The micro switch was born in the 1930s. Since its birth, it has continuously developed and innovated to meet the needs of different applications. Due to its small spacing and large torque, micro switches are used in household appliances, medical equipment, aerospace, etc. It is usually used to detect temperature, position and liquid level. There are usually three specifications: basic type, type with operating handle(shift lever), type with operating handle and shell type.

There are 5 key features to consider when choosing a micro switch: dimensions, electrical requirements (voltage/current), switch life, environmental factors (temperature range, hazardous environment) and agency certification:

1.First: Dimensions

The shape size directly affects the switch current range, operating force and stroke. Applications that require a larger current usually require a larger switch. For example, in fuel tank applications, the micro switch used to detect the liquid level needs to be able to provide a large stroke and withstand large currents. The smaller the switch size, the smaller the stroke and the current that can be broken.

2. Second: Electrical requirements (voltage/current)

Engineers need to know the rated voltage and current (DC or AC) required by the specific application in order to select the appropriate switch. Many electrical products on the market now pay attention to low energy consumption, so the micro switch must be able to work under low current (logic level load) and DC voltage. Of course, there are also those that require high current and high voltage, such as industrial pumps.

3.Third: Switch life

The contact material, terminal and shell of the switch determine its mechanical and electrical life. A high-quality micro switch can be used for 50,000 to 100,000 times under load before electrical failure, and 10 to 20 million times before mechanical failure.

4.Fourth: Environmental factors

Different use environments need to choose micro switches with different specifications. The humid environment needs to have good waterproof performance, at least IP67 level, high temperature environment needs high temperature resistance, low temperature environment needs low temperature resistance and so on. High-quality micro switches can work in the temperature range of -54 degrees Celsius to 177 degrees Celsius. The environment is very important for the selection of micro switches.

5.Fifth: Institutional Certification

The main standard certifications include UL certification in the United States, CUL certification or CSA certification in Canada, ENEC certification in Europe and CQC certification in Europe.