A miniature snap action switch is generally known as a microswitch. This small component is responsible for a lot of work in many household appliances, machinery, etc. A large action movement is produced by a slight snap on the actuator in this type of switch. These switches are responsible for changing the direction of power.
Components and construction of the microswitch:
This little setup has several ways to be built to deal with a variety of situations in electrical devices. The components and functions are not complex, but their use is crucial.
A microswitch consists of three contact points (one mobile and two stationary), an actuator assembly.
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The outer body is made of polyester or other thermoplastic variants.
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The three contact strips; the common is at the bottom, while the NC and NO are on one side placed in parallel. These strips have a hole in the open ends to easily solder the wires.
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The actuator is a combined toggle wheel and push button to change switch states. The rest position is NC, and the depressed position is NO.
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The pull strap is pulled out of the movable assembly in an inverted “U” shape, which acts like a spring on the movable contact to depress it and then return it to rest when force is removed from the actuator.
The points mentioned above are readable enough to know the construction and operation of snap action switches.
Microswitch Types:
- basic micro switch: The basic switch is suitable for presence and absence detection in situations where contact is presumed. They are compact in design and highly durable. This switch allows high precision and the least possible failure.
- limit microswitch: Limit switches are manufactured with different actuators, specifications, and sealing ratings. They are suitable for detecting presence and absence in places where physical contact is allowed. These switches are superior in performance and very specific in their operation.
- Security switch: These micro switches are mainly used in places that follow global safety standards. They are used by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Safety switches are manufactured in various sizes and designs for small, heavy and large doors.
- Subminiature Microswitch: Subminiature microswitches are small in size, but their electrical load range is wide, from logic level to power utility switching. They can be combined with various stainless steel levers to suit various applications such as copiers, refrigerators, hospital beds, etc.
- Microphone toggle switch: These switches are very robust, dustproof and waterproof. They are preferred in various fields due to their customizable features. Toggle switches are popularly used by OEMs in the construction and agricultural industry, armored vehicles, aerospace, etc.
- button switch: They are available in several series with different characteristics such as tightness, panel sealing, short stroke, etc. Pushbuttons are very useful in light and mechanical industries.