Mini Through-Hole Detector Switch 4 Pin Right Angle — DS-012 Micro Detect Switch 50mA DC 12V for Printers, Laptops & Industrial Automation
The DS-012 is a mini through-hole detector switch 4 pin right angle with a compact 4.75×3.6mm body, rated 50mA/DC 12V. DIP PCB mount, right-angle actuator. Ideal for position detection, door sensing, and cover interlock in printers, laptops, and industrial equipment. RoHS 3 & REACH compliant. Bag/Tray packaging. MOQ 1,000 pcs. Free sample available.
Mini Through-Hole Detector Switch 4 Pin Right Angle — DS-012 Product Overview
The DS-012 is a mini through-hole detector switch 4 pin right angle — a compact micro detection switch designed for through-hole PCB mounting in space-constrained electronic assemblies. Manufactured by Vistar Electronics, the DS-012 delivers reliable mechanical position detection, object presence sensing, and interlock switching in printers, laptop computers, handheld devices, vending machines, medical equipment, and industrial automation systems where a miniature, low-profile detection switch is required.
Detector switches — also called micro switches, limit switches, or detection switches — are electromechanical devices that change their electrical state (open to closed, or closed to open) when a physical object contacts or releases the switch actuator. The micro detect switch DIP PCB right angle configuration of the DS-012 positions the actuator perpendicular to the PCB surface and parallel to the board edge, enabling side-access detection sensing without requiring vertical clearance above the PCB. This right-angle layout is essential in slim chassis designs where the detection point is at the side of the board — for example, sensing the closure of a printer lid, laptop screen, access panel, or card insertion slot.
The DS-012 features a compact 4.75×3.6mm body — one of the smallest through-hole detector switch footprints available — making it the preferred choice for applications where PCB real estate is at a premium. Despite its miniature size, the DS-012 detector switch maintains a reliable operating mechanism with precise and repeatable actuation characteristics. The four through-hole pins provide strong mechanical anchoring to the PCB, with the switch body and actuator withstanding the repetitive contact forces typical of detection switch applications over their service life.
The DS-012 is rated at 50mA / DC 12V — appropriate for signal-level detection and control circuit switching in logic circuits, microcontroller input pins, optocoupler inputs, and relay driver circuits. This positions it for use in the vast majority of consumer and industrial detection switching applications where the switch output feeds a digital input or signal conditioning circuit rather than directly driving a high-current load.
According to the IEC 61058 standard for switches for appliances and related microswitch standards, miniature detection switches are classified by their actuation travel, operating force, current rating, and mounting configuration. The DS-012 falls within the ultra-miniature signal-grade category, providing precise mechanical switching at low travel distances with consistent operating and release force characteristics across its rated service life.
The right-angle DIP through-hole mounting of the DS-012 provides robust mechanical anchoring: the four pins pass through drilled holes in the PCB and are wave-soldered or hand-soldered on the back side. This creates a strong, vibration-resistant connection that is significantly more durable than SMT mounting for a component that experiences repeated mechanical actuation forces during operation.
For other detector switch configurations, compare with our full detector switch range including vertical-mount and SMT variants. For related tactile switches, see our tactile switch range. All DS-012 switches are manufactured in Vistar Electronics’ ISO 9001:2015 certified Shenzhen facility and comply with RoHS 3 (EU Directive 2015/863) and REACH SVHC regulations.
Micro Detect Switch DIP PCB Right Angle — DS-012 Full Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | DS-012 | Standard catalog item |
| Switch Type | Detector Switch (Micro Switch) | Mechanical position detection |
| Number of Pins | 4 pins | Through-hole DIP |
| Mount Type | Through-Hole DIP | Wave or hand soldering |
| Actuator Orientation | Right Angle | Actuator perpendicular to PCB, parallel to board edge |
| Body Dimensions | 4.75 × 3.6mm | Ultra-miniature footprint |
| Current Rating | 50mA | Signal-grade switching |
| Voltage Rating | DC 12V | Maximum operating voltage |
| Contact Type | SPDT (NO / NC / COM) | Normally Open + Normally Closed |
| Contact Material | Silver Alloy | Low contact resistance |
| Actuator Material | Thermoplastic | Standard lever / button type |
| Body Material | High-Temp Thermoplastic | Wave-solder compatible |
| Operating Temperature | −25°C to +70°C | Consumer & light-industrial |
| Storage Temperature | −40°C to +85°C | — |
| Packaging | Bag / Tray | Through-hole assembly |
| Compliance | RoHS 3, REACH SVHC | EU & global export ready |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015 | Factory quality management |
Why Engineers Choose the DS-012 Miniature Detection Switch 50mA 12V for Precision Sensing
Ultra-Compact 4.75×3.6mm Body — Smallest Through-Hole Detector Footprint
The DS-012’s 4.75×3.6mm body is one of the smallest available in the through-hole detector switch category. This ultra-miniature footprint makes it the preferred choice for space-constrained PCB designs in slim laptops, compact printers, handheld medical devices, and IoT sensors where a standard-size micro switch would not fit within the available board area.
Right-Angle Actuator — Side-Access Detection in Slim Chassis
The right-angle (horizontal) actuator orientation positions the detection point at the side of the PCB — parallel to the board edge — enabling sensing of objects, panels, or lids approaching from the side without requiring vertical clearance above the PCB. Essential for printer cover detection, laptop lid sensing, card slot detection, and access panel interlocks in slim, space-efficient chassis designs.
