SCHURTER CHS (Capacitive Hidden Switch)

Conventional switches inevitably require mounting holes in the user interface. This isn’t the case with the SCHURTER CHS (Capacitive Hidden Switch), which can be mounted hidden behind the surface of non-conductive materials.

With capacitive switches, an electric field is built up on the user surface of the sensor. The CHS no longer requires direct sensor contact with the finger — the electrical field change required to trigger the switching process is still achieved even if a non-conductive material (glass, plastic, wood or similar) is inserted between the sensor and the finger.

The switch is simply adhered behind a wide variety of non-conductive materials and thus enables the construction of control elements for devices where hygiene plays a major role, for example in medical technology and food industry. Since there are no holes or slots created by the installation and the switch also has no moving parts, potentially nasty microbes have no possibility to ‘settle’ on the user interface. This means that materials that are particularly easy to clean can be used.

The device is programmed such that it does not trip in the event of field changes caused by liquids or minor wiping contact. Activation is only through precise touching of the switching surface. However, adjustments can be made upon the user’s request based on the thickness of the material behind which the switch is bonded. The standard sensitivity is designed for a glass thickness of up to 2 mm.

The switch is available in three different variants. CHS 1 is a design without illumination and with a mounting depth of less than 6 mm for smaller developments. CHS 2 features optical feedback where the RGB lighting can be used as a design element. CHS 3 is the potted version with lighting for use in harsh environments.