Purpose

This test is performed for the purpose of determining whether switches can withstand the heating effects of soldering to their terminations using a soldering iron. Heat is conducted through the termination into the switch, or radiant heat from the iron in close proximity to the switch body, or both. The heat of soldering may affect the electrical characteristics of the switch and may cause damage to the materials from which it is made, e.g., loosening of terminations, softening or distortion of insulation materials, weakening of mechanical joints, etc.