Hi, here we will discuss Micro Switch its Types and How its Work Diagram, Working Principles. Micro-switches are the main part of controlling and sensing modules in industries, construction, and different commercial uses. There are many types of switches used to control circuits in electrical electronics and different fields of life. These switches come with a simple design and have NO and NC configured that are configured with snap-action switching. In this post, we will cover its working, types, circuit design, and related parameters. So this article discusses an overview of micro switch – types with applications.
What Is a Micro Switch?
- The micro-switch is a type of switch that functions fast with the use of a small force. This switch is also called a miniature snap-action switch.
- it is reliable highly speedy and effective functions. It is the main part of smart devices. Their sensitive nature and reliability make them useful for microswitches.
- They are also employed to avoid closing doors when anyone or anything is in their way
- it comes with three pinouts first one is common, 2nd one is normally closing and the third one is normally opening. Its common pin is used as input NC pins are the first output and NO is the second output.
- it is used as a snap action precision switch for logic level and power duty loads due to its small contact gap.
- it comes with different options such as SPDT, SPNC, or SPNIO and has high power function with the use of silver alloy contacts. may also like to read the guide on MOSFET Digital Switching
How Does a Micro Switch Work?
- This switch comes with an actuator that lifts the level after pressing and moves the contacts in an accurate position when released.
- When pressed these switches produce the kicking sound. Mostly micro switches come with mounting holes as they can fastly mounted and strongly connected.
- They operated for longer life and did not need more maintenance due to the simple layout
- The working principle of these switches is that if any objects collide with them their contacts change their position. So its operation is as
Normally closed pin of the circuit gets opened and the thermal open contact is closed if we press the lever of a switch. Also in this method when we open the switch lever, the NC contact of the circuit carrying current and the normally open pin of the circuit is isolated electrically.
The tripping mechanism is also its main feature. That helps to produce tripping points and reset points if contacts change condition
Related: Introduction to Switching Regulators
Micro Switch Circuit with Diagram
- Here is the circuit of the micro switch. This circuit employs the micro switch for controlling two LEDs with the use of a battery Mirco switch has three terminals C, NO, and NC. This circuit connection can be seen here
- In this circuit, we can see no connection between the NO pin and the common contact of the switch after pressing the liver.
- So the Green color will be on when the lever is pushed.
- When the lever is released common terminal and NC pins of the switch will be connected, as the NC contact is not connected. At the end, a Blue colored LED will be on. This switching configuration can be used in NO or NC mode.
Construction of Micro Switch
- To make micro swift different components are used such as plunger, cover, moving, component, NC contact, NO contact, moving arm
Plunger
it is also called an actuator, it is a mechanical component used for the manual control of circuit
Cover
it protects the switch’s inner configuration from outer conditions and forces
Moving Piece
It is a moving component that provides the operating forces to contacts is an actuator
Support
It configures the switch at its connected position
NO Terminal
NO terminals, known as normally open terminals, show that contact switches are open in default mode so not current in the circuit if we connect them
NC Terminal
It is also called a Normally Closed terminal, according to its name it does the reverse function of the NO terminal. The contacts are closed, which helps the current to move in the circuit
Contact
it is a metallic component that makes or breaks current flow in the different components
Moving Arm
it is a switch that is used for activation and function of the switch.
Read also: Difference Between Router and Switch
Types of Micro Switches
The micro switch mains types are
Flexible Rod
- A flexible rod shows rotation in any direction if it rotates around of rod. With that, this switch comes with a small function force. That is showing inconsistency in shape or direction is shown. With that its plunger gets overtravel. So it provides the larger areas for operation
Hinge Roller Lever
This switch comes with a roller that is connected to a hinged level. it is best for high-speed cam working
Rotating Operation
is configured as a low-torque actuator. it is used to identification of paper currency.
Reverse Operation Hinge Roller Lever
There is steel material used to make this level. This witch employed less torque cam and speed. With that, it helps to vary the shape of the level to configure with operating parts
Micro Switch Types, Spring Pin Plunger
if compare the spring pin plunger with the pin plunger, we know that it has a longer overtravel. But we can use this type of micro-switch in different applications. During its use, we can make sure that the load is at center of the plunger. As dia of plunger is higer
Cross or Panel Mounted Roller Pin Plunger
can function with a cam. It also comes with a roller on its plunger also over travel is small we can set the position like a panel mount switch.
Micro Switch Types– Hinge Lever
It uses low torque speed and can vary level shape for balance operation parts
Panel Mount Pin Plunger
if we compare this plunger with other types, it comes with the largest overtravel. The switch can be mounted on a panel having a hexagonal locknut and nut. After that, we can operate it manually or mechanical layout and we use it with a low-speed cam.
