6461 Infra-Red Non-Contact Switch

Introduction: What is an Infra-Red Switch?

Infra-red (IR) switches are electronic switches that operate without physical contact. Instead of requiring a button press or mechanical actuation, they rely on detecting movement or proximity using infra-red light. This allows hygienic, reliable, and convenient operation in environments where touching a surface is undesirable or impractical.

Herga Technology, represented in Israel by Amironic Ltd., offers a complete range of infra-red switch solutions, including compact non-contact switches and multi-channel hand controls.

Among these, the 6461 Infra-Red Non-Contact Switch is one of the most versatile and popular models, designed for simple integration and robust performance across public, medical, and industrial applications.

Key Features of the 6461 Infra-Red Switch

• Non-contact switching – hygienic operation without touching a surface

• Nominal sensing range: 75–100 mm (adjustable versions from 25 mm up to 500 mm)

• LED transmitter: 940 nm wavelength, modulated at 38 kHz for interference-free operation

• Outputs: open collector transistor or relay contacts (momentary, latching, or timer delay)

• Low current consumption: <3 mA

• Wide supply voltage range: 5–30 VDC (nominally 12–24 VDC)

• Electrical rating: up to 2 A at 30 V AC/DC

• Ingress protection: IP67, resistant to water and cleaning fluids

• Housing options: vandal-resistant stainless steel escutcheon or slimline chrome-plated ABS plastic

• Operating temperature: –5 °C to +40 °C

• Compact and lightweight: 0.1 kg (ABS) or 0.2 kg (stainless steel)

Hygiene & Durability

The 6461 is engineered for environments where hygiene and reliability are essential.

• The switch is sealed behind an acrylic lens, eliminating joints where dirt or germs can accumulate.

• The unit is fully potted in water-resistant epoxy, allowing it to be washed and disinfected with cleaning fluids – a critical feature for healthcare, food industry, and public facilities.

• Stainless steel and ABS versions provide flexibility between robust vandal-resistant installations and cost-effective slimline designs.

Applications

The 6461 Infra-Red Non-Contact Switch is optimized for short-range detection (75–100 mm). This makes it ideal for:

• Public restrooms – hygienic toilet flush or faucet activation without touching surfaces

• Medical facilities – sterile environments where touchless operation reduces contamination risk

• Industrial automation – activating controls where gloves or dirty hands would make mechanical switches impractical

• Disabled access & assistive technology – touchless triggers for easier and safer use

• Security panels & access points – vandal-resistant solutions for high-traffic environments

It’s important to note that the 6461 is not a long-distance detection system. While special versions can reach up to 500 mm, most applications are limited to around 100 mm. For door opening, vehicle access, or multi-channel control, Herga recommends the 6310/6311 IR hand control systems instead.

Installation & Integration

Installation is intentionally simple:

1. Drill a hole in the mounting plate.

2. Pass the switch through the opening.

3. Secure with the supplied back nut.

The 6461 can be connected directly to controlled equipment or used to drive a relay/solenoid. For maintenance, it can even be operated remotely (up to 5 m) with a handheld transmitter.

Conclusion

The Herga 6461 Infra-Red Non-Contact Switch delivers a compact, hygienic, and robust solution for short-range touchless switching. With IP67 sealing, low power consumption, and multiple output options, it is the ideal choice for healthcare, public, and industrial environments where reliability and hygiene matter most.