Relays and limit switches live on opposite sides of the same machine. A control relay lets a low-power signal switch several heavier circuits at once. A limit switch does the opposite: it waits for a physical part to press a lever or roller, then sends a signal to the control system. If you're trying to decide between the SQUARE D 8501 X080 Industrial Control Relay and the Cutler Hammer 10316H16C Heavy Duty Industrial Limit Switch, the real question is whether you need to switch multiple outputs or sense a mechanical position.
Quick Verdict
If your goal is to switch several control circuits from one signal, the SQUARE D 8501 X080 gives you a multi-pole relay at a lower upfront cost. If your goal is to detect a mechanical position at the end of travel, the Cutler Hammer 10316H16C is the limit switch option, though it comes at a higher price.
Comparison Table
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQUARE D 8501 X080 | $27.99 | Used, tested | Multi-circuit switching in industrial control panels |
| Cutler Hammer 10316H16C | $179.99 | New open box | Heavy-duty limit/position sensing with roller actuation |
Where the SQUARE D relay wins
The Square D relay gives you a true multi-pole control relay: an eight-pole base that expands up to 12 poles, with 8 normally closed contacts. It carries a 10A thermal current rating and is rated for 600V AC, so it can handle typical industrial circuit loads. The panel-mount design fits directly into control cabinets, and the used, tested condition keeps the purchase price low. If you need to switch several circuits with one signal at minimal cost, this is the clear pick.
Where the Cutler Hammer switch wins
The Cutler Hammer limit switch is designed for physical actuation. It can be tripped by cams, slides, or moving parts that need to signal a control system at a specific point. For applications where you need to detect end-of-travel or a mechanical limit, this switch does the job that a relay cannot.
Product Notes
SQUARE D 8501 X080 Industrial Control Relay
The Square D relay is built for control panels where one input needs to drive multiple outputs. Its eight-pole base can expand to 12 poles, and the N.C. contact arrangement handles 10A continuous with a 600V AC rating. At $27.99, the used, tested condition keeps upfront costs low while still giving you a genuine Square D component. With eight normally closed contacts, it offers a lot of switching capacity in a single device. Choose it when you need a panel-mount relay that can switch several circuits at once. The main limitation is the used condition: expect minor cosmetic wear from prior installation. Also, it's a control relay, not a position sensor, so it won't detect physical motion on its own.
Cutler Hammer 10316H16C Heavy Duty Industrial Limit Switch With Roller Top Push
The Cutler Hammer switch is the right choice when a moving machine part needs to trip a circuit. The roller top push actuator lets the switch be operated by cams or sliding mechanisms, and the heavy-duty industrial designation from the title indicates a component meant for demanding conditions. It arrives new in an open box, so you get a fresh component without the wear you would see in used gear. The model number 10316H16C gives you a direct replacement part number to work with. At $179.99, it costs significantly more than the Square D relay, but the price reflects the switch's specialized role and unused condition. The limitation is the narrow application: a limit switch does not switch multiple independent circuits; it simply tells the control system whether a limit has been reached.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the SQUARE D 8501 X080 if you are building or expanding a control panel and need multiple circuit switching at a lower price. Choose the Cutler Hammer 10316H16C if you are repairing a machine that uses a roller-actuated limit switch at the point of travel. Each product is the right tool for a different part of the machine; the price gap simply reflects the difference between a multi-purpose relay and a specialized position sensor.
