4 Key Attributes for Maritime Components
From fishing and the forces to transport and leisure, there are a wide range of industries and sectors that depend on boats and maritime devices for their business, and need there to be as few disruptions as possible. This means that these machines need to be made with high quality electromechanical components, to avoid frequent repairs and replacements.
In this blog we’re discussing four of the key attributes that you need to consider when selecting switches and components for any boat/maritime application.
1. High IP Rating
The first, and arguably the most important, attribute to look at when selecting switches for maritime applications is the IP rating. This rating system is applicable to any electrical or mechanical component, and indicates the degree of protection it has against dust/dirt and water. IP ratings are formatted as a two-digit number, with the first digit showing the level of protection against foreign body and particulate ingress, and the second digit representing protection against moisture ingress (i.e. waterproofing).
Example IP ratings of RJS products:
| IP65 | Dust tight, protected against water projected from a nozzle. |
| IP66 | Dust tight and protected against powerful water jets. |
| IP67 | Dust tight and protected from water immersion for 30 minutes between depths of 150mm – 1 metre. |
| IP68 | Dust tight and protected against continuous water immersion. |
Obviously, waterproofing is very important to consider when creating anything for use on boats or at sea, so that your equipment is protected and can still function properly when wet or even immersed.
2. LED Illumination
LED illumination has many benefits, with a key one being that an illuminated component is far easier to use when you are trying to navigate/work in darkness or bad weather. Selecting different colours of LED for different components or operational states can also help the user to quickly see which systems are running and/or if there is a fault.
3. Hard-wearing
Another attribute to consider is whether a switch is hard-wearing, as switches in these applications can face a higher level of wear and tear. Therefore, a popular choice for many maritime applications is to use anti-vandal switches. These metal components are specially designed from durable materials, to be more resistant to damage.
4. Customisation
Many of our switches can be customised by adding an array of text/symbol options, or custom logos to the face of the switch. This can again aid the user to identify what each switch controls, without the need for extra signage.
Common symbols and text that we offer for boat controls include; horn, motors, pumps, lights and anchor.
RJS Components for Boat Controls
RJS Electronics offers a wide range of switches and components that are ideal for use in boat controls and maritime applications. We’ve selected some of our favourites, but you can check out our full range of panel mount components here.
Anti-Vandal Toggle Switches
The RJS-TOG is our hard-wearing anti-vandal toggle switch with a simple operation and a long life. Its robust design and IP67 rating makes it an excellent option for maritime applications.
This switch is available in 19mm and 22mm sizes, with a black anodised or brushed steel finish and an optional ring LED illumination. Wire leads (500mm) can also be added.
Anti-Vandal Rockers
We have recently launched the RJS1N1-22RL-XX-Y-BS-ZV-65P, our anti-vandal rocker switch with an IP65 rating. This tough but sleek switch stands out from the crowd with its various LED illumination options and a wide variety of custom symbols that can be added.
It is available in a 22mm panel cut out size, with a momentary or latching function and a stainless steel, brass plating or aluminium alloy oxide finish.
Other Rockers and Toggles
Aside from our newer anti-vandal rocker and toggle switches, we have a wide variety of other styles that can often be seen as a part of boat control panels.
With a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes available, as well as IP rated options for both switch types, you can select the right ones for your specific design.
Anti-Vandal Push Buttons
One of our most popular switch styles, the anti-vandal push button is another great option for maritime applications due to its versatility and durability, as well as its high IP rating (IP65, IP67 and IP68).
These switches come in sizes from 8mm to 40mm, with a momentary or latching function, various styles and finishes, and numerous LED illumination and customisation options.
Indicators
The primary use of LED indicators is to let the user quickly see whether a system is working, or to alert them to an issue or fault. This is particularly crucial in environments where an issue or fault can potentially be quite dangerous, such as a boat out at sea.
We have many IP rated indicators in assorted shapes and styles, in sizes from 6mm to 30mm.
Conclusion
In such a competitive and sometimes high-risk industry such as this, it is important to use high quality, robust components that you can rely on for a long time. We know that there is a lot to consider when selecting parts for any project, but our Sales Engineers are on hand to help you find the right ones, so get in contact today.
Interested in our products? Speak to us today!
How to place an order?
We operate Monday – Thursday (8 am – 5 pm) and Fridays (8 am – 4.30 pm)
Call us on +44 (0) 1234 213600 to speak to our Sales Engineers or e-mail us
on [email protected] alternatively, leave us a message using our online contact form.
View our full product range here | Download our recent product catalogue
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