Why Micro Switches Are Essential for Escalator Safety and Efficiency

 Though small, the micro switch plays a great role in the safety protection device of the escalator, which is mainly used to detect whether the escalator is in a smooth running state. When the micro switch detects that there is a foreign object stuck in the escalator, it will immediately cut off the circuit, so that the escalator stops running to ensure safety. In this article, we will show you how escalator micro switches ensure escalator safety and efficiency.

What is a Micro Switch?

Micro switches are small, highly sensitive mechanical elements that are actuated by mechanical force, and typically require very little force, such as 10 gf, to connect or close a circuit.

Features

Sensitive: Due to the small internal connection gap and the rapid movement of the contacts, micro switches are usually very responsive and have a small error in actuation time.

Durable：Micro switches are known for their durability, often rated for 100,000 or even a million cycles, and are widely used in various applications requiring precise control and reliability.

Compact Size: Small form factor enables integration into tight spaces.

How Does a Micro Switch Work?

There are several key components involved in the operation of a micro switch.

Actuator: The external component that initiates the switch action by pressing or moving it.

Spring-loaded Lever: A lever mechanism that moves rapidly to change the state of electrical contacts upon actuation.

Contacts: A micro switch has 2 contacts, a fixed contact and a moving contact. The actuator moves the lever, causing these contacts to open or close, thus completing or breaking the circuit.

Terminals: Typically include common (C), normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) terminals. Connections to power, equipment, and external interfaces that act as conductors.

How Micro switches Improve Escalator Safety

The escalator micro switch mainly acts on 4 key parts of the escalator. It is used to protect people's safety and improve the operation efficiency of the escalator.

Emergency Brake Buttons

Escalators are usually equipped with emergency brake buttons at the top and bottom ends, these buttons are equipped with basic micro switches, which mainly play the role of on/off, when accidents or emergencies occur, the passenger presses the emergency brake button, which triggers the micro switch, cuts off the control circuit, and stops the operation of the equipment.

Skirt Deflector Protection Device

Located at the upper and lower ends of the escalator, there is a certain gap between the micro-actuating contact and the inner side of the apron plate at ordinary times. When a foreign object is stuck, the apron plate bends inward, generating a localized pressure, which causes the micro-switch to act, cuts off the antimony control circuit, stops the escalator, and safeguards the operation.

Detection of Missing or Sagging Steps

The waterproof micro switches are used to detect missing or sagging steps. If a collapsed step fails to engage properly with the comb teeth at the exit level, the step wheel axle or step sprocket axle will knock the pendulum out of alignment, turning it at an angle to actuate the micro switch, which cuts off the control circuit and stops the equipment from running, preventing passengers from stepping onto unsafe ground.

Comb Plate Safety Protection Device

The comb plate is normally pressed and positioned by compressed spring, when the passenger's umbrella tip, high heel shoes heel or other foreign objects embedded in the comb after the comb teeth, the comb plate moves forward, when moved to a certain distance when the flow of the comb plate rungs of the forward force will lift the comb plate, so that the micro-switch action, cut off the control circuit, so that the equipment stops running.

Benefit of Using Micro Switch in Escalator

Enhanced Passenger Safety

Micro switches act as critical safety devices by detecting anomalies such as foreign objects in the gap between steps and skirt panels. Upon detection, they immediately signal the control system to halt the escalator, preventing potential accidents.

Reduced maintenance costs

High-quality micro switches are designed to withstand multiple cycles, resulting in fewer failures and fewer replacements, and longer equipment life. Longer service life means lower maintenance costs and less downtime, ensuring continuous escalator operation and minimizing service interruptions.

Long-Term Efficiency Benefits

Designed to withstand millions of cycles, micro switches offer high reliability and long lifespan. This durability makes them ideal for applications where frequent switching is required, such as in escalator systems.

How to choose suppliers of micro switch for escalator

Supplier Qualification and Certification

Quality management system: Priority is given to suppliers with international quality management system certifications such as ISO9001 to ensure that their production processes meet high standards.

Product certification: According to the requirements of the target market, check whether the supplier provides the necessary product certifications, such as CE, UL, ENEC, etc., to ensure that the products meet safety and performance standards.

Supplier's reputation

Industry experience: Choose suppliers with years of industry experience, such as Unionwell, that can provide stable product quality and technical support.

Customer evaluation: You can check the evaluation and feedback from other customers in relevant forums to understand the supplier's product quality and service level.

Sample Verification and Testing

Sample evaluation: Before large-scale procurement, suppliers are required to provide samples for evaluation to ensure that their performance meets the requirements.

On-site testing: Test in actual escalator systems to verify the suitability and reliability of micro switches.

Cost-benefit analysis

Price Comparison: Compare the prices of different suppliers under the premise of ensuring the quality, and choose the product with high cost performance.

Long-term cooperation: Establish long-term cooperation with suppliers, may get more favorable price and priority supply right.

Conclusion

Micro switches are crucial for escalator safety and efficiency, detecting issues and ensuring timely shutdowns to prevent accidents. Their durability and compact design reduce maintenance costs while enhancing long-term performance. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Unionwell has a complete range of global safety certifications such as ISO, UL, cUL, ENEC and other quality certifications, which makes it the first choice for cost-effective microswitch suppliers. Contact us now to get the free samples.