Understanding a Microswitch

How a microswitch works

[@jsmxwll]

That was everything the video should have been. Very well done, hombre. Very much appreciated!

[@paulgriffin8566]

Cecil, many thanks for a great clear, concise tutorial. Greatly appreciated.

[@ElecInst]

Glad you liked it and hope the info proves useful for you!

[@Blinkation]

i wish all how to's and guide videos would be like this!

[@ElecInst]

Thank you! (Me too!) :o)

[@lugyi2461]

❤

[@lizjohnson796]

Great job on the production of this video! Super clear; easy to understand. Thank you!!!

[@ehsansokout8611]

great job Cecil for such a thorough and easy to understand explanation

[@jasonsakowski2022]

Great video. Easy to understand and not loaded with a bunch of unnecessary b.s.

[@Zack-lt4fl]

Wow, this video was amazing! Super clear and simple to follow, thank you!

[@WendyGolski]

WOW. You rock. Thank you for taking the time to make such a detailed video and explaining it so well. I am off to work on my embroidery machine now because I now understand what it is I am trying to accomplish!

[@ElecInst]

Thank you, Wendy. Glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with your embroidery machine and remember to turn off the power before placing your hands near any needles (or gears).

[@WendyGolski]

And because I understood, I was able to fix my machine! Thanks again!!

[@Sasa-eq2lk]

Thanks. I was looking at a hairdryer's cold function button which is actually a microswitch that had the same labelling C, NO and NC. Didn't know what voltage direction flow to expect at the different positions with a multimeter at buzzer setting. Your video explained it quite thoroughly.

[@MrRmc001]

Great video, vivid and concise! Hoping for more videos like this. Many thanks!

[@theyoungfool.1895]

Currently going through a toaster and found this switch, thank you for the break down, hopefully I can put it back together.

[@galaxophone]

Great video! I can't believe this hasn't been viewed a lot more...

[@luismurcia7298]

This was very useful, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge!

[@blackdustydog]

Well done. Thank you for putting this together. Keep up the great work.

[@dankeenan9759]

Cecil, this was perfect... thank you for taking the time to do this... six years ago now and your video is still adding value and helping people! If you see this comment, I have a question - what software did you use to make the graphics for your video? Thanks! Dan

[@ElecInst]

Hello Dan! Thank you for your comments. I hope the video helps to clarify any questions you might have had. I use several different software suites to achieve the effects needed. Typically, I make 3D models in Blender, texture them in Photoshop, compile in Premiere Pro, and add special effects in After Effects.

[@dankeenan9759]

That's quite a process to get the 3D modeling done, but it sure helps clarify how things work. I've downloaded Blender and am starting to dig in. Thanks again! I'm in the process of converting my portable sawmill to hydraulic and 12V motor controlled. The limit switches will be used on two Bodine gear head motors, coupled with (35, 41 sized) chains and idlers to pull the cutting head, and log clamp, to keep them from bottoming out at the end of their tracks. Take care!

[@ElecInst]

@@dankeenan9759 Sounds like a neat project. Good luck with it! For what it's worth, Blender can be difficult to understand when you first start, but I think it's worth pushing through. I suggest you look up Andrew Price (BlenderGuru) for tutorials. He has a very good beginner series.

[@dankeenan9759]

@@ElecInst Yes, it has been an amazing journey with the sawmill... electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, welding, fabrication, etc... life is better when we're working on a "project!" Thanks again Cecil!

[@adolfocamara]

Great video, and great tip (testing the switch without removing it) Thank you.

[@VintageTech1]

Thank you for making this video, it is a great help on my project and a clear lesson.

[@antonios4926]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this video. From UK

[@ElecInst]

You're welcome, Antonios. Please remember that because the video was created in the US, all measurements are in imperial units, and not metric. (joking) Thank you for your comment.

[@joedoria2759]

this is one of the best videos i've seen of its type. great job, thank you, and please make more

[@Aerospaceman]

We used the micro switches for cabinet safety interlocks in the Navy to prevent accidents.

[@gauri_2102]

I'm a beginner to robotics and you're video really helped me. Thank you so much 😊😊😊

[@ElecInst]

Glad it helped. Good luck in your robotics discoveries!

