Switchcraft 46256LFE Slide Switch DPDT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Switchcraft 46256LFE is a slide switch with DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) configuration rated for 3A AC at 125V, designed for panel mount applications with solder lug termination. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitutes essential for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations. The part features a screwdriver slot actuator, non-shorting contact timing (BBM), and is marked for 115V-230V line voltage selection applications.

Substiute Parts

46256LFE
Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 117946256LFE Datasheet
46256LFE
Current Part
46256LFEX
Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 122946256LFEX Datasheet
46256LFEX
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Circuit Configuration DPDT
Current Rating (AC) 3A
Current Rating (DC) 500mA
Voltage Rating (AC) 125V
Voltage Rating (DC) 125V
Contact Timing Non-Shorting (BBM)
Switch Function On-On (Line Voltage Selector)
Mounting Type Panel Mount
Termination Style Solder Lug
Actuator Type Screwdriver Slot
Contact Material Copper Alloy
Operating Temperature Range -20°C to 70°C
Switch Travel 4.78mm

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 46256LFE is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

  • Circuit Configuration: Must be DPDT
  • Current Rating: 3A AC minimum; 500mA DC minimum
  • Voltage Rating: 125V AC and 125V DC minimum
  • Contact Timing: Non-Shorting (BBM) required
  • Switch Function: On-On configuration for line voltage selector applications
  • Mounting Type: Panel Mount
  • Termination Style: Solder Lug
  • Actuator Type: Screwdriver Slot
  • Contact Material: Copper Alloy
  • Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to 70°C minimum

The 46256LFEX meets all these criteria and is classified as a direct manufacturer equivalent within the Switchcraft 46200E series.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 46256LFE (Main Part) 46256LFEX (Substitute)
Manufacturer Switchcraft Inc. Switchcraft Inc.
Series 46200E 46200E
Product Status Obsolete Active
Circuit Configuration DPDT DPDT
Contact Timing Non-Shorting (BBM) Non-Shorting (BBM)
Switch Function On-On (Line Voltage Selector) On-On (Line Voltage Selector)
Current Rating (AC) 3A 3A
Current Rating (DC) 500mA 500mA
Voltage Rating (AC) 125V 125V
Voltage Rating (DC) 125V 125V
Actuator Type Screwdriver Slot Screwdriver Slot
Actuator Length Flush Flush
Contact Material Copper Alloy Copper Alloy
Mounting Type Panel Mount Panel Mount
Termination Style Solder Lug Solder Lug
Features 115V-230V Marking 115V-230V Marking
Operating Temperature -20°C to 70°C -20°C to 70°C
Switch Travel 4.78mm 4.78mm
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected
ECCN EAR99 EAR99
HTSUS 8536.50.9050 8536.50.9050

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 46256LFEX is the direct equivalent for the obsolete 46256LFE. Both parts are manufactured by Switchcraft Inc. within the same 46200E series and maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters.

The primary distinction is product status: the 46256LFE is obsolete while the 46256LFEX is active production. Additionally, the 46256LFEX achieves ROHS3 compliance, whereas the 46256LFE is RoHS non-compliant. Both parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and share identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

For new designs or system replacements requiring this DPDT slide switch configuration, the 46256LFEX is the appropriate selection due to its active production status and enhanced regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 46256LFEX directly replace the 46256LFE in existing applications?

A: Yes. The 46256LFEX is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the 46256LFE. Both parts share identical circuit configuration (DPDT), current ratings (3A AC / 500mA DC), voltage ratings (125V AC/DC), contact timing (Non-Shorting BBM), actuator type (Screwdriver Slot), mounting type (Panel Mount), termination style (Solder Lug), and operating temperature range (-20°C to 70°C).

Q: What is the difference between the 46256LFE and 46256LFEX?

A: The primary differences are product status and regulatory compliance. The 46256LFE is classified as obsolete, while the 46256LFEX is in active production. The 46256LFEX achieves ROHS3 compliance, whereas the 46256LFE is RoHS non-compliant. All electrical and mechanical parameters remain identical.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 46256LFE is supplied with standard packaging, while the 46256LFEX is supplied in bulk packaging. This distinction affects inventory management and procurement but does not impact electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: What parameters must match for a valid substitution?

A: Valid substitutions must maintain equivalence in circuit configuration (DPDT), current ratings (3A AC minimum, 500mA DC minimum), voltage ratings (125V AC/DC minimum), contact timing (Non-Shorting BBM), switch function (On-On), mounting type (Panel Mount), termination style (Solder Lug), actuator type (Screwdriver Slot), contact material (Copper Alloy), and operating temperature range (-20°C to 70°C).

Q: Is the 46256LFEX suitable for 115V-230V line voltage selector applications?

A: Yes. The 46256LFEX is marked for 115V-230V applications and maintains the On-On switch function required for line voltage selector circuits, identical to the 46256LFE.

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