CWL Cast Aluminum Limit Switches

Position sensing with plunger, lever and spring heads

CWL limit switches combine a cast aluminum enclosure, IP66 protection and a double-spring snap-action 1NO+1NC contact mechanism. The range includes direct plungers, fixed and adjustable rotary levers, flexible spring heads and four latching fork configurations. Fork models retain their changed contact state until the actuator is driven back from the opposite direction.

Model and actuator selection

Flexible-head height is 140±2.5mm. Body width is approximately 40mm, with model-specific depth and mounting-hole details in the drawings. The standard entry is M20, with M20×1.5 specified in the corresponding drawings. Optional suffix -P selects one PG13.5 entry.

Ordering code and cable entry

The code combines CWL with one complete actuator token. For example, CWLD-P selects the top plunger and a PG13.5 entry. Keep internal characters of actuator tokens intact: CA12-2-QG and NJ-S2 each identify a complete actuator. Only the final -P is the optional cable-entry suffix; omit it for M20.

Shared characteristics

Endurance figures are lower limits under their stated test conditions. Do not substitute a thermal-current or endurance-test value for a switching-load rating.

Load ratings

Values are steady-state currents. Inductive loads use an AC power factor of 0.4 or a DC time constant below 7ms. Lamp loads assume inrush up to ten times running current; motor loads assume six times running current.

Obtain the relevant configuration-specific documents where a project requires certification evidence.

Plunger and returning-lever operating values

OF is maximum operating force, RF minimum release force, PT pretravel, OT minimum overtravel, MD maximum movement differential and OP operating position. Plunger PT is a maximum; rotary PT is specified as 15±5°.

Latching fork operation

A target driving the fork changes the output and the fork holds that state after the target passes. Driving it from the opposite direction restores the previous state. Select the roller material and face arrangement for the target path. Do not treat these four models as spring-return levers.

Flexible-head operating values

Drive flexible heads laterally, within the upper one-third of the actuator length. Do not push down along their axis. Release force and movement differential are not specified for these heads.

Wiring and cable selection

Wire with power isolated and keep wire fragments out of the enclosure. Use insulated M3.5 ring terminals, place them flat and leave sufficient wire length for the cover to close without pinching. Terminal thickness must not exceed 0.5mm. Prevent water, oil, dust and harmful gases from entering through the cable connector or the remote cable end.

Avoid silicone-oil-containing cable products. Evaluate contact protection where silicone materials, high inrush loads or electrical noise could affect contact reliability. Standard contacts require at least 24VDC, 10mA; lower loads require a suitable low-load configuration. Do not reuse contacts that have switched general loads for small-signal duty.

Tightening torque and mounting

Use the exact model drawing to confirm body clearances and hole geometry. Tighten evenly, especially after head adjustment. Do not dismantle or replace the internal contact box; displaced contact components or separator boards can impair operation and insulation.

Returning rotary models have a position indicator; after operation its pointer should lie within the marked operating region. Fork latching models are excluded from this indicator instruction. Use short-circuit protection appropriate to the circuit; the general guidance specifies a fuse at 1.5–2 times rated current and, under the stated EN-rated conditions, a 10A gI or gG fuse to IEC60269.

Environment and service

Keep the switch clear of direct cutting chips and deposits; inspect and clean the actuator and housing regularly. Assess sealing life around cutting fluids, solvents and outdoor exposure, and avoid persistent vibration or resonance. Personnel protection, continuous high-reliability systems, severe chemical conditions, explosive atmospheres, nuclear, aerospace and military applications require separate assessment.