contact" in the black bar at the top of the site.

Can I light a Cherry rocker switch with a separate circuit?

No, due to common terminals, the supply is the same as the switch load.

Can I use Cherry Switches on a DC load?

There are a number of Cherry switch series which offer a DC load rating. These include E61 (5A 30VDC), E33 (6A 30VDC),
D49 (6A 30VDC), and standard 6,000 cycle rated E13/E14 (2A 48VDC). Please contact our Switch Application Engineering department at 800-228-3327 or 262-942-6518 or use the "Ask a Question" section in this website (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1aska1e.htm to determine the unique product number required.
NOTE: Switches with gold crosspoint contacts are commonly used in applications with 5V 5mils or 24V 10 mils.

What are the different types of auxiliary actuators available?

Overall, Cherry's switches offer a wide range of auxiliary actuators - although each switch does have its own defined offering.
Also, note that some actuators may have different movement options (ex. momentary action, push-pull, cheat interlock, etc.)
and styles (ex. round, square, rectangle, etc.).
Actuator styles include:

- Button - Roller

- Reset Button - One Way Roller

- Button (metal or plastic) with Ferrule - Simulated Roller

- Lever - Wire form

When should I use gold contacts in a switch?

Gold crosspoint contacts are recommended for extremely low current applications… operating currents less than 0.100A.
They are also recommended for long shelf-life items or items that will very rarely be actuated (ex: auxiliary contacts
for circuit breakers). If you are not certain if your application requires gold, please contact our Switch Application
Engineering department at 800-228-3327 or 262-942-6518 or use the "Ask a Question" section in this site
(http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1aska1e.htm) to submit your request.

The terminals on my switch have become tarnished. Can I still use the switch?

Yes, you can definitely use the switch. A number of our switch series have silver plating on the terminals - which is
primarily for aesthetic purposes. As with old silverware, it will tend to tarnish over time. However, the tarnish does
NOT affect the operational characteristics of the switch.

My application requires a sealed switch. Does Cherry offer any?

Cherry offers the DC series switch which complies with IP67. In addition, Cherry also offers the E72/E73, which is constructed to IP65.

Does Cherry offer splashproof/water resistant switches?

Cherry has a number of rocker switches series (LR, SR, TR, WR, and YR) with a boot option for splash protection.
The CR series also has a splashproof option available (conforms to IP42).

What are the differences between the various IP ratings?

Use the following chart to determine what each IP rating represents:

First # (Protection against solid objects)	Definition	Second # (Protection against liquids)	Definition
0	No protection	0	No protection
1	Protected against solid objects over 50mm (ex: accidental touch by hands)	1	Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2	Protected against solid objects over 12mm (ex: fingers)	2	Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from the vertical
3	Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm (ex: tools and wires)	3	Protected against direct sprays up to 60° from the vertical
4	Protected against solid objects over 1mm (ex: tools, wires and small wires)	4	Protected against sprays from all directions - limited ingress permitted
5	Protected against dust - limited ingress (no harmful deposit)	5	Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress permitted
6	Totally protected against dust	6	Protected against strong jets of water e.g. for use on shipdecks - limited ingress permitted
		7	Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes
		8	Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure

What is "Minimum Overtravel"?

All switches must have minimum overtravel to operate properly. Overtravel is the distance the switch button (or actuator)
continues to travel after contact transfer - without damaging the switch mechanism. It is specified as a minimum and is
required in order to guarantee a safe return of the switch button (or actuator).

What is "Maximum Movement Differential"?

Movement differential is the button (or actuator) movement that is required between the operating point and the reset point.
It is frequently dimensioned as a maximum.

How do I purchase a switch?

To determine what stock is available from distributors, enter the first three digits of the applicable part number in the
"Check Distributor Stock" section in the left margin of this website and click "Go". Locate and purchase the item that best
fits your needs. For direct orders from Cherry, which require a 20,000 piece minimum order, please contact our Customer
Service department at 800-228-3327.

What is the minimum order quantity for switches?

Catalog items are generally stocked by our distribution network and are available in low quantities (minimums as low as
one piece) through our distribution network. Non-catalog items are also available through distribution. Please contact your
local distributor for their minimum order quantity. The minimum order quantity to purchase switches directly from Cherry is 20,000.

What is the lead-time for Cherry switches?

Catalog products are generally in stock and available for same day or next day shipment via Cherry's distribution network.
To determine what stock is available from distributors, enter the first three digits of the applicable part number in the
"Check Distributor Stock" section in the left margin of this website and click "Go". Please contact Cherry's Customer Service
department at 262-942-6500 for lead-times on non-catalog switches.

Is this a Cherry part number?

One of the fastest ways to determine if a part number is from Cherry is to enter the first three digits in the "Product Search Series"
function on the left margin of this website. If the part number is current, information regarding the product will return. Another
option is to us the "Switch Parametric Search" feature in this site ( http://www.mectronic.com/scripts/cherrycorp/main.asp).
This tool will assist you in determining the Cherry part number for the switch characteristics you require. For further
investigation into a particular number, use this site's "Ask a Question" feature (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1aska1e.htm).

What Cherry switch can I use as an alternate / replacement for another brand?

To determine which Cherry switch can be used as an alternative / replacement for another switch brand, use the "Competitor
Cross Reference" section in this site (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/c1ccr.htm).
NOTE: Since the cross reference section is considered a guideline, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a sample of
the proposed replacement switch to ensure that it will be suitable for your application. To obtain a sample, use the
"Request A Sample" section in this site (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1sasw1e.htm). If you need additional assistance,
please call our Switch Application Engineering department at 800-228-3327 or 262-942-6518 or use the "Ask a Question"
section in this site (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1aska1e.htm) to submit your request.

My application requires unique switch attributes. Can Cherry provide custom solutions?

Yes, one of Cherry's strengths is our ability to provide custom switch solutions. Our technical experts will gladly assist
you in determining your custom switch requirements. Complete and submit the questionnaire in the "Application Help" section
in this site (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1apsw1e.htm) or call our Switch Application Engineering department at
800-228-3327 or 262-942-6518 for feedback regarding your needs.
NOTE: Custom products have a minimum order quantity.

I am interested in one of Cherry's switches; however, I will need some additional wires connected to the switch.
Does Cherry offer these types of options?

Cherry is definitely able to assist you with value-added services. Cherry's wide array of value-added capabilities enables us
to provide various options for our "standard" products (ex. adding wires, modifying terminals, mounting switches in housings, etc.).
NOTE: a minimum order quantity may apply. For assistance with your application, please contact our Switch Application
Engineering department at 800-228-3327 or 262-942-6518 or submit a completed questionnaire in the "Application Help"
section in this site (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1apsw1e.htm).

Are Cherry switches RoHS compliant? If so, can I get a RoHS certificate of compliance?

Many of Cherry's switches are RoHS compliant. For a full list of compliant products, go to the "RoHS Compliance" section of this
site (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/c1envi1e.htm) and click the link under "Cherry RoHS Compliance".
Please contact Cherry's Customer Service at 800-228-3327 for certificates of compliance.

How do I receive a copy of a product's UL certification?

Please contact Cherry's Customer Service department at 800-228-3327 for UL certifications.

Is this switch VDE compliant? Can I obtain a VDE certificate?

If a switch is VDE compliant, the VDE symbol will be stamped on the switch. The catalog will show the VDE symbol if the switch
series is VDE compliant or if VDE compliance is optional. Please contact Cherry's Customer Service department at
800-228-3327 for VDE certificates.