On Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:00:15 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On 9/17/19 2:36 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:38:10 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On 9/16/19 9:47 AM, Clare Snyder wrote:

[snip]

On a "snap action" switch remaining in the off position would
constitute a switch failure.

The ones I've seen are not switch failures, but balancing the switch at
the point where the spring forces are equal
. Not possible on a properly functioning "snap action" switch.
Perhaps on a "silent" switch - but even then I'd be questioning how
long the switch was going to last. Snap action switches generally
outlast the silent type significantly.(they don't arc)

Absolutes don't exist. There is less of an arc because the time where
the contacts are ALMOST touching is less. In the same way, there MUST be
a balance point between the springs (switch halfway between positions),
just like any other balance point. This balance point can be very small
and nearly impossible to get the switch into, but it DOES exist. This is
a consequence of the switch being "break before make" as most are.
You buy yourself a box of good "snap action " switches and sit down
and try to get one into that ambigouous state. In about 2 years you
MIGHT have one worn out to the point you can get it there - but I
doubt it. Then you can start on the second one in the box - - - - -
Not saying it's absolutely impossible - but it's about as close as
damn is to swearing - - - -