If you check out most manufacturing businesses these days, you may find complex programmable logic circuits and transducers used to change analog information into digital format for computer programs. In fact, there are many high tech applications used today. However, for many kinds of operations, there is still a need for time tested industrial limit switches. Let’s look at this kind of equipment to see why it remains an important part of industry today.
What is a Limit Switch?
A limit switch often contains is a simple mechanism like a control arm. When something pushes the arm beyond a certain limit, it triggers an internal mechanism. This performs a make or break function. In other words, it either completes a circuit or breaks a circuit. This kind of switch can do many things as well as perform the following functions:
- Count objects on a conveyor system
- Tell whether something is present or missing
- Limit range of motion
- Perform a circuit breaking function
Benefits of Industrial Limit Switches
Using limit switch applications can provide these benefits:
- Can easily switch high current loads
- Very durable – can be used over and over again and still perform well
- Sense a wide range of conditions
- Cost effective and practical
- Simple in design and operation
Disadvantages
- Mechanism will eventually wear out and need to be repaired or replaced.
- Cannot be used remotely – physical contact is necessary
Practical Applications
Limit switches can be found in the home and other areas. For example, when you open your refrigerator door and the light comes on, this is a result of a limit switch. The same is true when your car door light comes on after opening a door, trunk or hood.
Automatic shut-off devices are commonly operated by limit switch applications. For example, if you open the lid while your washing machine is in “spin cycle” the mechanism will activate a brake and stop spinning.
In commercial applications there are many kinds of pallet stacking devices. They can stack pallets and materials automatically. However, without industrial limit switches, the equipment would not know when to remove the stack once it is full.
There are many other applications which require limit switches. They can count materials and perform a wide range of safety features. Even though they are simple, these switches are the backbone of many industrial and commercial applications today.
