What’s Inside a Micro Switch and How Does It Work?

This technology is used in many markets worldwide by the automotive, household, and medical industries. Although the technology is small, it can have a significant impact on any equipment or machine that needs to be normalized. Continue reading to learn more.
If you have already started to guess the technology, I won’t let you think about it and will immediately start talking about “micro Switch.” Because the Micro Switch Corporation, which started commercialization of it, has micro in its name, it has the term micro. This technology has many benefits and is available in many forms. Today, however, we will be focusing on how it works.

These switches, also known as snap-action switches, are widely used in the design of control systems, elevator panels, and vending machines.

The question is, why are these switches called snap action units? It is because the spring used in these switches tends to push the actuator for repeated movements at certain positions. We can now look at the technology in detail by dissecting its components.

Assembling Actuator

An actuator is an integral component of any switch that is responsible for the movement of the controls. An actuator is made by drilling three holes through it so that wire can pass through. The button on the microswitch can be pressed to change the state of the switch from active to resting.

Internal Structure

You will find a contact within any plastic or metal casing that houses a switch. This contact is usually a U-shaped metal strip that serves as a spring. It can apply force to change the state of action of a button. The bulges at each end facilitate the primary task of the movable contacts, which is to create a connection between them. There are also a few stationary contacts, primarily for NC and NO positions.

Joint Contact Strip & Bent Strip

A standard contact strip is another critical component of a micro-switch. It holds all the parts of the contact assembly together. The upper part of the contact strip is connected to the casing, while the lower portion emerges from which contact can also be made.

On the other side, a bent strip is placed underneath the actuator assembly. It transfers the force from the actuator to movable contacts. Once the power has been released, the switch returns to its resting position.

It can be difficult to understand technical terms if you don’t have a background in this field. The combination of these parts is what makes micro switches work.

This technology is not as easy to comprehend. However, I tried to show the basics of the mechanism so you can get an idea of its essential functions. It will also help you understand why it is so essential in the technology world.