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Home > Intrusion > Contacts & Sensors > Plunger & Toggle Switches

Plunger & Toggle Switches

Complete an intrusion alarm installation with compatible control panels, zone expanders and expansion modules, window and door contacts, PIR motion sensors, glassbreak detectors, shock and sound sensors, hold-up and panic buttons, security keypads, wireless receivers, and alarm communicators.

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Plunger & Toggle Switches

Shop plunger and toggle switches for intrusion alarm and security systems. These compact switches are commonly used as alarm tamper switches, cabinet tamper switches, siren tamper switches, security switches, and alarm contact devices. Choose compatible wired plunger switches, recessed switches, and toggle-style security switches for professional alarm installations.

Plunger switches are commonly installed where opening, removing, or moving a protected enclosure or component needs to activate a security circuit. Resideo, for example, identifies its 112 plunger switch for tamper protection of control-panel cabinet doors and its 955WH plunger switch for protecting alarm sirens and alarm control panels.

Plunger Switches

Plunger switches use a spring-loaded button or plunger that changes the electrical state of the switch when it is pressed or released. In security applications, this makes them useful for detecting the opening or removal of protected equipment covers, doors, cabinets, and other components.

Plunger switches are available in different sizes, mounting configurations, terminal styles, and electrical configurations. The correct switch should be selected according to the installation requirements and the alarm control panel input.

Alarm Tamper Switches

Tamper switches help protect security equipment and enclosures from unauthorized opening or removal. A properly installed tamper switch can be connected to a compatible intrusion alarm input so that opening a protected cabinet or enclosure changes the supervised circuit condition.

Common applications include control-panel cabinet doors, alarm sirens, security equipment enclosures, access panels, and other protected components.

Cabinet Tamper Switches

Cabinet tamper switches are commonly installed inside or adjacent to security control-panel enclosures. When the cabinet door is closed, the plunger can remain depressed. Opening the cabinet releases the plunger and changes the switch condition.

Resideo's 112 plunger switch is specifically described for tamper protection of a control-panel cabinet door and is designed for use with its compatible mounting bracket.

Siren Tamper Switches

Siren tamper switches provide tamper protection for compatible alarm sirens and related security equipment. A plunger switch can detect removal or opening of the protected enclosure and provide a signal to the security system.

The Resideo 955WH, for example, is a plunger switch with wire leads commonly used as a tamper switch to protect alarm sirens and alarm control panels.

Recessed Plunger Switches

Recessed plunger switches are designed for installations where the switch is mounted into a surface or enclosure rather than simply attached externally. Recess-style security switches can provide a cleaner installation while allowing the plunger to interact with a door, cover, or protected surface.

When selecting a recessed plunger switch, verify the required mounting diameter, switch travel, terminal configuration, lead length, and electrical specifications.

Wired Security Plunger Switches

Wired plunger switches connect directly to a compatible alarm circuit. They are commonly used where a permanent wired connection is preferred for protecting control panels, sirens, cabinets, doors, and other security equipment.

Some models include pre-attached wire leads for simplified installation, while others use screw terminals. Resideo's 955WH provides wire leads, while the 955PST uses screw terminals and a broad-face plunger designed to distribute impact more evenly.

Toggle Switches

Toggle switches provide manual switching between electrical states and can be used in compatible security and alarm applications. The appropriate toggle switch depends on the required contact configuration, mounting method, electrical rating, and intended system function.

When used as part of an intrusion alarm installation, verify that the switch's contact configuration and electrical characteristics are compatible with the alarm circuit or connected security equipment.

Plunger & Toggle Switch Applications

Plunger and toggle switches can be used in a variety of security and alarm installations, including:

  • Intrusion alarm control-panel cabinet tamper protection
  • Alarm siren and sounder tamper protection
  • Security equipment enclosure protection
  • Access-panel monitoring
  • Security cabinet protection
  • Alarm equipment removal detection
  • Specialized alarm contact applications
  • Manual switching applications where compatible

How to Choose a Plunger or Toggle Switch

Before selecting a plunger or toggle switch, consider the following:

  • Application: Determine whether the switch will protect a control-panel cabinet, siren, enclosure, door, or other equipment.
  • Switch type: Select a plunger, recessed plunger, or toggle configuration appropriate for the installation.
  • Contact configuration: Verify the required normally closed, normally open, or other supported contact configuration.
  • Mounting: Check whether surface, recessed, bracket, or panel mounting is required.
  • Terminal type: Choose wire leads, screw terminals, or another required connection method.
  • Plunger travel: Verify that the switch has sufficient operating travel for the protected door or cover.
  • Dimensions: Check the switch body and mounting dimensions before installation.
  • Alarm panel compatibility: Confirm that the switch can be connected to the intended alarm input.
  • Environmental requirements: Select a suitable construction for the installation location.

Plunger Switch Features

  • Spring-loaded plunger operation
  • Alarm tamper applications
  • Control-panel cabinet protection
  • Siren and enclosure tamper protection
  • Wired connection
  • Wire-lead or screw-terminal configurations
  • Recessed mounting options
  • Compact security switch construction
  • Normally open or normally closed configurations on applicable models
  • Compatibility with professional intrusion alarm installations

Plunger Switch Compatibility

Compatibility should be checked before installing any security plunger switch. The switch must provide the appropriate electrical contact configuration for the alarm circuit and fit the intended mounting location.

For cabinet and equipment tamper applications, also verify that the plunger position and travel allow the protected door or cover to fully operate the switch. Manufacturer-specific brackets or mounting accessories may be required for some installations. Resideo, for example, identifies its #28 bracket as a mounting accessory for its 955 tamper switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a plunger switch?

A plunger switch is a mechanical switch operated by pressing or releasing a spring-loaded plunger. In security systems, plunger switches are commonly used for tamper protection and alarm circuit monitoring.

What is an alarm tamper switch?

An alarm tamper switch detects the opening, removal, or movement of protected security equipment and can change the condition of a connected alarm circuit.

Where are plunger switches used in security systems?

Plunger switches are commonly used to protect control-panel cabinets, alarm sirens, security equipment enclosures, access panels, and other components requiring tamper monitoring.

Can a plunger switch be used with an alarm control panel?

Yes, a compatible plunger switch can be connected to an appropriate alarm input. The switch's contact configuration and electrical characteristics must match the alarm system requirements.

What is the difference between a plunger switch and a magnetic contact?

A plunger switch is mechanically operated by physical pressure against the plunger, while a magnetic contact typically uses a magnet and reed switch to detect opening or closing. The appropriate device depends on the application and installation requirements.

What is a cabinet tamper switch?

A cabinet tamper switch is a switch installed to monitor the opening or removal of a security equipment cabinet. A plunger-style tamper switch can be positioned so that the cabinet door depresses the switch when closed.

Are plunger switches available with wire leads?

Yes. Some security plunger switches include pre-attached wire leads, while other models use screw terminals. Resideo offers both types, including the 955WH with wire leads and 955PST with screw terminals.

Related Intrusion Security Products

Complete an intrusion alarm installation with compatible control panels, zone expanders and expansion modules, window and door contacts, PIR motion sensors, glassbreak detectors, shock and sound sensors, hold-up and panic buttons, security keypads, wireless receivers, and alarm communicators.

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