Micro and Miniature Switches

Micro and miniature switches are small-housing mechanical switches, mostly with a snap-action contact mechanism, that change contact position with a short actuating movement. They are used to obtain position, end-of-stroke or cover-open information in machine covers, door and elevator mechanisms, household appliances and small devices. The category includes EMAS MK1 series micro switches, MN1 and MN3 series plastic and metal miniature switches, Isıso types with a paddle and plunger, and Gwest AZ and GMS series 10 A and 15 A micro switches; the actuating end can be a thin or thick plunger, a short, medium or long lever, or a roller. Select the switch by the shape and length of the actuating end, contact type (1CO, 1NO, 1NC), the current and voltage to be switched, housing material and mounting hole dimensions. A changeover 1CO contact has one common terminal and one normally open and one normally closed terminal. Micro switches are mostly basic switches mounted inside devices or at protected points; they are not a substitute for a limit switch with a protected housing at machine points exposed to impact and water.

Products

How to choose Micro and Miniature Switches

Micro and miniature switches are small-housing mechanical switches, mostly with a snap-action contact mechanism, that change contact position with a short actuating movement. They are used to obtain position, end-of-stroke or cover-open information in machine covers, door and elevator mechanisms, household appliances and small devices.

  • Separate sensing, motion control, logic processing and operator interface requirements.
  • Select signal type, supply voltage, communication protocol and I/O count for the machine network.
  • Verify housing size, sensing distance and PNP/NPN output polarity against the PLC input card.

Frequently asked questions

What is Micro and Miniature Switches and where is it used?

Micro and miniature switches are small-housing mechanical switches, mostly with a snap-action contact mechanism, that change contact position with a short actuating movement. They are used to obtain position, end-of-stroke or cover-open information in machine covers, door and elevator mechanisms, household appliances and small devices.

What should I compare when choosing Micro and Miniature Switches?

Select the switch by the shape and length of the actuating end, contact type (1CO, 1NO, 1NC), the current and voltage to be switched, housing material and mounting hole dimensions.

Where can I find technical details for Micro and Miniature Switches products?

Micro switches are mostly basic switches mounted inside devices or at protected points; they are not a substitute for a limit switch with a protected housing at machine points exposed to impact and water.

Micro and Miniature Switches Selection Guide: Technical Criteria and Engineering Practice