NKK Switches Announces Expansion of YB2 Series of 22mm, IP65 Rated Pushbuttons to Include Illuminated Outer Ring Option

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - July 1, 2009) - NKK Switches, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of innovative electromechanical switches, today announced the expansion of its YB2 Series of illuminated 22mm pushbuttons to include an outer ring illumination option. This new feature gives design engineers even greater ability to customize the NKK switches they include in their designs.

The new outer ring illumination option is achieved by adding a cap that features a luminous bright outer ring surrounding a metallic silver center. This option is available in all the bright and super bright LED colors offered in the YB2 Series product line, including blue, green, red, white and amber. These LED colors are diffused through a clear outer ring, framing the metallic silver center in a halo of light. Custom legends on the cap are also available.

"Whenever design engineers have the ability to add finishing touches to their switches, like the outer ring illumination on the YB2, their designs benefit," said Bob Wanless, senior product specialist, NKK Switches. "This type of customization adds value and longevity to a design, and by making this outer ring illumination option available on the YB2, it ensures effective designs that will stand the test of time."

The YB2 pushbuttons are tamper resistant, flush mount, panel seal and have a super low profile. The dust-tight and splash-proof panel seal design protects the YB2 Series against low pressure jets of water from all directions and meets IP65 of IEC60529 standards. The illuminated models feature built in ballast resistors.

Design engineers can choose either power rated or logic level options. Ratings are 3A @ 125V AC, 3A @ 250V AC or 3A @ 30V DC for power models with silver contacts, and 0.4VA maximum @ 28V AC/DC maximum for logic level versions with gold contacts. Available in SPDT and DPDT momentary and maintained action, the series features crisp actuation provided by the snap-action contact mechanism. Contacts are provided with both normally open and normally closed configurations.

At 1.8mm, they have one of the shortest above panel dimensions in the industry. Unique among its competitors, the YB2 Series exhibits a short behind-the-panel body measuring only 24.5mm. In addition, the series has a tamper resistant 19mm actuator with a distinctive long stroke and user-friendly actuation. Terminals are combination solder lug and .110" quick connect. The epoxy seal locks out flux, dust, solvents and other contaminants, as well as securing the terminals for contact stability.

These switches have a flammability rating of UL94V0 and are cULus Recognized. Mechanical life is 1,000,000 operations minimum for momentary circuits, and 200,000 operations minimum for maintained circuits. Electrical life is 100,000 operations minimum.

A leading designer and producer of electromechanical switches, NKK Switches offers one of the industry's most extensive selections of illuminated, process sealed, miniature, specialty, surface mount and programmable switches. NKK manufactures more than 3.5 million toggle, rocker, pushbutton, slide, rotary, DIP rotary, keypad and keylock switches, each of which can be used as the foundation of a customized design. All switches are designed and manufactured to provide the quality and dependability that has made NKK the benchmark for reliability for over half a century.

NKK continues to lead the industry in responding to the needs of the marketplace with innovation, high reliability, customization and a commitment to excellence. The company provides a full suite of customization solutions that include: design, programming, printing and support. Downloadable 3D CAD models of the company's switches are available, allowing design engineers to quickly integrate complex models into their designs at no charge. NKK maintains a complete network of qualified representatives and distributors through the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

Engineers who design the human-machine interface for their products rely on the broad product line, specialized design expertise and customer support of NKK Switches. For more information, contact NKK Switches, 7850 E. Gelding Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Phone: (480) 991-0942. Fax: (480) 998-1435. Visit the NKK Web site at www.nkkswitches.com.

Contact Information: For more information, contact: Chris Walker Connect Public Relations 480-366-6015 Bob Wanless NKK Switches 480-991-0942