Business

What to look for when buying a microswitch?

WHAT IS A MICROSWITCH:

Before we dive into what a microswitch is, let’s understand the basic concept of a switch.

A switch is an electromechanical device used in applications where it is activated with little contact or pressure. It causes an ‘on’ and ‘off’ action where the current flow changes to produce the required operation of the apparatus.

Getting into the topic, the microswitch, also known as a snap-action switch, is used in almost every home appliance and appliance, from alarms to washing machines. The defining quality of these microswitches is how the application of a small physical pressure on the actuator produces relatively large movements in the electrical contacts. For example, the microswitch is used in a vending machine to detect when a person puts a coin.

The low cost and high durability of these microswitches make it useful in a wide range of applications such as alarms, lamps, air conditioning, ovens, microwaves, etc.

HISTORY:

The microswitch was invented nearly 80 years ago by Peter McGall of Freeport, Illinois, USA in 1932 and has been used in almost every type of home appliance ever since.

MECHANISM:

Simply put, it consists of a spring lever and three connection points: © current, N / 0 (normally open) and N / C (normally closed). The spring lever is connected to the current, which with little pressure already in the rest position at N / C, moves to N / O.

Now, let’s understand the concept behind this microswitch with an example:

A microswitch is often used to turn on devices such as surveillance cameras where the fast action kicks in when the cameras reach their furthest point of motion and begin to return.

APPLICATIONS:

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES:

  • It is used in rice cookers and ovens as control panels to detect if the lid is closed properly.
  • Used in air conditioners to check if the position of the door panels is closed

Many other applications include refrigerators and washing machines.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS:

They are used as fire sprinklers, alarms, surveillance cameras, elevators, water pipe systems, printers, automobiles, and machinery.

Cash registers: detects the opening and closing of the drawers.

Elevators: to detect if the elevator door is open or closed and choose the floor number.

According to Dr. Larry of Honeywell, there are a few things to consider when buying a microswitch:

APPLICATION: Know the size requirement for the form it is used for.

QUALITY: Choosing a high-quality switch is beneficial in the long run.

DURABILITY: A top switch can operate for 10 million cycles before mechanical failure, so choosing a highly reliable switch is wise.

ENDURANCE: Most microswitches are not resistant to hot and humid conditions. Therefore, it is better to choose one that has high resilience power.

SURGERY: Must be soft and flexible during operation.

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