BZ-2RW82

1. Overview

The Honeywell BZ-2RW82-A2 is a premium large snap-action basic switch from the MICRO SWITCH™ BZ/BA/BM/BE series, with over 75 years of lineage. Within the family, "BZ" = 15A class (BA = 20A, BM = 22A, BE = 25A). The part suffix decodes as: "2" = SPDT, "RW" = Roller lever (Wheel) actuator, "82" = standard roller lever arm. The "-A2" suffix means screw terminals; no suffix or "T4-J" = solder. The switch is made by Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions and sold under the Azbil/Yamatake brand for Japan.

2. User Sentiment

No dedicated forum threads found, but reseller feedback is positive. One reviewer called the BZ-2RW82-A2 "a workhorse" suitable for "machinery, safety cutoffs, door interlocks, automation setups," noting its versatility across 125/250/480VAC. An eBay buyer of the Selecta NOS variant described it as "good value, fast shipping." The switch has been in the US military NSN catalog since 1963 (NSN 5930-00-518-1639), reflecting multi-decade reliability trust. No notable failure complaints found.

3. Real-World Applications

Honeywell documents the BZ-2RW82 for: irrigation systems, semi-trailer trucks, timing devices, office equipment, test instruments, medical/dental equipment, HVAC, valves, and manually operated devices. A German elevator parts dealer lists it for Schindler elevator/escalator controls. US Patent 5562367A uses it in a pneumatic bank teller conveyor for pressure/vacuum sensing and limit switching. BKI commercial barbecue equipment uses it as OEM part S0054. Also widely used in industrial machinery, automation systems, and safety interlocks.

4. Technical Specifications

• Type: Large premium snap-action MICRO SWITCH™, BZ Series, SPDT
• Actuator: Roller lever — 1.9" radius arm, 0.37" dia × 0.15" wide sintered stainless steel roller, 48.3 mm lever length
• Current Rating: 15A at 125/250/480VAC; 0.5A at 125VDC; 0.25A at 250VDC
• Horsepower: 1/8 HP at 125VAC; 1/4 HP at 250VAC
• Operating Force: 0.97N [3.5 oz] max (99gf on -A2 long lever; 170gf on -822-A2 short lever)
• Differential Travel / Overtravel / Op Position: 0.040" / 0.156" / 1.188" (BZ-2RW82-A2)
• Termination: Screw (-A2), Solder (base/T4-J), Quick-connect (-D5)
• Mounting: Chassis/panel, elongated slot, 0.139" mounting screw
• Body: 50.8 mm L × 17.8 mm W × 25.4 mm H; Phenolic housing
• Contacts: Silver; 15 mΩ max closed; 2000V dielectric; 100,000 mΩ insulation
• Mechanical Life: 20,000,000 cycles (95% survival)
• Electrical Life: 50,000 cycles
• Temperature: −55°C to +85°C
• IP Rating: Unsealed standard (IP40); sealed splash variant: BZ-2RW82255-A2-S
• Certifications: UL E12252, CSA LR41370, CE 61058-1, DEMKO, ENEC (varies by variant)

5. Ordering & Compatibility

Single-unit pricing: ~$24–$29 (DigiKey $28.47, TTI $24.05, Mara Industrial $24.44). The BZ-2RW82-A2 (long roller lever, screw) and BZ-2RW822-A2 (shorter 1.03" roller lever, screw) are the two main active screw-terminal variants. BZ-2RW822-P4 (discontinued) is replaced by BZ-2RW822-A2; BZ-7RW822-A2 and BZ-2RW82113T are also discontinued with -A2 as replacement. Related family: BA-2RW822-A2 (20A), BM-2RW822-A2 (22A), BE-2RW822-A2 (25A) for higher-current needs. SUNS International Z-15GW2 is a cross-referenced third-party equivalent. Compatible with the 6AS ganged switch assemblies.

6. Known Issues

No significant field failures reported. Key limitation: Honeywell support confirmed no direct heat-resistant alternative exists — the BZ-2RW824-A2 is similar but uses a straight lever (not roller). For wet/splash environments, the standard -A2 is inappropriate; use BZ-2RW82255-A2-S (BUNA N seal). Several older variants are discontinued; the -A2 is the current production replacement. One minor compatibility note: BZ-7RW822-A2 had a 0.070" break distance versus 0.020" on BZ-2RW822-A2.