Product Overview
The TZ-8169 is a vertical limit switch equipped with a cat whisker spring lever actuator. It is used for mechanical position detection, travel limit control, and machine operation feedback in industrial automation systems. The flexible spring lever actuator is suitable for applications where the moving object may approach the switch from variable directions or where direct roller alignment is not convenient.
This page describes model TZ-8169 only. It is suitable for conveyors, packaging machines, machine tools, automatic production equipment, and general mechanical position sensing applications that require a flexible actuator and compact limit switch structure.
Key Technical Data
| Item | TZ-8169 |
|---|---|
| Product type | Vertical limit switch |
| Actuator type | Cat whisker spring lever |
| Contact form | 1NO + 1NC |
| NO terminal | 13–14 |
| NC terminal | 11–12 |
| Protection degree | IP65 |
| Operating force | 150 g max. |
| Pre-travel | 30 mm max. |
| Operating speed | 5 mm to 0.5 m/s |
| Electrical life | 500,000 operations or above |
Product Display

The TZ-8169 uses a compact vertical switch body with a flexible cat whisker spring lever actuator. The product structure includes a reinforced housing, aluminum alloy mounting base, spring lever actuator, terminal cover, and conduit section for field wiring.
Features
- Double-circuit contact structure for NO and NC control logic.
- Cat whisker spring lever actuator for flexible mechanical position detection.
- Suitable for applications where the moving part may contact the actuator from variable directions.
- Compact body structure for installation in industrial equipment and machine frames.
- Reinforced plastic housing and aluminum alloy base for mechanical strength.
- Built-in contact box with double-spring mechanism for stable contact action.
- Water-proof and oil-proof construction for general industrial environments.
- IP65 protection degree when properly installed and sealed.
- Conduit design for convenient wiring.
- The TZ-8 series provides other actuator configurations for different machine structures. This page focuses on the TZ-8169 cat whisker spring lever type.
Drawing
Outline and Mounting Dimensions
The drawing is used to confirm the outline structure, mounting hole position, spring lever length, actuator clearance, and cable entry direction of the TZ-8169. Before installation, check that the moving mechanical part can contact the spring lever within the allowable operating range.
For spring lever products, the usable operating range should be controlled within the specified portion of the spring lever. Avoid applying excessive bending force or using the spring lever as a mechanical stopper.

Contact Form

TZ-8169 uses a double-circuit contact structure with one normally open contact and one normally closed contact. The normally open contact uses terminals 13–14 and closes when the actuator is operated. The normally closed contact uses terminals 11–12 and opens when the actuator is operated.
Wiring logic should be selected according to the control circuit. Safety-related circuits often use NC logic, but the final selection should follow the electrical design of the equipment.
Ratings
Rated Load Table
| Rated
Voltage |
Resistance
Load NC |
Resistance
Load NO |
Lamp
Load NC |
Lamp
Load NO |
Inductive
Load NC |
Inductive
Load NO |
Motor
Load NC |
Motor
Load NO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125VAC | 5A | 5A | 1.5A | 0.7A | 3A | 3A | 2A | 1A |
| 250VAC | 5A | 5A | 1A | 0.5A | 3A | 3A | 1.5A | 0.8A |
| 8VDC | 5A | 5A | 3A | 3A | 5A | 4A | 3A | 3A |
| 14VDC | 5A | 5A | 3A | 3A | 4A | 4A | 3A | 3A |
| 30VDC | 5A | 5A | 3A | 3A | 4A | 4A | 3A | 3A |
| 125VDC | 0.4A | 0.4A | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 250VDC | 0.2A | 0.2A | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Load Type Notes
- Inrush current: NC below 24A, NO below 12A.
- Inductive load has a power factor of 0.4 minimum for AC and a time constant of 7 ms maximum for DC.
- Lamp load inrush current is approximately 10 times the steady-state current.
- Motor load inrush current is approximately 6 times the steady-state current.
- For inductive, lamp, or motor loads, the inrush current should be considered during circuit design.
Specifications
Electrical
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Contact resistance | 25 mΩ max., initial value |
| Insulation resistance | 100 MΩ min. at 500 VDC |
| Dielectric strength 1 | 1000 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 minute between terminals of the same polarity |
| Dielectric strength 2 | 1500 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 minute between current-carrying and non-current-carrying metal parts |
| Dielectric strength 3 | 1500 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 minute between each terminal and ground |
| Electrical life | 500,000 operations or above |
Mechanical
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating speed | 5 mm to 0.5 m/s |
| Operating frequency | Electrical: 30 operations/min |
| Vibration | 10–55 Hz, 1.5 mm double amplitude |
| Shock durability | 1000 m/s², approx. 100G |
| Shock malfunction | 300 m/s², approx. 30G |
Environmental
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ambient temperature | -20°C to +70°C, with no icing |
| Humidity | <95% RH |
| Degree of protection | IP65 |
Operating Characteristics
The following operating characteristics apply to model TZ-8169 only. The mechanical stroke and actuator position should be checked according to the installation direction and the moving part of the machine.
| Parameter | Description | TZ-8169 |
|---|---|---|
| OF | Operating force, maximum | 150 g |
| RF | Release force, minimum | – |
| PT | Pre-travel, maximum | 30 mm |
| OT | Overtravel, minimum | – |
| MD | Movement differential, maximum | – |
| OP | Operating position | Refer to drawing |
Selection Guide
Actuator and Motion Direction
TZ-8169 uses a cat whisker spring lever actuator. It is suitable when the moving part may contact the switch from different directions or when a long flexible actuator is needed. The actuator should be touched smoothly by the moving part, and excessive bending or impact should be avoided.
Electrical Load and Contact Rating
Before selecting TZ-8169, confirm whether the circuit is AC or DC, the operating voltage, current, load type, and whether the control system uses NO or NC logic. For motor, lamp, or inductive loads, select the switch according to the inrush current and not only the steady-state current.
Spring Lever Range
The pre-travel of TZ-8169 is 30 mm maximum. The moving part should operate the spring lever within the usable range and should not force the lever beyond its mechanical limit. For spring-type products, the usable operating range should be checked carefully before installation.
Installation Environment
TZ-8169 has an IP65 protection degree and is suitable for general industrial environments with dust, oil mist, and light water exposure. It is not designed for continuous immersion. The cable entry must be properly sealed, and the ambient temperature should remain within -20°C to +70°C.
Wiring and Contact Logic
The normally open contact uses terminals 13–14, and the normally closed contact uses terminals 11–12. Select the contact logic according to the control circuit. Safety or fault-detection circuits often use NC logic, but the final wiring method must follow the machine electrical design.