Micro switches have long been used in all aspects of our lives, such as household refrigerator door light switches, industrial automation equipment switches, and automotive door lock detection switches. In order to meet the application needs of different products, different types of micro switches have been developed. This article introduces you to five common types of micro switches, and I hope you have a deeper understanding of micro switches.

What Is A Micro Switch

Before understanding the types of micro switches, we must first be familiar with what micro switches are. A micro switch, also known as a snap-action switch, is a small and highly sensitive miniature switch, and its biggest feature is that it can be triggered by a small physical force.

Roller Type Micro Switch

Roller type micro switch is a type of micro switch equipped with a small roller at the end of the switch lever, and in practical a pplications, the operating handle can touch the roller by sliding/rolling to force the lever to press the switch. It is specially designed to reduce friction and thus extend the life of the micro switch, making it suitable for equipment that requires frequent operation.

For example, the G5 Series in Unionwell is a typical roller-type basic switch, which is used in many industrial equipment, such as tower crane actuators, and uses four roller-type basic switches of this type. Its internal rotating shaft is the switch that triggers the micro switch by rotating the roller of the micro switch. The low force of the wheeled basic switch means that only a small external force is required to trigger the switch, making it ideal for applications that require high sensitivity.

Lever Type Micro Switch

Lever type micro switch is a relatively common micro switch, which is equipped with a long and thin metal lever, which can be a long straight lever, an angle lever or an adjustable lever. The long lever is designed so that the switch can amplify the operating force, so that the switch can withstand large external forces and can achieve a smoother action. The lever type micro switch has a long stroke and is suitable for scenarios with a large operating range.

Unionwell's G5T16-D1Z400A02 a long straight lever type micro switch, which is widely used in household appliances, such as microwave oven door switches, to detect the door opening and closing status and ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

Plunger Type Micro Switch

Plunger-type micro switches trigger switches by the linear movement of the push rod (plunger). This type of switch is characterized by a plunger-shaped button in appearance, and the advantage of this design is that it has a high precision of action, which is suitable for use in scenarios that require precise control. In order to adapt to different installation space and operation needs, plunger type micro switches are usually available in two types: short plunger with fast response and suitable for high-frequency operation scenarios, while long plunger is suitable for applications that require a larger operating distance. The plunger can also be designed to work with other mechanical components, such as springs or bushings, to enhance its durability and adaptability.

Unionwell's G9A series of plunger type micro switches are widely used in automatic door systems to monitor the opening and closing status of automatic doors, and their high precision and fast response characteristics play an important role in the system.

Sealed Rotary Switch

A sealed rotary switch is a type of micro switch that uses rotation to trigger a switch state. Unlike conventional linear switches, the rotary operation is designed for specific equipment operation. The microswitches also have a certain sealing to resist the ingress of dust, moisture and other environmental factors, which greatly extends the life of the switch and the stability of operation.

Unionwell's G2 series is a classic sealed rotary switch, which is widely used in automobiles and home appliances, such as automotive lights, wipers and ventilation systems. Or in the temperature setting of a microwave oven, a sealed rotary switch intuitively controls the selection of mode functions.

Waterproof Micro Switch

A waterproof micro switch is a type of micro switch that requires a more precise sealing technology to ensure that it can still work stably under water or in a humid environment. Generally, the waterproof micro switch is completely sealed by adding a sealing ring at the top and adding glue injection at the bottom. In order to ensure the reliability of the sealing, the micro switch needs to reach the IP67 protection level to be considered a qualified waterproof micro switch.

For example, Unionwell's G3 series waterproof micro switches, each switch has reached IP67 protection level, effectively protecting against dust and moisture. Waterproof micro switches are widely used in the control of doors, hood locks, trunks and other parts, and can work stably in rainstorms or dusty environments.

Whether it is a roller type, a lever type, a plunger type, a sealed rotary type, or a waterproof type micro switch, each has its own unique characteristics and application scenarios. When selecting a micro switch, it is important to determine the most appropriate type of switch based on the specific application requirements, environmental conditions, and operational requirements. Hopefully, this article will provide guidance on choosing the right micro switch for your project.