When you're outfitting a machine with a limit switch, the decision often comes down to environmental protection versus heavy duty actuation. In the world of relays, contactors, and industrial switches, limit switches are the mechanical guards that tell a machine when it has reached its end of travel. Two models keep coming up: the Allen-Bradley 802T-NP and the Cutler Hammer 10316H16C. They both serve the same basic function, but they arrive at it with different design goals and price tags.
Quick Verdict
The Allen-Bradley 802T-NP, listed at $140, is the economical pick if you want an oil tight switch that keeps moisture and grime out of the contact area. The Cutler Hammer 10316H16C, listed at $179.99, is the pick if you need a heavy duty roller top push actuator and are willing to pay about $40 more for that specific design.
Comparison Table
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Model / MPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen-Bradley 802T-NP | USD 140.00 | New | 802T-NP |
| Cutler Hammer 10316H16C | USD 179.99 | New - Open box | Cutler Hammer 10316H16C / 10316H16C |
Where Each Product Wins
- Allen-Bradley 802T-NP wins on price and condition. It is listed as new and costs less than the Cutler Hammer.
- Cutler Hammer 10316H16C wins on actuator design. It is the better fit for applications that need a rolling tripping action.
Product Notes
Allen-Bradley 802T-NP Oil Tight Limit Switch
This is the more economical of the two, and it is listed as new. The oil tight designation tells you the housing is built to resist oil, water, and common industrial contaminants, which makes it a strong candidate for machine tools and other wet or dusty locations. It carries the Allen-Bradley 802T-NP model and MPN, so cross-referencing with existing Allen-Bradley systems is straightforward. The listing emphasizes oil tightness rather than a roller actuator, so buyers who specifically need that heavy duty roller design will want to look at the Cutler Hammer. For buyers who value oil tightness and a lower upfront cost, this is the solid choice.
Cutler Hammer 10316H16C Heavy Duty Industrial Limit Switch With Roller Top Push
This is the more expensive of the two, but it is also the one that explicitly advertises a heavy duty roller top push actuator, so you know exactly how the switch is meant to be tripped. The condition is listed as new open box, meaning the unit is new but the original box may have been opened. This is a small compromise compared to the Allen-Bradley's factory-new status, but the price difference is something to weigh. If your installation requires a heavy duty roller actuator and you can accept an open box unit, this is the more feature-specific pick. The model and MPN are both 10316H16C, making replacement lookup simple.
What the Price Difference Means
The $40 gap between them means you are paying a premium for the more specialized actuator on the Cutler Hammer. If environmental protection is your main concern and you don't need that specific actuator, the Allen-Bradley lets you keep that $40 in your pocket. If you are buying several switches, the difference can add up quickly, so the Allen-Bradley becomes even more attractive on price.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Allen-Bradley 802T-NP if you want the lower-priced option and don't need the specialized actuator. Choose the Cutler Hammer 10316H16C if you need that specialized actuator and are willing to pay more for it. In short, the Allen-Bradley is your value pick; the Cutler Hammer is your specialty pick.
