How to select a switch for a military application?
Date: 10/09/2023
WHICH STANDARDS APPLY TO MILITARY SWITCHES?
Concerning product development and qualification, two standards are essential:
MIL Standards:
This U.S. standard provides accreditation for products used by the U.S. military.
Qualified Products List (QPL): The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) certifies products that meet these standards, including APEM’s range of QPL-listed switches.
MIL Standards: This U.S. standard provides accreditation for products used by the U.S. military.
General Development Standards: MIL-STD-1472 outlines product design, MIL-STD-810 and 202 specify environmental testing, and MIL-STD-461 defines EMC testing.
Switch-Specific Standards: MIL-STD-3950 covers environmentally sealed toggle switches, while MIL-STD-83731 applies to sealed and unsealed toggles.
CECC 96000:
This European quality standard specifies test requirements for military switches, including CECC 96401-001, 96201-005, and 96201-008, which define specific tests for military applications.
With APEM, you gain access to switches meeting MIL-STD and CECC qualifications, backed by NATO accreditation and DLA validation, ensuring full traceability and compliance.
HOW TO SELECT A MILITARY SWITCH SUPPLIER?
For mission-critical reliability, partner with a manufacturer experienced in CECC and MIL standards. This guarantees:
Military-Specific Designs: IP67 or IP68 sealing, shock resistance, electromagnetic immunity, and a matte black finish for covert operations.
Certified Quality: A robust quality management system, like APEM’s ISO 9001-certified process, ensures precision and consistency.
Long-Term Product Continuity: Stable product lines ensure consistent performance over time.
WHY CHOOSE APEM?
All CECC and MIL-qualified switches are rigorously tested, backed by our advanced quality management and development systems. Our APQP-based product development and in-house lab for international-standard testing set us apart as a trusted choice in military applications.
WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND A MIL OR CECC-QUALIFIED PRODUCT FOR MY APPLICATION?
APEM has extensive product ranges for harsh and military environments. Our catalogs feature a multitude of configurations based on MIL and CECC qualified products. We can, for example, modify the actuator or locking lever system to meet your need.
MIL and CECC standards do not cover all applications, nor all products. Therefore, APEM also offers catalog products not approved to MIL or CECC, but perfectly adapted for military use. It is the case for our “I” range pushbutton switches, Multimec 5 PCB switches, ES emergency stop switches, TS, HS and NV micro joysticks or FG and 3000 joysticks.
Get the help and resources you need quickly with APEM
If you have questions or suggestions, we’re here to listen.
Our sales and support set the standard for helping you.
All the technical documentation you need to make things work...