[@anniemae3248]

Thank you! This was a huge help in diagnosing my problem!

[@nogienugz]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@coolguyindeed]

nice explanation Cecil.. thank you very much. i'll look over your other videos :)

[@haodoanuc4861]

Thanks sir, its very useful and easy to understand, Bring knowledge for everyone

[@natesherman3954]

This was helpful and not an ad. I thank you.

[@ElecInst]

Hi Nate! I hope it helped. I'm like you... I hate ads too!!

[@Warren1814]

Excellent video.. my wheelchair lift uses these types of switches. they use the long arm ones....

[@ElecInst]

I am always amazed at how many different places these switches are used. Thanks for the comment!

[@Wavezone304]

Excellent video. Saved my leaf blower.

[@neiljborja]

Already knew all this but I just wanted to say this video was very well animated and explained.

[@ElecInst]

Thank you!

[@ColeenDove]

Great video, and very easy to understand! Thanks

[@serdardurdiyev8688]

Thank you Cecil!

[@rosiecarr5147]

Thank you for a clear and concise explanantion

[@Moshebenyair]

Thank you for this simple and informative video🙏

[@junaidasim1021]

Thank you so much .. may you rest in piece for share your knowledge with us.

[@DanielSan-ch7dr]

great video exactly what I needed to know cause i want to control a red and green light to know when a door is open from a distance thanks alot

[@ElecInst]

Glad it helps. I have a friend who wanted to do the same thing. His kids would always leave the garage door open.

[@UNIVSB]

This is very useful. Thanks for this video.

[@edwinvalladares9361]

Very very well made and explained video. Thank you

[@oussama_errouidi]

Very much appreciated!

[@DJPaulFreeman]

You the man Cecil

[@ElecInst]

Usually there is some type of physical force that pushes against the lever, like a door or a roller. In this example, if a door pushes against it, the green light would be on and when the door is not, the red light is on.

[@poff9345]

Top notch video. Thank you

[@dalegorham2645]

Fantastic Cecil! You need to do many more of these! :-)

[@ElecInst]

Thank you for the kind words, Dale. I have plans for more, but it's hard to choose the next component to focus on. Any suggestions?

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video, it was very casual, very well done and super useful =)

[@pliniogani7995]

Great video! Cleary explained and very usefull. Thanks a lot! By the way, how did you make the switch animation? Best!

[@ElecInst]

+Plinio Gañi Hello Plinio! Thank you for the compliments. I use a variety of tools in creating animations. For this one I used Photoshop for the textures and Blender for the animation frames. I then compile it together in Premiere Pro and add some minor effects in After Effects. (Not including Audition for the audio)

[@aliciadelgado2321]

Gracias excelente 👌 explicación!!! Gracias 😁

[@warpighammer3760]

Thank you very much you helped a bunch .🖖

[@greenaum]

That's a really well made video and explains it with just enough information, not too much or too little. One thing though, when testing a microswitch shouldn't you test that NC is _not_ connected when the lever is pressed, and NO is not connected when it's not? Or in other words that Normally Open actually is normally open. Otherwise the contacts might be shorted to one another, or to Common.

[@ElecInst]

Hi Greenaum! You raise a good point that testing in both states (on and off) of both the NC and NO terminals may be required. I could have done a better job in making that point. Thank you for raising the question.

[@MyCaptainX]

Nice explanation. Thanks.

[@harshithanswamy9405]

Thank you:) Very helpful video!

[@anthonyrobinson6448]

Nice video, super easy to understand! I enjoyed it and I'm not even certain what it's for, but now I wish I did cause now I understand how it works! Thanks man!

[@ElecInst]

Thank you for your kind words, Anthony.

[@jimtanner8516]

Thanks for the video Just what needed to know...

[@nalvarez3505]

Wow just the video I was looking for, thanks!

