No Contact Proximity Switch

I know of two possible solutions, both require a magnet:

1. Magnetic Reed Switches - Been around forever

2. Magnetic Hall Effect Switches - a more modern alternative

For other commercial and military switch options consider Otto Engineering.

I don't understand exactly what you require, but if you want a pushbutton type of switch with no internal contacts, Hall switches are the best choice. Hall switches require a DC voltage (excitation voltage) to work, typically 5 VDC.

Take one of these apart.

enMotion - Brands - Georgia-Pacific Professional

Something like this?

http://www.idec.com/language/english/catalog/Sensors/DPRISeries.pdf

...or this....

http://www.schmersal.net/cat?&produkt=xsb732912uzesb0sjbs41624vt9ez1#

....or this....

http://stevenengineering.com/tech_support/PDFs/38MAN_SENSOR.pdf

The thought occurs to me perhaps OP is looking for something like a vehicle proximity (reversing) sensor?

Then again if I'm right that would be the only rational thought I've had all day

Do vehicles wear gloves?

I don't think that would be considered a switch, merely a detector...it could trigger a switch though....ultrasonic pulses measuring return time for proximity estimate....

I have seen everything you guys have pointed out. Let me say it another way. Think about a panel mounted on/off switch.. Say it's used to turn a light on or off. This switch on the panel is not a toggle switch, but rather a self contained relay and small circuit powered by 12VDC. The circuit allows the operator of the switch to merely way his or her hand near the panel to energize or de-energize the enclosed relay. The whole works were self contained in a cylinder shaped package smaller than a golf ball. The 12VDC leads, and the relay leads were hanging out for use. I am more than familiar with the industrial use Prox switches. They are not what I'm speaking of. The IR switches on the paper towel dispensers are also not what I'm looking for. Super awesome self contained switch solution.. That's what I'm looking for. It's not as googley as it seems.

Wrong use of terminology - that isn't a proximity switch - that is a motion detector switch. Try looking for that term on Google.

Found these by Googling 'capacitive hand proximity switch'. If you looked further down, you might find what you're looking for.

'Sounds like you're looking for a pushbutton switch that's non-contact or something non-contact that you can adapt or use as a pushbutton. A capacitive switch might work but there might be problems with that. Someone who happens to pass a hand close to it might inadvertantly trigger it. Personally, I'd stay away from it.

This one is a piezo switch. You have to press it but only lightly. And it's on-off (alternate action).

http://ph.rs-online.com/web/p/piezo-switches/6919604/

regards,

Vulcan

So for something like that where you want NO contact, you must be VERY VERY careful about the technology used, which also means it comes with conditions of use. For example, you don't want the switch activated by the janitor's broom handle, or a large fly landing on it, do you?

The generally acceptable type of switch option for that is called a "capacitive switch" and in general, requires actually touching it. However capacitive sensing fields can be adjusted to extend out from the surface a few millimeters, I'm thinking maybe 5-8 was the effective limit (it's been a while). If touching is OK, but you don't want to have to exert force, then there are also now some piezo activated pilot devices as well. Allen Bradley offers them.

But "waving your hand" over something? That can be very dangerous, depending on the application. Be careful about your desire there. If you feel it's safe, there are plenty of infra-red or ultrasonic proximity devices that could do it. Many of those are available as "barrel" type formats, self contained as well.

Hey, check these babies out!

Youtube video link