Grayhill 78M12S DIP Switch Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Grayhill 78M12S is a 12-position DIP switch with SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) circuit configuration, rated for 150mA at 30VDC. This component features a slide actuator with standard raised level, gold-plated copper alloy contacts, and through-hole PC pin termination. The 78M12S is classified as obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for legacy systems utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

78M12S
Grayhill Inc.In Stock: 115178M12S Datasheet
78M12S
Current Part
78B12ST
Grayhill Inc.In Stock: 570878B12ST Datasheet
78B12ST
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Circuit Configuration SPST
Number of Positions 12
Current Rating 150mA
Voltage Rating 30VDC
Actuator Type Slide (Standard)
Mounting Type Through Hole
Pitch 0.100" (2.54mm)
Height Above Board 0.315" (8.00mm)
Contact Material Copper Alloy with Gold Finish
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to 85°C
Mechanical Life 2,000 Cycles
Electrical Life 2,000 Cycles

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Grayhill 78M12S is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

  • Circuit type: SPST
  • Position count: 12 positions
  • Current rating: 150mA minimum
  • Voltage rating: 30VDC minimum
  • Actuator type: Slide (Standard) with raised level
  • Mounting configuration: Through hole with PC pin termination
  • Pitch spacing: 0.100" (2.54mm)
  • Physical height: 0.315" (8.00mm)
  • Contact material and finish: Copper alloy with gold plating
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C minimum
  • Mechanical and electrical life: 2,000 cycles minimum

The Grayhill 78B12ST meets all mandatory parameters and qualifies as a direct substitute. The primary distinction between the main part and substitute relates to product status classification and RoHS compliance level.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 78M12S (Main Part) 78B12ST (Substitute) Match Status
Manufacturer Grayhill Inc. Grayhill Inc. Identical
Circuit Configuration SPST SPST Identical
Number of Positions 12 12 Identical
Current Rating (Amps) 150mA 150mA Identical
Voltage Rating 30VDC 30VDC Identical
Actuator Type Slide (Standard) Slide (Standard) Identical
Actuator Level Raised Raised Identical
Contact Material Copper Alloy Copper Alloy Identical
Contact Finish Gold Gold Identical
Height Above Board 0.315" (8.00mm) 0.315" (8.00mm) Identical
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Identical
Termination Style PC Pin PC Pin Identical
Pitch 0.100" (2.54mm), Full 0.100" (2.54mm), Full Identical
Washable Yes Yes Identical
Features Tape Seal Tape Seal Identical
Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C -40°C to 85°C Identical
Body Material Thermoplastic Thermoplastic Identical
Length 1.280" (32.51mm) 1.280" (32.51mm) Identical
Mechanical Life 2,000 Cycles 2,000 Cycles Identical
Electrical Life 2,000 Cycles 2,000 Cycles Identical
Product Status Obsolete Active Different
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant Different
Packaging Not specified Tube Different

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Grayhill 78B12ST is the qualified substitute for the obsolete 78M12S based on complete electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. Selection between these parts should be guided by the following criteria:

For New Designs and Active Production: The 78B12ST is the appropriate selection. This part carries active product status, ensuring ongoing manufacturer support, availability, and supply chain continuity. The 78B12ST holds ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for component procurement in most jurisdictions.

For Legacy System Maintenance: The 78M12S remains functionally equivalent to the 78B12ST for applications where RoHS compliance is not a procurement requirement. However, the obsolete status of the 78M12S indicates limited future availability. Transition planning to the 78B12ST is recommended for sustained production support.

Compliance Considerations: The 78B12ST provides ROHS3 compliance, whereas the 78M12S is RoHS non-compliant. Both parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification. Organizations subject to RoHS regulations should prioritize the 78B12ST for new procurement activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 78B12ST directly replace the 78M12S in existing circuit board designs?

A: Yes. The 78B12ST provides complete electrical and mechanical equivalence to the 78M12S. All critical parameters including circuit configuration, position count, current and voltage ratings, actuator type, mounting configuration, pitch spacing, and physical dimensions are identical. No circuit board redesign is required for substitution.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 78M12S and 78B12ST?

A: The primary differences are product status and regulatory compliance. The 78M12S is classified as obsolete, while the 78B12ST maintains active product status. The 78B12ST holds ROHS3 compliance certification, whereas the 78M12S is RoHS non-compliant. Electrical and mechanical specifications are identical.

Q: Does packaging differ between these parts?

A: Yes. The 78B12ST is supplied in tube packaging. The 78M12S packaging specification was not provided in the available documentation. Packaging differences do not affect functional compatibility or circuit board integration.

Q: Are there any performance differences in switching characteristics?

A: No. Both parts specify identical mechanical life (2,000 cycles) and electrical life (2,000 cycles). Operating temperature range, contact material, contact finish, and all electrical ratings are identical.

Q: Which part should be selected for new product development?

A: The 78B12ST should be selected for new product development. Active product status ensures manufacturer support, ongoing availability, and supply chain reliability. ROHS3 compliance meets current regulatory requirements for most markets.

Q: Is the 78M12S still available for purchase?

A: The 78M12S is classified as obsolete. Availability is limited to existing inventory. The 78B12ST is the recommended alternative for ongoing procurement requirements.

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