Tip over switches sense tilt over 360 degrees of a vertical axis. A common use is in portable heaters used in the home to prevent electrical shock or fire. When the heater tilts more than a specified angle, the switch operates turning the heater off. This angle, called the operating angle, describes the angle from vertical to the point of contact operation, subject to a tolerance, ie:45 degrees plus-minus 10 degrees(35 degrees to 55 degrees). Both normally closed(tilt to close) switches are available. Some additional applications include: portable lamps, pc anti-theft devices, vending-machine alarms and machinery security systems. 14"x9"x12"