switches
I know that caps do exist for 12x12mm tactile switches:
and such caps are very standard, we can find a lot.
But is it possible to fit caps on 6×6 mm or 8x8mm or 10x10mm tactile switches? (not sure if 8×8 or 10x10mm are common or not)
I'm not looking for shopping advice (I know how to order by a supplier), but to know if it's common or not to see caps on such small switches.
Another choice for protection against accidental push button switch actuation would be to install a finger guard over the switch. These come in a number of configurations as shown in the following links. One type that I would recommend is a metal cup that screws directly to the switch's threaded sleeve.
http://www.ottoexcellence.com/flip-guards.aspx
http://shopping.yahoo.com/1009767523-black-clear-plastic-push-button-switch-guard-protector/
http://www.sager.com/g13b-1906.html
http://digikey.com/product-detail/en/A8GS-S1305/SW1533-ND/4248837
Maybe try one of these. You could have a cap charged to 5V, a depletion-mode fet that is held off when your power is on and dumps the 5V charge through the coil when power is off? This would allow the switch to manually be reset even if power was lost and not purposefully reset.
edit: If it just needs to pop "ON" when the car turns on, have "ON" be the reset position. When the car turns on, have a circuit that momentarily 'resets' the switch to the "ON" position and then the switch will be toggleable.
Best Answer
Yes!! You can get 6x6 mm tact switches that can have a button cap snapped on. Here is one example: E-Switch TL3301SPF260QG
The key is to look for parts that have the square actuator. This keeps a button cap oriented in the correct direction and the post feature of the actuator allows the cap to snap on and stay on. I have used this type multiple times on projects but also find that right angle versions work nicely when the switches must protrude through a front panel that is next to the circuit board.
The right angle type that I have used (E-Switch TL1105JAF250Q) look like this. Through hole is used so that there is a rugged switch mounting and good alignment of the button to holes in the front panel. The caps I use for these are designed to fit through a square hole which are easily cut through a front panel made of aluminum with a laser cutting process.
Here is an example of one product I did that uses the right angle switches. They protrude through a front panel that is also covered with a die cut Lexan overlay. The design has the buttons protrude only enough so that the push and feel is just right. Not sticking out more than maybe about 40 mils or so.