Access Control
Piezo switches for gates, doors and secure entry points. Reliable in all weather.
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Distributed by Vektron
STERN Smart Switches
Piezo electric switching technology engineered to last. Distributed by Vektron across South Africa.
The technology
What is Piezo Electric Technology?
Piezoelectric crystals generate a low-voltage electric potential in response to mechanical stress. The same effect powers a wide range of everyday and industrial technologies — from inkjet printing and ultrasonic transducers to fuel injectors, professional acoustic equipment, and laser mirror alignment systems.
In HMI (human-machine interface) solutions, low-voltage piezo actuators are activated by physical touch. The mechanical pressure generates an electrical pulse — typically a 300 mA or 1.5 A momentary signal — that is then converted into the desired electrical output by integrated solid-state circuitry.
For applications that only require momentary action, the switch generates its own activation energy and needs no external power supply at all — making piezo switches uniquely suited to remote, harsh and intrinsically-safe installations.
No moving parts
Longer service life than mechanical switches.
IP68 rated
Sealed against dust, water and cleaning chemicals.
Vandal resistant
Solid stainless steel face, no external components to break.
No external power
Basic momentary action needs no power supply.
Compliance
Built to Industry Standards
HMI switches must meet specific requirements for the environment in which they are deployed. STERN piezo switches carry appropriate ratings for environmental protection and explosion-proof applications.
Fine dust and liquid protection
Sealed enclosures stop fine dust, cleaning solutions and other liquids from contacting internal electronics.
Explosion-proof rated options
Models available with ATEX and equivalent ratings for hazardous, fuel-handling and intrinsically-safe environments.
Suitable for harsh cleaning environments
Stainless steel face and sealed body stand up to high-pressure washdowns and food-grade chemical cleaning.
Applications
Industries We Serve
Six industries where STERN piezo switches have replaced traditional push buttons — each with a dedicated technical brochure available for download.
Food Processing
Hygienic sealed switches that withstand high-pressure washdowns and food-safe cleaning chemicals.
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Industrial Controls
HMI solutions for factory floors, control panels and automation systems.
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Medical & Pharmaceutical
Sterile environment switches for medical equipment and pharmaceutical production lines.
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Parking Systems
Durable outdoor switches for parking booms, barriers and access terminals.
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Washing Applications
Waterproof piezo controls for car washes, laundries and industrial washing systems.
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FAQ
Smart Switch FAQs
How piezo electric switching works, where STERN switches are deployed, ingress protection, and who to contact in South Africa.
A piezo electric switch uses a piezoelectric crystal that generates a small electrical pulse when pressed. This pulse triggers solid state switching with no mechanical moving parts, making it far more durable and reliable than traditional push buttons.
STERN piezo switches are used in access control, food processing plants, industrial control panels, medical and pharmaceutical facilities, parking systems and washing applications anywhere a durable, sealed, vandal-resistant switch is required.
Yes. STERN piezo switches are rated for environments where fine dust, cleaning solutions, fuel or other liquids may contact the switch. They carry appropriate IP ratings for environmental protection.
Vektron Electronic Controls distributes STERN smart switches and piezo products in South Africa. Contact Vektron in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape for pricing and availability.
Interested in STERN smart switches for your application?
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