What Are Micro Switches Used for?
WHAT IS A MICRO SWITCH?
Microswitches are electrical switches operated mechanically that open and close sets of shifting contacts inside an electrical unit.
HOW DOES A MICRO SWITCH WORK?
Equipped with an actuator/ plunger and terminals, it snaps into action in case of alterations in the electrical unit by way of a spring and a stiff metal strip.
The metal strip moves back and forth in response to any changes out of the ordinary. The common terminal is usually connected to power. Subsequently, power runs through the switch. As power passes by, the spring is energized. It sends off power to the close pin. Once this is done, power is transferred to the open pin.
WHERE WOULD YOU FIND A MICROSWITCH?
AS A SAFETY DEVICE
Given their small, compact sizes, the reliability and durability, it offers, they are usually used in electrical appliances as safety devices. These inexpensive sources of safety can open or close a circuit as and when needed. Thus, it can prevent a machine from being jammed or a door from opening or closing when it is not supposed to.
COMMON APPLICATIONS OF A MICRO SWITCH
You may find it in the following everyday things:
Detecting paper jams in printers
Levelling devices in vending machines, etc.
They can be used at homes, and in industrial equipment as levelling devices, safety switches, in control circuits, and precise equipment as well.
AS SAFETY SWITCHES
The most common example can be observed in an elevator. You might have seen call buttons and alarms in an elevator. Well, they are all an application of microswitches.
Push buttons, call buttons, alarms, etc. are buttons that may be pressed to tip off the concerned authorities in instances of emergencies.
They are also used for security purposes to prevent damage and fraud in control panels, card readers, and infrared detection alarm, etc.
Furthermore, they are used in security cameras. They facilitate turning in the security cameras and stop immediately the camera is in the extreme of the range of motion.
IN PRECISE EQUIPMENT
One may find micro switches in devices measuring the air pressure or assessing the flow of gases.
TO ACCESS CONTROL
Micro switches are used in electric door locks. They help in the detection of the locking, unlocking, opening, and closing of the various doors. Further, they are used in roller doors. They are installed in the circuit breaker, sense, and turn on and off the circuit when needed.
They are even used in timer controls. So, the next time your oven shuts off when the time runs out, remember that it is the work of a micro switch.
IN HOME APPLIANCES
Washing machines use micro switches to detect and turn on and off. They detect when the machine door is opened and not, the water level, the capacity, etc. and act on it by turning on and off the machine. They are installed in refrigerators, microwave ovens, and air conditioners.