RTAC3ES12M25NS Rotary Switch - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RTAC3ES12M25NS is a 12-position rotary switch manufactured by C&K, designed for panel-mount applications requiring BCD with Complement circuit configuration. This component operates at 150mA (AC/DC) with a 60V rating and features a non-shorting contact timing mechanism. The part is currently obsolete, making identification of suitable substitutes essential for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations where equivalent functionality is required.

Substiute Parts

RTAC3ES12M25NS

C&KIn Stock: 739RTAC3ES12M25NS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

RTAP3ES12M25NS

C&KIn Stock: 1111RTAP3ES12M25NS Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The RTAC3ES12M25NS can be substituted with the RTAP3ES12M25NS based on the following electrical and mechanical equivalence criteria:

Matching Parameters (Substitution Basis):

• 12-position configuration with fixed index stops
• BCD with Complement circuit per deck
• 150mA (AC/DC) current rating
• 60V AC and DC voltage rating
• Non-shorting (BBM) contact timing
• Round 6mm diameter slotted actuator
• 25.00mm actuator length
• 30° angle of throw
• Brass contact material with silver finish
• Circular 10.20mm diameter panel cutout
• RTA series family compatibility

Differentiating Parameters:

• Termination style: Solder Lug (RTAC3ES12M25NS) vs. PC Pin (RTAP3ES12M25NS)
• Mounting configuration: Panel Mount only vs. Panel Mount with Through Hole capability
• Depth behind panel: 18.70mm vs. 12.60mm
• Product status: Obsolete vs. Active
• Packaging: Unspecified vs. Bag

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The RTAP3ES12M25NS serves as the active production equivalent to the obsolete RTAC3ES12M25NS. Both components maintain identical electrical specifications and core mechanical parameters, ensuring functional compatibility in applications requiring 12-position BCD with Complement rotary switching at 150mA and 60V ratings.

Selection between these parts depends on termination and mounting requirements:

RTAC3ES12M25NS (Solder Lug Termination): Suitable for applications where solder lug connections are specified in existing designs. This part is obsolete and available only through existing inventory channels.

RTAP3ES12M25NS (PC Pin Termination): The active production alternative offering PC pin termination and through-hole mounting capability. This part provides improved compliance status (ROHS3) and reduced depth behind panel (12.60mm vs. 18.70mm), making it preferable for new designs and system upgrades. The through-hole mounting option provides additional installation flexibility.

Both parts carry equivalent regulatory compliance (RoHS, REACH, EAR99) and moisture sensitivity ratings, supporting use in standard industrial and commercial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can RTAP3ES12M25NS directly replace RTAC3ES12M25NS in existing assemblies?

A: Electrical and mechanical compatibility is confirmed across all critical parameters. However, termination style differs: RTAC3ES12M25NS uses solder lugs while RTAP3ES12M25NS uses PC pins. PCB layout and connection methodology must accommodate this difference. Panel cutout dimensions remain identical (10.20mm circular), allowing mechanical interchangeability in panel-mount applications.

Q: What is the significance of the depth behind panel difference (18.70mm vs. 12.60mm)?

A: The RTAP3ES12M25NS has a shallower depth behind panel, reducing space requirements in enclosure designs. This is an advantage for compact installations. Verify available clearance in your specific application before substitution.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between these parts?

A: Both parts are RoHS compliant and REACH unaffected. RTAP3ES12M25NS carries ROHS3 certification versus RoHS Compliant for RTAC3ES12M25NS. Both meet EAR99 export classification and carry unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1).

Q: Why is RTAC3ES12M25NS listed as obsolete?

A: The RTAP3ES12M25NS represents the current production version within the RTA series. The solder lug termination variant (RTAC3ES12M25NS) has been superseded by the PC pin version, which offers improved manufacturing efficiency and design flexibility.

Q: Can I use RTAP3ES12M25NS in a design originally specified for RTAC3ES12M25NS?

A: Yes, provided your PCB design accommodates PC pin termination instead of solder lugs, and your enclosure has sufficient depth for the 12.60mm behind-panel dimension. All electrical and switching characteristics remain identical.

Q: What is the difference between "Panel Mount" and "Panel Mount, Through Hole"?

A: RTAC3ES12M25NS supports panel mounting only. RTAP3ES12M25NS supports both panel mounting and through-hole PCB mounting, providing installation flexibility for different assembly methods.