What are microswitches used for?
WHAT IS A MICRO SWITCH?
Microswitches are mechanically operated electrical switches that open and close sets of changeover contacts within an electrical unit.
HOW DOES A MICRO SWITCH WORK?
Equipped with an actuator / piston and terminals, it is activated in case of disturbances in the electrical unit by a spring and a rigid metal strip.
The metal strip moves back and forth in response to any unusual changes. The common terminal is usually connected to power. Subsequently, the energy passes through the switch. As the energy passes, the spring is activated. Sends power to the closing pin. Once this is done, the power is transferred to the open pin.
WHERE WOULD I FIND A MICROSWITCH?
AS A SAFETY DEVICE
Due to their small, compact dimensions, the reliability and durability it offers, they are often used in household appliances as safety devices. These inexpensive sources of security can open or close a circuit when needed. So you can prevent a machine from jamming or a door from opening or closing when it’s not supposed to.
COMMON APPLICATIONS OF A MICRO SWITCH
You can find it in the following everyday things:
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Door interlocks
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Microwaves
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Detect paper jams in printers
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Elevators
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Leveling devices in vending machines, etc.
They can be used in homes and industrial equipment such as leveling devices, safety switches, in control circuits and also precise equipment.
AS SAFETY SWITCHES
The most common example can be seen in an elevator. You may have seen call buttons and alarms in an elevator. Well, they are all a microswitch application.
Push buttons, call buttons, alarms, etc. they are buttons that can be pressed to notify the concerned authorities in cases of emergency.
They are also used for security purposes to prevent damage and fraud in control panels, card readers, infrared detection alarm, etc.
In addition, they are used in security cameras. They make it easy for security cameras to enter and stop immediately when the camera is at the extreme end of the range of motion.
IN PRECISE TEAM
Microswitches can be found on devices that measure air pressure or evaluate the flow of gases.
TO ACCESS CONTROL
Microswitches are used in electric door locks. They help to detect the locking, unlocking, opening and closing of the different doors. In addition, they are used in rolling doors. They are installed in the circuit breaker, detect and switch the circuit on and off when necessary.
They are even used in timer controls. So the next time your oven turns off when the time is up, remember that it’s the job of a microswitch.
IN HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
Washers use microswitches to detect, turn on and turn off. They detect when the machine door is opened and not, the water level, the capacity, etc. and act accordingly by turning the machine on and off. They are installed in refrigerators, microwave ovens and air conditioners.