[@Dip-it]

Awesome video thank you! any chance you would know where to find more information on the specifications on the side? I’ve had a microwave switch, NO terminal melt twice. I can replace again but maybe you have experience with a better solution other than replacing. The replacement lasted 1.5years till it started being inconsistent with continuity while depressed

[@ElecInst]

Hi Tyler. Thank you for your comments. Usually the vendor/manufacturer of the switch will have the info you are seeking. I would use the info on the side and Google as a starting point. I think it important to mention that I am not a microwave technician and microwaves carry a number of hazards, including VERY high voltages. My general rule is to not work on anything that will kill me, so please be aware of this. With that said, I think you've already found significant insight in the switch terminal melting after being replaced. This suggests the melting is a symptom of a different problem, possibly/probably a different component receiving the power from that terminal. But an under-rated switch, a poor wire connection, and other factors may also be involved. Throw in the added complexity of the failure occurring intermittently over time and you have a situation where even the best technicians will be perplexed. For this particular problem, I'd say either take it to someone who has the wiring diagrams and test equipment to figure it out, or buy a new microwave. (Sorry) I will also tell you that for many years I was ignorant on the importance of a proper wire crimp, especially under higher-amp conditions. I found this out because I too experienced melting components. This gentlemen's video is a good start, but some valuable inconsistencies are pointed out in the comments. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKezdoalq5V7mLs I hope this helps, Cecil

[@mohamedelsayedmahmoudelsay3211]

If anyone still doesn't understand it ,just the micro switch , it's a mechanical push force relay .

[@aliebrahimi7129]

Thank you it helped a lot👍

[@mareysaad6597]

A nice explanation, thanks

[@swapneelgolapkar]

Nice video, thanks it helped clearly understand. Appreciate the efforts :)

[@wisdom_wellness365]

Very nice! I like it!

[@ElecInst]

Thank you!

[@geliasr2562]

Many thanks!

[@Gauravkumar-sq6bk]

Very good method to understanding..

[@mazinalansari88]

sir, thank u very much

[@sorry11303]

This video was very informative I play Street Fighter arcade stick great video thank you 🕹👊💯

[@am1manTravel]

I have a microswitch in an old Rockwell Taxi Meter. It has 5, 2 NO and 2 NC plus Common, contacts instead of the 3 you show and they are all screw ins and 3 input wires, Yellow, Red, Black. Yellow goes to Common, Red to one of the NC, and Black to one of the NO, with other wires connected to the NCs and NOs. So maybe all three would be 12V+ coming from the battery and the meter would be grounded to the car for the 12V- ? I'm so confused but liked your video.

[@ElecInst]

Sounds like a challenge. Using a multimeter, test it the same way shown in the video and determine where continuity exists (and when). I suspect you have a microswitch with 2 circuit paths, where my video only shows one. Without knowing anything about taxi meters or having a wiring diagram, I could only guess what voltage goes where, but I know many vehicles use the vehicle frame as their ground. Hope this helps...

[@am1manTravel]

@@ElecInst Well, after all my testing and blowing 12v fuse on my power source ( I have more fuses). Today I just connected 12V+ to yellow wire and 12V- to the chassis and got the lights to work. I stopped and reassembled. Clock didn't come alive, may need another connection but I'll live with just the lights and the flag turns fine and the bottom 2 windows mechanically change ok. Spent enough time on it, lubed lightly and cleaned inside of front face. Win some, lose some. It does look quite good cosmetically.

[@ElecInst]

@@am1manTravel A good start to be sure. Best bet is to find a wiring diagram, if possible. Aside from completely tearing it apart and physically mapping circuits, this will be the only way to solve the remaining issues. Good luck!!

[@am1manTravel]

@@ElecInst Short vid on working pretty good for now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJraaJeqitedpNUsi=E5WWHa-gfQismIl5 Thanks for your encouragement!

[@manjit4481]

very clear ideas

[@mjshuja1948]

LOVE YOU😻😻😻YOU THE BEST TEACHER 👍👍👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️👏👏👏

[@hosseinnhk2684]

great ,thanks a lot:D

[@mikeamy4649]

The test is not a complete test, it only tests conduction. A complete test should also check that the opposite terminal is not connected to common for both switch arm positions. A connector that has been bent or pulled can sometime move internally to a position where it is always connected. Also, liquids containing electrolytes, like salt water, for example on dirty equipment for food processing or laundering clothes where the environment is often humid, this can create a connection.

[@mikeamy4649]

otherwise it's a good informative video.

