Editing Contact module (section)

===Short switchplates===
Around 1988, the switchplate height was reduced, and the internal contact construction was altered. The large foil membrane was reduced to a smaller strip, and instead of being a loose fit, it was crimped into two holes in the front terminal. The switch shell gained two small posts on the inside to support the switchplate, which sits above the bottom of the switch. Short switchplates were used with all of SKCC, SKCL and SKCM series switches.

Full disassembly of a short switchplate is essentially impossible, as the foil contact membrane is crimped into one of the terminals and cannot be removed with tearing it.

<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:Switchplate -- Alps, short and long.jpg                      | Short and long switchplates
File:Alps SKC -- long and short switchplate blocks.jpg            | Long and short switchplate front mounting blocks
File:Alps SKC -- short switchplate, top.jpg                       | Front view
File:Alps SKC -- short switchplate, rear.jpg                      | Rear view
File:Alps SKC -- short switchplate with rear terminal removed.jpg | Rear contact/terminal removed to reveal the separator and foil membrane
File:Alps SKC -- switchplate foil membrane types.jpg              | Foil membrane comparison from short (left) and long (right) switchplates
File:Alps SKC -- foil membrane is fragile.jpg                     | Foil membrane is fragile; note the different foil colours
</gallery>