Micro switches come in a lot of types based on the purpose they are designed for. Therefore, you need to choose the right one based on the application. For example, a micro switch designed for a refrigerator won’t work for one designed for a microwave oven. In this article, we are going to talk about a common type of switch called a micro limit switch. Read on to find out more.
Micro Limit Switches
The micro limit switch is a type of micro switch that you can find in different types of control circuits. Unlike regular units, they are much smaller, which is why they can be installed in devices that don’t have a lot of space in them. Typically, these units feature an actuator plunger that triggers the system.
Often, this component is located at the top of the switch. When depressed, it activates the system using only a small amount of movement to change the position because of the spring loading mechanism. Therefore, you don’t need to use a lot of force in order to make the units work.
Usually, micro switches are designed with different types of activating arms. The electrical ratings of these devices are between 10 and 15 amperes. The voltage rating for the devices is 250 words. Primarily, these devices are designed with space constraints in mind as they are used in different types of appliances and electrical systems.
These devices feature contact arrangements with different types of spring loading mechanisms just like the one found in micro switches. However, what differentiates them from the regular units is their size. Based on the model type, the ampere ratings of these units are between 1 and 7 amperes as they are quite small.
Advantages and Limits
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common advantages of limit switches. Based on these advantages, you can decide whether you should go for them or look for an alternative.
- Simple and straightforward design
- Capable of working in different types of industrial settings
- Highly accurate and repeatable
- Low power consumption
- Ability to withstand high inductance loads
- Ability to switch different degrees of loads
- Easy to install
- Quite reliable
- Can work well even if there are high amperes
Apart from the advantages listed above, limit switches also come with some limitations. Due to these limitations, we can say that these devices may not be suitable for all types of applications. Listed below are some of the limitations of the devices.
- Since these devices depend on mechanical action, you cannot use them in equipment that features low speeds
- They must be pressed physically to work
- Due to the nature of these units, they face a lot of wear and tear with the passage of time. Therefore, they need to be replaced after a certain period of time.
Long story short, this was an introduction to limit switches. Hopefully, the information given in this article will help you get a much better understanding of limit switches.