[@ElecInst]

@@mikeamy4649 Hi Mike! Thank you for your feedback. Yes, I agree the video lacks many aspects of troubleshooting, including environmental behaviors, carbon tracking, etc. I also hope you will agree that learning is a process of peeling back layers of information, like an onion. For every new thing we learn, there will always be more to uncover.

[@mikeamy4649]

@@ElecInst Thank you for these wise words. Yes, I agree with what you say about knowledge. Hope I didn't come off as condescending. I could have been more polite in my critique, but I hope it helps someone. My interest in microswitches is because I am experimenting with them for keyboards. I came to understand how the internal spring affects the operating force by dismantling microswitches and adjusting their internal contacts. By widening the position of the contacts, one can make a switch require greater force, and vice versa, although it decreases the arm displacement. This is useful in some cases where a switch is not operating correctly.

[@ElecInst]

@@mikeamy4649 Nice to meet someone who has such in-depth knowledge. No worries about being condescending. English is an imperfect language and I think we all struggle at times to convey the depth of our thoughts. If you scroll through the comments you will find someone who didn't understand the inner workings of a microswitch to his satisfaction. I wonder if you might be willing to find the comment and offer your insights?

[@remaklpkusanagi3936]

Good explanation. Could you explain please how does sanwa/seimitsu microswitches works? They're used in arcade sticks buttons.

[@ElecInst]

I'm not sure as I have not worked on arcade games before, but if you could post a picture or give me a model number, I might be able to tell you.

[@greenaum]

Those microswitches are just like this. If you look up sites selling the buttons, you'll see. The Sanwa arcade buttons are just plastic, with a clip at the bottom. Into that clip, attaches a microswitch. When you press the button, the inner part of the plastic presses down on the microswitch lever. Then the microswitch terminals connect to the JAMMA connector or the machine's motherboard. Arcade joysticks also use microswitches. 4 of them, arranged around a circle. The joystick has a "bumper" at the bottom, under the machine's casing. That bumper presses against 1 of the 4 microswitches when you move the stick. Or if, say, you move north-west, the up and left switches are both pressed. Go look up some of the sites about arcade hardware. Look at photos of the switches etc, you'll see how it all works. The microswitches are just standard ones like the one here.

[@remaklpkusanagi3936]

Thank you greenaum. I already knew that. I just wanna see with CG animation how does it works (Y). Could you bring me a link or something like that?

[@skan150190]

Thanks, that helped!

[@vincentperiolat4610]

Thank you!!

[@shameerpkm]

Super explanation..Simple

[@fernandojconti]

Nice video. Is a normal switch faster than a microswitch one?

[@ElecInst]

Thank you. I'm glad you found it useful. Speed can be measured in many ways, so I'm uncertain which part you might be referring to as faster. Consider a typical light switch in a home as having 3 states; On, Off, and an area in the middle where it is technically neither on or off. The microswitch removes this area so it is either on or off depending on lever travel distance. This is accomplished by the use of a spring-loaded conductor inside the switch. The spring certainly makes the switching mechanism travel faster than a switch without this spring, but both types rely on an outside force moving the arm to start the process. Your question suggests you have something particular in mind, but without knowing the application and what is required, then this becomes a difficult question to answer. I hope this helps you figure out your next steps.

[@Golgafrinchamdent]

Thankyou for posting... good info! A question if you don't mind. Why are these switches all rated for less than 0.5amps DC? AC rating can be higher depending on the switch, but DC is ALWAYS less than 0.5amps. I'm using an 18v cordless drill motor to operate a winch, which draws 17amps MAX at startup... normally 6-12amps. I'd like to add one of these switches as a limit for upward travel... to prevent binding. But there doesn't seem to be a switch in existence which is rated to handle that much current DC. I've seen inside the switches and the contacts look plenty beefy. Beefier even than the 14ga wire I'm using which it'self is overkill. What am I misunderstanding? Thankyou!

