Switch Probes

A Switch Probe is a spring contact probe and receptacle combination that is normally open, and after a designated travel the switch probe closes. The most common use for switch probes is in the cable harness testing industry. The switch probe is used to verify the correct location of a terminal in a connector while checking the retention force as well. Switch probes also verify the presence of nonconductive components such as caps for connectors or devices on a circuit board. There are two separate current paths in a switch probe. From the plunger tip to the tail is normally open and closes only after the probe deflects to the designated travel. The second path, from the plunger tip to the outside of the receptacle, is always closed.