The rapid progress in the area of digitisation and technological development is currently noticeable in every aspect of human life.
The hard and tedious work of human hands is being replaced by intelligent systems controlled from a mobile device. The robotisation and automation of production areas allow for increased efficiency while minimising the risk of errors. However, the rapidly advancing technological transformation requires continuous development and improvement of solutions that previously seemed completely sufficient.
Flagship products of the Schurter brand
The struggle to maintain a position in such a dynamically developing market and to keep up with technological progress can be compared to paddling a kayak upstream. The moment we stop paddling, we don’t stay in place, but the current carries us in the opposite direction to our intended course. We stop fighting against the oncoming river current and immediately fall back. In the world of technology, only players who focus on continuous development and introducing innovative solutions into their portfolio keep up with progress. One such manufacturer is undoubtedly the well-known and respected company Schurter.
Flagship products of Schurter
- In the wide portfolio of the manufacturer, we find, among others:
- Electrical circuit protection devices
- Power connectors
- A wide range of switches, including specialised and high-resistance ones
- EMC products (meeting electromagnetic compatibility standards)
Due to the multitude of solutions and the technically complex nature of the offered assortment, this text focuses on selected items from two extensive product categories:
Fuses and fuse holders
One of the most common solutions for overvoltage and short-circuit protection is the use of cartridge fuses. The operating principle of these components is extremely simple. The flow of current exceeding the limit intensity causes the melting of the conductor called the fuse element, which consequently leads to the interruption of the electrical circuit.
In Schurter’s offer, we find cartridge fuses intended for mounting on a printed circuit board (SMD) and gPV fuses dedicated to protecting photovoltaic installations mounted in specialised cylindrical holders.
a) MSF series cartridge fuses are fast-acting fuses designed to immediately interrupt the electrical circuit when the maximum current value is exceeded.
Made in the form of a miniature cylinder and terminated with two metal leads, they are a ready solution for mounting on a PCB. The fuse housing is made of a material resistant to high temperatures.
In the TME catalogue, a wide selection of MSF fuses is available with the following rated parameters:
- Rated voltage: 250V AC
- Rated current: 40mA ÷ 5A
- Breaking capacity: 10A or 35A
- Permissible ambient temperature: -55°C ÷ 125°C
- Terminal material: tinned copper
Classic fast fuse with a rated current of 5A
The product datasheet provides information about the standards and norms to which the MSF series products are subject, including IEC 60127-3/3, UL 248-14, CSA C22.2 no. 248.14, and safety certificates: VDE no. 101035, UL no. E41599, CSA no. 51172.
b) MST series cartridge fuses are time-delay fuses characterised by tolerance to short-term current fluctuations. Such operation is required in installations equipped with inductive or capacitive elements. An example of such a current surge may be a short-term increase when starting a motor.
As for the construction, at first glance, it does not differ from MSF fuses. In this case, it is also a cylinder terminated with two metal leads. The difference that determines the fuse’s response speed is the interior.
In the case of MST fuses, appropriate time-delay elements are used, causing the insert not to melt immediately with slight current fluctuations.
In the TME catalogue, a wide selection of MST fuses is available with the following rated parameters:
- Rated voltage: 250V AC
- Rated current: 50mA ÷ 6.3A
- Breaking capacity: 10A or 35A
- Permissible ambient temperature: -55 ÷ 125°C
- Terminal material: tinned copper
The standards and certificates listed in the MSF series also cover all MST series products.
The guarantee of compliance with necessary standards and confirmation of safe use based on obtained safety certificates are undeniable proof of meeting the rigorous quality requirements imposed by the appropriate certification bodies.
c) OMT 125 series cartridge fuses are time-delay fuses. Like the solutions presented above, the OMT series products are intended for mounting on a printed circuit board.
The basic difference characterising these fuses is that they have leads for SMD mounting on a printed circuit board. These fuses find wide application in switching power supplies, medical equipment, or industrial electronics.
The manufacturer offers fuses with the following rated parameters:
- Rated voltage: 125V AC or 125V DC
- Rated current: 0.25A ÷ 6.3A
- Breaking capacity: 10A or 35A
- Permissible ambient temperature: -40 ÷ 85°C
- Contact material: copper or copper alloy
The OMT 125 series assortment has a UL94V-0 flammability class (high resistance of the plastic housing to high temperatures). The components will perform well in the most challenging environmental conditions.
