What Are Micro Switches And Its Uses?

Micro switch, or miniature snap action switch, is an electric switch widely used as a sensor in automotive, industrial, and medical instruments. The switch is activated by very little physical force through the tipping point mechanism, which is a lever. The switch has three contacts: C for common, NC for normally closed, and NO for normally open. Depending on the design, it will either allow or prevent current flow until the switching mechanism is activated.

Advantages of Micro Switches

Microswitches are highly reliable. Microswitches are often used in safety mechanisms, so their reliability is critical. Another advantage is their durability; even the least expensive switches can function for over a million cycles.

Use of Micro Switches

There are thousands of uses for micro switches thanks to their robust properties. Often it is used in the control of electrical circuits; the switches are also widely used in the door-locking mechanism of microwave ovens. They are also commonly used in elevators' leveling and safety mechanisms and can be used to detect jammed paper in photocopying machines.

One of the most prevalent uses of the microswitch is in home security systems, where the slightest movement of a door or window triggers the switching mechanism and causes the alarm to sound. Equally as helpful for home security, the switches also allow a vending machine to function, triggered by the insertion of money and pressing buttons to dispense the products.

Many manufacturing units also use micro switches to identify blockages on the production line. They are set to halt the conveyor belt, allowing the problem to be rectified before production can start again. Micro switches can be operated directly by a mechanism or motor-driven cam, rollers, plungers, or levers.