GMW3431

Description / Abstract: Purpose. This standard is intended to document unique or specific electrical, mechanical, environmental and durability tests for automotive switches.

Applicability. This procedure covers the laboratory testing of automotive switches containing sliding or separating electrical contacts. The method of actuation includes, but is not limited to, differentials in: temperature, pressure, vacuum, fluid level, mounting angle (tilt), or displacement. This procedure applies to the following types of devices:

• Mechanical Switches, i.e., devices containing electrical contacts without electronic content.
• Electromechanical Switches, i.e., mechanical switches containing any of the following: resistors, capacitors, diodes, Light Emitting Diodes (LED), and discrete transistors.
• Electronic Switches, i.e., electromechanical or solid state (semiconductor based) switches with electronic content for logic or decision making.

Remarks. This specification defines the test conditions and the test procedures for functional, environmental and durability tests of switches which are installed in the vehicle. Additional necessary requirements, e.g., definition of the function of the switches and the functional accuracy including the determination of the tolerance range, or the establishment of specific test procedures, are specified in relevant specifications, i.e., Component Technical Specification (CTS), circuit diagram, or part drawing.