Microswitches or miniature snap-action switches change an application’s state with a slight physical force resulting in greater electrical movement. These mini components are very common in electrical appliances and machines. Due to their wide use in several types of circuits, there is a lot of variation in these micro switches’ designing and specifications.
What Is The Working Principle of Micro Switch?
These devices work in applications that essentially need to vary the voltage received by the load. Therefore, micro switches are used as variable transformers.
Miniature snap-action switches are majorly momentary. As soon as the pressure is removed from the actuator, the switch returns to its normal state, as per the design: common, open, or closed. The construction and mechanism are straightforward, yet the switches are handy and reliable for low intensity to heavy-duty tasks. They can function in any environment, providing the expected results without any failure. Microswitches are very inexpensive and even durable; they have a range of millions of cycles.
Physical Characteristics of Microswitches
As mentioned above, a micro switch is a very simple component consisting of a few small parts. It has an actuator responsible for changing the state of the switch, just like an on and off option. Two contact strips are connected to the load, named Normally Open and Normally Closed. One movable contact is shaped like a ‘U’ which is connected to the common.
For better installation, holes are present at the NC and NO strips for easy wire soldering. And two diagonal holes are provided in the plastic body to fasten the switch wherever required. You have to choose from a vast number of available types.
Electrical Characteristics of Micro Switches
Circuits are specific and unique to all applications; a slight configuration change can bring different results. Microswitches have the following variation in properties of the following parts:
- Actuator: There are numerous actuator types to change the contact direction. It can be a hinged lever, straight long lever, and other. Button actuators and roller designs are also popular.
- Contact Configuration: The contact configuration is either normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC). The position and way of changing contact can be slightly different.
- Terminal Type: Several terminal options are available to suit the type of circuit board where the microswitch is required to be installed. The switch can be easily mounted or soldered at the required position.
Standard Ratings
As these switches are used for essential purposes, a switch’s unreliability and failure can cost people’s safety. Therefore, maintaining the quality and strength of the microswitch according to the environment of installation is important.
- Contact Current rating: It is the amount of current that contact can carry while functioning.
- IP Rating: Ingress Protection Rating is imperative to consider as it is a measure of how safe the microswitch is to use.