ECT’s Switch Probes: Cost-Efficient Solutions for Testing Electronic Assemblies

ECT switch probes are cost effective and reliable solutions for non-destructive testing to verify the presence of components or contact leads within a connector assembly. ECT offers proven off-the-shelf options and a large portfolio of custom switch probes. ECT’s experience and design standards combined with its knowledge of materials and platings allows for the quick alignment of probe features with project requirements. ECT switch probes are replaceable by using of one of many receptacle termination options. Customers can choose from gold or nickel plated plungers.

A switch probe is a spring contact that is used to verify the presence of components or contacts within a connector assembly. The current path for test is from the probe tail to the receptacle which is normally open (“NO” or “closers”). As the plunger is compressed to a defined switch travel, the circuit is closed. The most common application for switch probes is in the cable harness testing industry. The switch probe is used to verify the correct location of a terminal contact in a connector while also checking the retention force. Switch probes also verify the physical presence of non-conductive components or devices on a circuit board.

Switch probes are used for wire harness contact sensing and component sensing. For applications such as automotive component test where zero defects are allowed, switch probes typically must function without error for tens of thousands of cycles. ECT’s switch probes easily meet this standard for reliability.