C4N-N Vertical Limit Switches

Vertical position switching with selectable heads

C4N-N limit switches offer plunger, cantilever roller, rotary lever and flexible spring heads in an IP67 enclosure. Select the actuator for the direction of approach, then specify conduit size and contact action. Rigid heads provide direct opening of fitted NC contacts; flexible heads 66, 67, 68 and 69 do not provide direct opening. NO contacts have no direct-opening function.

Snap-action, slow-action and make-before-break contacts have different travel characteristics. MBB closes the NO contact before opening the NC contact. A component's direct-opening mechanism does not establish the performance level of a complete machine safety circuit.

Model designation

The example C4N-4111N combines the C4N family, a hyphen, conduit code 4, contact code 1, complete actuator code 11 and fixed suffix N: M20 single entry, snap-action 1NC/1NO and resin top plunger.

Terminal numbering follows EN 50013 and contact forms refer to EN 60947-5-1. Separate contact poles may use different polarities within the rated insulation limits. Contact switching points need not be simultaneous on multi-contact blocks.

Electrical ratings and operating environment

Use a suitable IEC 60269 gI/gG 10A fuse for the specified short-circuit protection arrangement; the switch contains no fuse. Avoid simultaneously switching two or more 3A, 250VAC standard-load circuits, particularly above 35°C. Keep the closed enclosure and cable entries sealed. IP67 does not make prolonged submersion, oil exposure or chemical contamination suitable operating conditions.

Model-specific certification documents determine applicability; the specification references above are not a declaration that every ordering combination has every approval.

Plunger travel and force

OF is maximum operating force; RF is minimum release force; PT is pretravel; MD is movement differential; OT is maximum overtravel; TT is reference total travel; OP is operating position. DOT and DOF are minimum direct-opening travel and force and apply only to eligible NC contacts. Measure the following plungers in the vertical force direction.

Cantilever roller characteristics

Head 15 has a horizontal roller and is measured with vertical force. Head 16 has a vertical roller and is measured with horizontal force. The values below are paired as head 15 / head 16.

Rotary lever and flexible-head characteristics

The rotary data apply to illustrated heads 04, 04H, 05, 07, 08, 08H and 09. Adjustable-head measurements use a 35mm lever setting. Match the complete metal-shaft option to the relevant dimensional drawing before ordering.

The attachment also shows 3NC and 2NC/1NO mechanical and wiring arrangements. These are additional configurations, not an assurance that every head and conduit combination accepts every contact block. Their switching points may differ between contacts; obtain the exact configuration drawing.

Mounting, adjustment and tightening

The single-entry body drawing has a 55mm reference height, 31mm maximum width and 30mm depth. Fix the body with M4 screws and spring washers. Mounting drawings show 20/22±0.1mm horizontal alternatives and 47±0.1mm vertical spacing for single-entry bodies; two-entry drawings show 20/22/40/42±0.1mm alternatives and 39±0.1mm vertical spacing. Optional lower locating pins are Ø4mm with -0.05/-0.15mm tolerance and at most 4.8mm high. Use the complete attachment drawings to choose the matching holes.

The head can be repositioned in four directions; roller-plunger orientation has two positions 90° apart. Lever position can be set in 7.5° steps around 360°. Engage the shaft and lever grooves fully before tightening. Adjustable levers also permit length setting. For reversed lever mounting, follow the front-screw procedure in the drawing and keep the indicated movement within 180°.

Use a separate mechanical stop and align the cam with the intended actuator force direction. The attachment includes EN 50047 cam approach, clearance and position diagrams for each head; these geometries differ between fixed rollers, adjustable rollers, plungers and cantilever heads. Avoid diagonal loading that can bend the lever or shaft. Keep the rod locked, the cover closed and foreign matter away from the mechanism.

Contact layouts and wiring

These additional arrangements are absent from the main ordering chart and require matching configuration availability. No M12 connector version is specified for the three-contact switches.

Disconnect power before wiring. Use insulated M3.5 crimp terminals and 0.5–0.75mm² conductors, approximately AWG20–AWG18. Position terminals to avoid the housing and cover, remove loose wire fragments and ensure the cover closes freely.

The letter positions refer to the attachment's three-contact diagram. Match the cable gland to both entry thread and cable diameter. Cap and tighten unused entries on two-entry bodies. Avoid silicone-containing wiring materials because contamination can impair contact reliability.

Low-load use and application limits

Below 24VDC and 10mA, standard-contact current may not break through surface films. Choose a contact design specified for the actual signal load. Do not reuse contacts previously operated at general loads for smaller-capacity signals. Use suitable suppression where inrush, arcing or electrical noise would reduce contact endurance.

Applications requiring exceptional reliability, personal safety protection, hazardous-atmosphere operation, severe environmental exposure, aerospace or military use require an expressly assessed configuration and complete system design. Verify the selected model, contact action, cam path and electrical duty together before installation.