Industry Standards
Industry Standards | Electrical Switches | Electrical | Speedwell
From heavy-duty control rooms to precision laboratory setups, HEP’s Speedwell collection puts the power of dependable operation at your fingertips. Each device in our catalogue of electrical switches is engineered to meet or exceed the latest IEC, UL and ANSI requirements, giving specifiers and installers total confidence in safety, longevity and seamless integration with existing circuitry. Robust casings, low-resistance contacts and intuitive actuation profiles ensure that every toggle, rocker or push-button delivers crisp response and minimal downtime.
Behind every click lies decades of research, field testing and commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Our stringent quality program tracks materials from sourcing to final inspection, resulting in components that thrive in high-vibration, high-temperature and corrosive environments alike. Explore the Speedwell range today and discover how HEP transforms a simple action—flipping a switch—into a benchmark for industrial performance.
FAQs
What international standards do Speedwell electrical switches comply with?
All Speedwell switches are designed and tested to meet or exceed IEC 60669-1 for general-purpose switches and, where relevant, IEC 60947-3 for switch-disconnectors. In regions that reference British or European norms, the products are certified to BS EN 60669-1 and EN 60947-3. For North American markets we also hold UL 20 and CSA C22.2 approvals. Certificates of conformity can be downloaded from our website or supplied on request.
Are Speedwell switches RoHS and REACH compliant?
Yes. Every component used in a Speedwell switch is screened against the latest versions of the EU RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU + amendments) and REACH SVHC list. We maintain declarations of compliance from all tier-one suppliers and perform periodic third-party lab tests to verify that lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, and other restricted substances remain below the legal thresholds.
What ingress-protection (IP) ratings are available for Speedwell switches?
Our standard indoor ranges carry an IP20 rating, suitable for normal residential and commercial environments. For damp or dusty locations we offer sealed variants up to IP66, providing complete protection against dust and high-pressure water jets. The IP rating is laser-marked on the rear of each device and clearly stated on the packaging and data sheet.
Can Speedwell switches be used on both AC and DC circuits?
Most models are optimised for 50/60 Hz AC systems up to 250 V. Selected heavy-duty versions, identified by the suffix “-DC”, are tested to IEC 60947-3 for direct-current switching at 125 V or 250 V DC, with a resistive load rating of up to 10 A. Always consult the product data sheet for the exact voltage and current limits before installing on DC circuits.
What is the mechanical and electrical endurance of your switches?
According to IEC 60669-1, a standard light switch must survive 40,000 mechanical operations and 10,000 electrical switching cycles at rated current. Speedwell designs comfortably exceed these minima: mechanical endurance is typically 100,000 cycles and electrical endurance 20,000 cycles at full load. Independent test reports are available for audit purposes.
How should Speedwell switches be installed to maintain compliance and warranty?
Installation must follow the instructions supplied with each product and the wiring regulations in force (e.g., BS 7671 in the UK, NEC in the USA, or local equivalents). Key points include: use adequately sized conductors (1–4 mm² for most terminals), tighten terminal screws to the specified torque (usually 0.8–1.2 N·m), and ensure that stranded conductors are ferruled. Using incompatible faceplates or overtightening mounting screws can damage the mechanism and void the 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.