APEM 12169-3VX987
- Silver alloy contacts with ≤50mΩ initial contact resistance
- 30A maximum switching current at 277VAC
- -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range
- 1×10⁵ cycles minimum electrical lifespan
- Vibration and shock resistant design
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The APEM 12169-3VX987 is a 4-pole, ON-OFF-ON, 3-position locked-lever toggle switch from the APEM 12000 series — a panel-mount switch family specifically engineered for defense, telecommunications, and aerospace applications and approved to CECC 96201 meeting MIL-3950 requirements. The 12000 series features a double shell case for high mechanical strength and electrical insulation, pinned lever for positive position retention, bright chrome or satin chrome actuator finish, and multiple front panel sealing options. The X987 suffix designates the specific contact material, sealing, and finish configuration within the 12000 series option matrix.
APEM 12000 Series Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Poles | 4 (4PDT) |
| Electrical Function | ON-OFF-ON (3 positions) |
| Lever Type | 3 Locked Positions |
| Max Current/Voltage | 4A 28VDC (resistive load) |
| Low-Level Rating | 50mV / 10mA |
| Initial Contact Resistance | 10 mΩ max. |
| Insulation Resistance | 1,000 MΩ min. at 500VDC |
| Dielectric Strength | 1,000 Vrms (terminal to terminal); 2,000 Vrms (pole to pole) |
| Electrical Life (full load) | 20,000 cycles at 4A 28VDC |
| Electrical Life (low level) | 100,000 cycles at 50mV/10mA (3-position) |
| Shock | 50g – 11ms (IEC 68-2-27) |
| Vibration | 10–500 Hz – 10g (IEC 68-2-6) |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Panel Thickness | 3mm min. to 8mm max. |
| Torque | 1.50 Nm (1.10 ft-lb) max. |
| Approvals | CECC 96201-005/008, MIL-3950 conformant |
The 12000 series is the field-proven choice for avionics control panels, ground-based defense electronics consoles, and naval communication system operator interfaces where the switch must survive long-term exposure to vibration, shock, and temperature cycling while maintaining reliable contact performance at both full-load DC (28V avionics bus) and low-level signal switching (50mV logic-level signals in bus-monitored applications). Each switch can optionally receive a low-level run-in test of 50 or 250 cycles before shipment to verify suitability for high-reliability military and space applications.
FAQ
What does each field in 12169-3VX987 mean?
12000 = MIL-grade toggle switch series; 169 = 4-pole configuration; 3V = 3-position locked lever; X987 = contact material, sealing, and finish option code within the 12000 series option matrix.
What is the difference between the ON-OFF-ON function and ON-ON?
ON-OFF-ON provides three stable positions: center position is OFF (all poles open), with two maintained ON positions on either side. ON-ON has only two stable positions both of which are ON. The ON-OFF-ON function is standard for applications requiring a defined safe-off center state.
What approvals does the APEM 12000 series carry?
CECC 96201-005 and CECC 96201-008, conformant with MIL-3950 requirements. The series is also NATO listed. Individual models can be ordered with UL, CSA, or CECC certification markings.
What is the electrical life at 28VDC?
20,000 cycles at 4A 28VDC with silver contacts. At low level (50mV/10mA), life extends to 100,000 cycles for 3-position maintained switches.
Can the 12169-3VX987 be submitted for pre-shipment reliability testing?
Yes. APEM can submit individual switches to a low-level run-in test of 50 or 250 cycles before shipment upon request, specifically for military and space applications requiring a very high level of contact reliability assurance.
What is the panel cutout and mounting requirement?
The 12000 series uses a standard threaded bushing panel mount. Panel thickness range is 3mm (0.118″) minimum to 8mm (0.314″) maximum. Maximum torque applied to the nut is 1.50 Nm (1.10 ft-lb).