Spring Short Pin Plunger
This switch has a relatively simple alignment. Due it its small plunger and larger diameter.
Leaf Lever
With this switch, we can produce larger strokes. Just bend the lever. It is also used for the detection of different moving objects.
Simulated Roller Leaf Lever
is a simple type of roller. it is used by bending leaf levers. it makes sure that the device’s ends are in a curved shape
Micro Switch Types– A simulated Roller Lever
it also a roller switch used to bend the end of the hinged lever in the curve
Pin Plunger
it is best for short, direct strokes. We can use it for the detection of high-accuracy positions. This switch also needed a reliable stopper since it overtravel comes with the shortest actuator.
Leaf Spring
This microswitch comes with more strokes. Since it is a powerful lead spring. We can use it for a cylinder driver or low-speed cam. With that, it is good to maintain switches overtravel in features for 2 casues that avoid damage and 2nd due to the leaf spring having a fixed bearing point.
How to Use a Micro Switch
If we are circuit in NC mode that means unpressed the level, the LED light which is connected with the NC of the switch will be glow. if we press the lever terminal 2nd LED will be bright. All this is due to the connection between common terminal (C) and NO terminals.
Differences between Micro Switch and Limit Switch
| Feature | Micro Switch | Limit Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Actuator | Hinged wheel, push button | Whisker, roller, lever, plunger |
| Switch configuration | SPDT | NO, NC, SPDT |
| Application | Automotive, industrial, and medical instruments | Control system, safety switches, vending machines |
| Housing | Compact | Sturdy |
| Contact | Sensitive | Protected |
| Operation | Momentary | Maintained |
Micro Switch wiring diagram
step to wire micro switch
- First of all, find the type of switch connected. Differnt types of micro switches as such as SPST (Single-Pole Single-Throw), SPDT (Single-Pole Double-Throw), and DPDT (Double-Pole Double-Throw). So just know the type of switch before starting to wiring
- Now cure and strip wires that have to connect with the switch. Ensure to leave enough wire length that can reach to switch and devices connected
- SPDT mirco swi5cehs comes with three pins such as common, normally closed, and normally open. The common pion is the center pin and the other two are at the side.
- Make a connection of one with a common pin and another wire any NC or NO pin based on application. If you need to use both NC and NO use the DPDT switch.
- After making the connection of wire insulate the connection with the use of electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to avoid any short circuits
- Finally, test the switch to confirm that it working accurately based on the application we can adjust the switch position and any other configuration
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Read more Guides Related to Switches
- Introduction to Switch Mode Power Supply
- Difference Between Thermal Fuse and Thermal Switch
- Benefits Of Cisco Switches
- Introduction to TP5000 Switching Battery Charger
- What is a Double Pole Switch? How its Work
FAQs
3 prong switch how to wire?
- off the power supply
- Stripe the end of wires
- Find the terminals of switches that are.
- Common (COM)
- Normally Open
- Normally Closed
- Make the connection of wires to the switch terminals
- Attach the wires with loads
- Strong the connections
- Off the power
What are the different types of micros witches?
plunger, short spring, spring plunger, panel mount, leaf spring, leaf lever, roller leaf spring,
What is a micro switch and how do they work?
The microswitch is a switch type that can be mechanical or electronic. it is a simple type of toggle switch having sprig sprig-loaded lever with 2 positions, one is off and the other is off. The lever adjusts the middle position till force is applied to push it on or off state
What are two types of micro switches?
plunger, spring plunger
What is the principle of microswitch?
The micro-switch contact layout with small contact interval and the snap-action mechanism uses certain strokes and values of force to do the switching process. it is covered with a cover and comes with a drive rod outer. So microswitch also called sensitive switch
Why is it called microswitch?
Microswitches are called not only due to their small size but also to the small distance of the switch and used to interrupt currents of small intensity
What is the advantage of microswitch?
reliable, accurate operation, and longer operating life
What is the most accurate microswitch?
mechanical microswitches with rollers
What are the two importance of switches?
Electric switches are important since all instruments used do not work accurately without a switch. Electrical switches are used to connect and break off current flow. electronic switches are used for logical function
Why are switches very important?
The objective of a switch in a series circuit is to open or close the circuit, and on or off the current. The wire is used for carrying the current flow
How a switch work?
An electric switch breaks of clos teh circuit. An opening switch is off the electrical devices and a closing switch helps the current flow so device gets on
What are the 3 functions of a switch?
The function of a switch in an electric circuit is to break or make a circuit. Swotch causes the flow of current to devices on or off
What are the 4 types of switches?
There are four main types of switches
single pole single throw,
single pole double throw
double pole single throw,
double pole double throw.