4-Pin DIP Through-Hole — Vibration-Resistant Mechanical Anchoring
Four through-hole pins are wave or hand-soldered through the PCB, anchoring the switch body from both sides of the board. This provides significantly greater vibration resistance and pull-out strength compared to SMT mounting — critical for a detection switch that experiences repetitive mechanical actuation forces from moving parts such as printer carriages, door hinges, and card guides throughout its operating life.
Precise Signal-Level Switching — 50mA / DC 12V Logic Compatible
Rated at 50mA / DC 12V for clean, reliable signal-level switching directly compatible with microcontroller GPIO inputs, optocoupler inputs, and digital logic circuits operating at 3.3V, 5V, or 12V. The silver alloy contacts provide low and stable contact resistance, ensuring a clean, bounce-minimised switching signal suitable for direct connection to microprocessor interrupt inputs and position-sensing circuits.
SPDT Contact Configuration — NO and NC Outputs Available
The DS-012 provides Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) contact configuration — one Common (COM) pin, one Normally Open (NO) pin, and one Normally Closed (NC) pin across its four terminals. This enables both fail-safe NC sensing (circuit opens on detection) and active NO sensing (circuit closes on detection) from a single component, supporting a wide range of detection logic configurations.
RoHS 3 & REACH Compliant — Globally Export Ready
Fully compliant with RoHS 3 (EU Directive 2015/863) and REACH SVHC substance regulations. RoHS declarations of conformity and REACH SVHC substance statements are available upon request for EU CE marking, supply chain qualification, and customer audit documentation programs.
Where to Use the DS-012 Through-Hole Detector Switch 4.75×3.6mm — Application Guide
DS-012 Mini Through-Hole Detector Switch — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a detector switch and how does it differ from a tactile switch?
A detector switch (also called a micro switch or limit switch) is an electromechanical switch designed for position detection and object sensing — it changes state when a physical object, cam, or moving part contacts the actuator. Detector switches typically have a low actuation force, a precise pre-travel distance, and a snap-action mechanism that provides a clean, definitive switching point. They are designed for automatic sensing, not direct user interaction.
A tactile switch is designed for direct human actuation — it provides tactile feedback (a “click” feel) when pressed by a user’s finger, and returns to its rest position when released. Tactile switches are used for user-interface buttons; detector switches are used for internal machine sensing. For tactile switches, see our tactile switch range.
What does “right angle” mean for the DS-012’s actuator orientation?
“Right angle” means the DS-012’s actuator lever or button extends horizontally and parallel to the PCB surface — perpendicular to the vertical axis of the switch body. When the PCB is mounted horizontally inside a chassis, the actuator faces sideways (toward the board edge), enabling detection of objects approaching from the side rather than from above.
This is ideal for detecting the closure of a lid, cover, or door that moves horizontally — for example, a printer paper tray closing against the PCB, or a laptop screen hinge triggering the lid-closed sensor. For vertical (top-actuating) detector switches where objects approach from above the PCB, see our full detector switch range.
What circuit function does the DS-012 provide — NO, NC, or SPDT?
The DS-012 provides SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) contact configuration across its four pins:
- COM — Common terminal (always connected)
- NO — Normally Open: disconnected from COM at rest, connected when actuated
- NC — Normally Closed: connected to COM at rest, disconnected when actuated
In practice, you choose which terminals to use based on your detection logic. Use COM + NC for fail-safe interlock sensing (circuit is normally closed; opening signals a problem). Use COM + NO for active presence detection (circuit closes when object is detected). The fourth pin is typically a second COM or mounting pin — refer to the product datasheet for the exact pin assignment.
Can the DS-012 be used with a microcontroller GPIO input directly?
Yes. Rated at 50mA / DC 12V, the DS-012 is fully compatible with direct connection to microcontroller GPIO inputs operating at 3.3V or 5V. The typical circuit configuration is: connect COM to GND, connect NO or NC to the GPIO pin with a pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ to VCC). When the switch actuates, the GPIO reads a logic low (for NO configuration) or high (for NC configuration).
For noise-sensitive applications, add a small debounce capacitor (100nF) between the GPIO pin and GND, or implement software debouncing in the microcontroller firmware. The snap-action mechanism of the DS-012 provides a clean switching point that minimises contact bounce compared to simple plunger switches.
What assembly process is recommended for the DS-012?
The DS-012 uses through-hole DIP mounting and supports two assembly methods:
- Wave soldering — insert the four pins into the PCB holes and pass through the wave solder machine. The high-temperature thermoplastic body is rated for standard wave soldering profiles.
- Hand soldering — suitable for prototyping, low-volume production, rework, and repair. Solder each pin individually.
Note: the DS-012 is not compatible with SMT reflow production lines. It is supplied in bag or tray packaging for manual or wave-solder assembly. When positioning the DS-012 on the PCB, ensure the right-angle actuator is oriented toward the detection target and that sufficient mechanical clearance exists for the actuator travel.
What is the MOQ and can I get a free sample?
Standard MOQ is 1,000 pieces with a 2–4 week production lead time. Free samples are available for qualified engineering and product development projects. Contact sales@vistarelectronics.com with your company details, project application, and part number (DS-012), or click the “Get a Quote” button at the top of this page.
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