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Micro switches are mechanically operated electrical switches designed with an actuator and terminals called common, normally open, and normally closed. A micro switch is also known as a snap action switch, they operate by using a spring-loaded lever to open and close a set of internal contacts inside the unit.

### How does a micro switch work?

Power is typically attached to the common terminal, this leads into the switch and energizes the spring and because the spring is touching the normally closed pin it sends power out here, this is called a resting state. Once the arm is moved the power is then transferred to the normally open pin.

### Where would you find them?

Micro switches are differentiated by their electrical characteristics. These are small devices and generally only designed to carry low currents and voltages. These switches are very commonly employed as safety devices, as they are reliable, inexpensive, and can open up a circuit when needed, preventing a machine from being turned on or a door from closing when someone is in the way.

### Actuator types

There are various types available but the operating principles are the same, switches are actuated by a plunger, a button, a roller, or a lever.

### What is their operating life?

Micro switches operating life is generally very high, being measured in millions of cycles, in most cases. Consumer products generally have lighter-duty micro switches than industrial products, but the low cost of these parts makes it easy enough to upgrade to higher mechanical life expectancies when required or when it's simply beneficial to do so.

### What type of applications need micro switches?

Micro switches are used in consumer devices and industrial equipment. A common application for these devices is in door interlocks, microwave ovens, or where a door must be shut before the power to the device will turn on. Micro switches are also used in levelling devices, such as those used on vending machines. In an elevator, these devices are used in the door as a safety switch.

Micro switches can be designed to be very sensitive. Such designs can be used in very precise equipment, such as that which measures the flow of air or other gasses through a system. These devices are used extensively in industry, often in control circuits.



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Micro Switches, Lever, Button & Plunger Micro Switches | RS

Micro Switches

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Omron Microswitches | RS

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Roller Micro Switches | RS

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Honeywell Micro Switches | RS

Experience efficient and dependable switching with Honeywell's extensive range of micro switches here at RS Components. Honeywell switches offer strong performance and increased safety due to their high-quality design, which is tailored to exact specifications. Their switching solutions are suitable for a wide variety of basic and complex applications so you can find one that suits your application requirements perfectly.<h2>What are Micro Switches?</h2>These compact electrical switches are mechanically operated and are used to open or close an electrical circuit. They are typically designed for low current/low voltage use and are also known as snap action switches. They feature an actuator, which can be a lever, roller, plunger, or button, and terminals. They can be found in many consumer devices such as microwaves, washing machines, and refrigerators, as well as industrial machines and systems such as emergency stop controls, access and presence detection, and power controls for motors, pumps, and fans.Honeywell snap action switches are lightweight, highly compact, and offer accurate repeatability and long service life, with some units featuring a mechanical lifespan of 20,000,000 cycles! Choose from models with contacts made of gold, silver, gold/silver plated, or gold/silver alloy for excellent conductivity of electric signals. Honeywell also have micro switches with ingress protection ratings up to IP67, ensuring optimal durability even in dusty or washdown environments. Their BZ series units, which are ideal for heavy-duty installations, provide precision operation and sensitive differential travel, and use tough moulded protective casing. Their V15 models are also a popular and versatile choice, designed to handle numerous types of operation, particularly for low cost-of-failure applications.Browse Honeywell's comprehensive range and find the best micro switch for your installation today.

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Crouzet Micro switches | RS

Crouzet is a leading supplier of Micro switches. RS offers a range of Crouzet micro switches for different applications The microswitches have a range of switching ratings from 1 mA to 25 A, magnetic blowout versions for High DC ratings, sealed models, positive break versions, a wide range of operating temperatures, long service life and a wide variety of actuators.

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