General Questions

1. What is an IP Rating?

   It's a quantified measurement of INGRESS PROTECTION of a given switch.
   The IP rating will tell you how "waterproof" a switch is, and how resistant it is to ingress of dust.

   Handy printable PDF document which gives you tables of the criteria.

2. How do I connect a specific Cole Hersee part?

   Type the Cole Hersee part number in the SEARCH box above and to the right.

   Each part has a full description, and frequently a wiring schemati.
   If you are still having difficulties, you should consult an electrical professional. If you make an improper connection you could cause damage or injury.

3. How do I find a substitute part?

   type the manufacturer's part number into the search box (above and to the right). If Cole Hersee makes a matching part, the system will take you to the appropriate page.

   Note that these are suggested substitutes. Parts are rarely exactly the same. They may differ in construction, design, rating and weight.

4. There's an electrical term I don't understand.

   Check the DICTIONARY is the sidebar on the left. or enter the term into the SEARCH box above and to tyhe right.

5. Where can I buy Cole Hersee parts?

   Search for a Cole Hersee Distributor by using the FIND A DISTRUBUTOR key at the top right of the page.

   For Original Equipment Manufacturers: Check the Cole Hersee Rep List.Our representative will be happy to follow up.
   
   

6. The Cole Hersee catalog rates most of the switches at 12V DC. Can they be safely used in a 24V application?

   Sometimes. Items such as Solenoids and Illuminated Switches must be used at the rated current and voltage due to the internal components. Ignition, push-pull, momentary, door and other types of non-illuminated switches can be used in a 24V system, with one proviso. For a 24V application you must de-rate the current capability of a 12V product.
   
   De-rating.
   Using Ohm's Law, if you double the voltage, you must divide the current in half. For example, if you have a 12V, 20A product, you can use it in a 24V, 10A system

   You cannot use lighted switches at different voltages than those specified.

7. I don't see what I need, can Cole Hersee make it for me?

   Probably.
   1. All Cole Hersee parts are designed to be adaptable. For example if the part you see has screw terminals, we can probably make it with blade or wire terminals, or we can connect it to any connector. Such adaptations can usually be made quickly and at low cost.
   2. Our engineers are adept at working with OEM engineers to design a switching solution from the ground up. Contact us. 
   
   In both cases there are minimum quantity requirements: we cannot accommodate requests for individual switches or small lots.

8. Do you have switches for my boat?

   Yes we do! We have decades of experience in designing switches to withstand rugged environments. The main factor in determining if a switch is capable of withstanding the harsh marine environment is corrosion resistance. Steel and salt water are not a good combination! Switches constructed from brass are good for marine use, as are those made of plastic. Many Cole Hersee switches are encapsulated in plastic to give added weather-resistance, and many switches are UL or CE or USCG-rated.

9. Is there any advantage to screw or blade terminals on a switch?

   If the component is a replacement, try to obtain the same type of termination, because it makes your job easier. Screw terminals require more time to install than blade terminals do, but usually perform better on vehicles, due to vibration.

10. The catalog shows two switches that appear to be identical, except that one has a higher current rating. How can this be, and why does one cost more?

    A switch with a higher rating will have more expensive internal components (bronze, copper, silver, and sometimes gold), therefore the cost is higher. Always select a switch that meets (or just exceeds) your needs: otherwise you will pay for extra capability that you don't need, or the switch might fail if it doesn't meet your specs. Cole Hersee offers a broad range of switches in different current ratings to allow you to buy the product that best suits your needs, at the best price.

11. What is a Packard Connector?

    Sounds like something that only fits your granddad's old car, but no. It's an industry standard connector formerly made by the Packard Electric Company (now owned by Delphi.) The name of the connector stays the same though.
    
    Take care: there are several Delphi (Packard) connectors:
    Cole Hersee 74600-02 electronic dimmer switch has a 3-pole Packard #298437.
    Cole Hersee 95408 ignition switch mates with a 5-pole Packard #2984170.
    Cole Hersee 95410 ignition switch mates with a 7-pole Packard #6288702.
    We can make all of these switches with any connectors that your heart desires! You just need to be able to order enough so that we can make a batch that's economical for you. Contact us.