The new Omron A8GS is the smallest rocker switch with a reset function on the market and is also available in a time-delay version for safe system shutdown. Ideal for use as a power switch in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, it features high inrush current robustness, in accordance with the TV-8 standard. Omron offers the A8GS with 3.3V and 5V reset voltages for easy integration into a variety of electronic control circuits. Versions suitable for micro-load and micro-load/high-capacity applications are also available. The A8GS has a contact distance of 3mm. It is UL and cUL listed and meets EN standards. Its innovative design has allowed Omron to reduce the size of the new switch to just 30mm x 17mm x 28.5mm, which is less than half the size of its existing non-resettable equivalent.
Omron also offers the A8GS-T, which incorporates a delayed disconnect function to enable the safe shutdown of electrical equipment. With this switch, power is maintained to the system even after the switch returns to the off position. The system is then shut down by an external signal after an interval determined by the designer. This prevents data loss or damage to the circuitry caused by a forced disconnection by the user and can contribute to a safer application design.
The European Commission's Ecodesign Directive (ErP) is the EU's most important initiative to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. Its aim is to reduce the environmental impact of energy-related products (ErP), including energy consumption throughout their entire operational life. It specifies that the energy consumption of equipment in any deactivated mode should not exceed 0.50 W. In standby mode, its consumption should not exceed 0.50 W unless the equipment has a display, in which case it can reach 1 W.
Compliance with the directive not only saves costs for the end consumer, but also extends the life of electrical equipment by ensuring proper shutdown when not needed.
