For Design Engineers, selecting the right electromechanical switch is a critical step and many things must be taken into consideration. Every harsh environment has its own set of challenges stemming from the host of additional factors listed above. While choosing a reputable manufacturer plays a large role in a device’s reliability, the environmental conditions and contaminants the switch will be exposed to is another significant factor that should not be overlooked. Switch life expectancy and even critical switch failure issues can arise from improperly installing a device that is not designed for harsh environmental conditions.