The technical datasheets provide information on compliance with UL248-14 and CSA C22.2 no. 248.14 standards, as well as information on the awarded UL safety certificate no. E41599.
d) gPV fuses are solutions dedicated to photovoltaic installations. Like the solutions presented above, they are designed to protect the installation from the effects of short circuits and overloads, but they are distinguished by high DC voltage. This time, the protected installation includes PV panels and cooperating devices, such as inverters.
The construction slightly differs from classic cartridge fuses, and the electrical connection is achieved through inserts adapted to the fuse size. Selecting the appropriate cartridge fuses for PV installations allows the user to be protected from unwanted damage or fire. gPV fuses also have fast-acting and time-delay solutions.
In the catalogue available on the TME website, we find an assortment with the following technical parameters:
- Rated current: 1A ÷ 30A
- Rated voltage: up to 1kV DC
- Breaking capacity: 20kA
The quality of workmanship is undoubtedly evidenced by the fulfilled IEC 60269-6 and UL 2579 standards. In this way, the manufacturer guarantees the reliability of its solutions and safe use.
Schurter switches
Another wide group of products that Schurter is known for is switches. In locations exposed to particular danger from vandals, but also simply to much greater wear, the manufacturer offers vandal-resistant solutions.
These are specialised switches that, due to their construction and high-quality workmanship, will withstand the toughest trials, emerging unscathed.
a) MSM II series switches – these are extremely durable, metal buttons very willingly installed in industrial facilities and public utility buildings.
Achieving appropriate mechanical and electrical durability was possible by using the highest quality materials such as ceramics or stainless steel. Schurter’s solutions are fully resistant to corrosion, moisture, variable temperature conditions, or dust and dirt. All these features have been confirmed by appropriate certificates and quality standards.
The manufacturer guarantees button durability of up to 1.5 million switching cycles by meeting the IK08 standard. It is impossible not to mention maintaining the IP66 and IP67 protection class.
Switch with one stable position
The variety of variants and a wide range of rated parameters allow the switches to be used in almost any application. The modern design makes these solutions subtle and very attractive despite their massive construction.
b) CPS series capacitive switches are an interesting solution for a vandal-resistant switch, where there is no need to physically press the button, as they operate on hand proximity or a gentle touch.
Similar to the above example, these switches are made in many variants, among which we find buttons illuminated in many RGB colours. The IP67 protection class guarantees resistance to moisture and dust. The switches can be successfully installed outdoors, and the high-quality workmanship combined with the highest quality materials used to prepare the product will ensure resistance to the most unfavourable weather conditions.
CPS series switches offer not only fantastic appearance but also ease of use and resistance to all acts of vandalism. The buttons can be made in convex or concave form, depending on the customer’s preference. The manufacturer guarantees electrical durability of up to 5 million activation cycles.
TACT micro switches
TACT micro switches are a series of compact switches with high precision operation, ideal for all electronic applications. Depending on the selected variant, the manufacturer guarantees from 100,000 to even a million work cycles while maintaining maximum mechanical durability. The switches have IP40 or IP67 protection classes, as well as resistance to temperatures ranging from -20÷70°C, making them resistant to demanding environmental conditions.
A diverse colour scheme of buttons suitable for every application has been provided. Following customer expectations, different dimensional versions have also been prepared. TACT micro switches are suitable for installation on printed circuit boards. The manufacturer has provided different ways of mounting the switches – SMT, THT, and angled.
Schurter push-button switches
MCS 18 series switches are membrane switches characterised by a short stroke with high mechanical durability (even over a million work cycles). The buttons are made in many colour versions and in round or rectangular form. They are particularly well known to all users of industrial machines, as their characteristic appearance immediately associates with operator panels. Their widespread use is due to high resistance to high temperatures (up to 60°C), IP65 tightness, and mechanical strength. The buttons are mounted by soldering.
By choosing both the MCS 18 series buttons and all the above-described Schurter product series, we opt for the highest quality, receiving at the same time a guarantee of reliability and full satisfaction from use.
Schurter – a global leader in electronic components production
What distinguishes Schurter and why does it deserve the title of a global leader?
The company was founded in Switzerland in 1933 by Heinrich Schurter. The high quality of products and customer satisfaction in the domestic market brought the manufacturer recognition, and the demand for Schurter electronics continued to grow. Today, the Schurter group consists of over 20 companies in 15 countries worldwide, including the USA, Asia, and Europe.
Due to global expansion and continuous development (in 2023, the construction of another modern production plant in Romania was completed), the company should be regarded as one of the leading manufacturers of electronic components.
At the same time, continuous development and the introduction of new products that respond to current trends in the electronics market confirm the readiness to ‘paddle upstream’ against incoming changes and the desire to co-create the technological future.