[@ElecInst]

all good questions, but not very easy to answer. Because of the properties of DC power, the contacts must often be made stronger. An over-simplified explanation might be to say that AC power travels in 2 directions while DC power on travels in 1. Regardless of all this, I think you might find what you're looking for if you search Grainger or similar for a "Snap Action Switch." I was able to find several rated for amounts greater than 15 amps at 20-40VDC. I hope this helps. Cecil

[@Golgafrinchamdent]

@@ElecInst Hey thankyou... that did help! I found one rated for 20amps DC at 14v. www.grainger.com/product/OMRON-20A-480V-Hinge-Roller-6X290?opr=APPD&pbi=6X290&analytics=altItems Dumb questions... - Doing the same work, would I be drawing lower amps if I were using greater voltage... 14vDC vs my 18vDC ? - This is not strictly speaking a "limit switch". Can I assume there will be three connections... Common, Norm Open, and Norm Closed? And thankyou again. I'm a wood guy but I'm building a prototype of an idea and I'm a total newb with electricity.

[@alioral1358]

Thank you.

[@mdalimhossain9289]

Good vedio

[@ventasecorh]

great video, im using this parts in my work, i use ADS, in México !

[@ElecInst]

+Manuel Hernández Hi Manuel! Thank you! If ADS refers to Automated Dish Service, then I am somewhat familiar with those. Like most dishmachines, they perform well when installed correctly and maintained. Keep up the good work!

[@ventasecorh]

hi, thanks Fairies are very good teams here in mexico rented by the restaurateurs who are better off for the part of maintenance problems and we do not want to include them that maintenance.

[@manliorossi8770]

Really wll done and I have a question: to activated a little motor cc for a ball launcher (ping pong), is possible to use Microswitch for the few seconds of rotation ?

[@ElecInst]

To be honest, I'm not really sure. I looked up "Ping Pong Ball Launchers" and found many variations from a Boy Scout How-to to a 300mph cannon. The only thing I can really say is that this switch will need something to move the lever back and forth between its two states. Also, every switch has electrical ratings that must be followed for safe operation, so it depends on how much power the motor needs to operate and how big of a switch you use.

[@omaradan8062]

Thanks Nice video channel

[@chhengheang6854]

Good video thx Bro

[@shivkumarchouhan6549]

Good job 👍, "Sv "

[@bestamerica]

' that switch can use both either way battery DC or electric AC

[@etuudu4039]

Nice presentation

[@craigmanning2439]

These are used extensively in pinball machines.

[@swapnilpatil3352]

what if in resting position,after doing the continuity test the multimeter does not beep the switch has to be changed or some settings have to be made.

[@ElecInst]

It can be either. Sometimes the arm needs to be bent a little in order for contacts to be made, sometimes the switch has to be replaced. Try bending the arm a little first...

[@Gerald5000]

I'm trying to wire up a universal gear indicator for a manual car using micro switches pressed by the shifter in each gear to activate each number on the display, and I want to utilize the N for neutral, to display the 'N' when the shifter is not in any gear/not touching any micro switch. Should the micro switches all share the same ground for that to work?

[@ElecInst]

Hello Gerald5000, Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic and have no knowledge on the vehicle in question, but I suspect what you are wanting to do cannot be accomplished with microswitches alone. With that said, yes, all automotive circuits must share the same ground by connecting to the vehicles frame or battery. I'm sure there are some mechanics cruising the comments who may have more accurate knowledge than I, so I would defer to someone with more experience in this area. Good luck! It sounds like a fun project.

[@Gerald5000]

@@ElecInst Thanks for the reply, yeah I've been racking my brain trying, and I don't think I can either. I need a way to interrupt the 'N' displayed with a gear number displayed.

[@charansinghmundari6477]

nice sir one more video sir plzz

[@upendarnishad6178]

Good information

[@yotsavimonponsana8181]

thankyou (Thailand)

[@AkhtarDanish]

Thanks man

[@blitzthrillz]

helped me.THANKS'

[@robertouser674]

Thanks!

[@highwayoflife3987]

Nice

[@SK-Scholar]

Hi. My boiler's microswitch has 3 cables attached to C, NO, and NC. The only replacement microswitch I could find has 2 terminals. How do I know which wires should I attach to which terminal? Thanks

[@ElecInst]

Hi Shoaib, I have never encountered a circuit where leaving one wire off was acceptable, but the only way to know for sure is to contact the manufacturer.

[@SK-Scholar]

@@ElecInst Ok. Thanks

[@ruwdbouy]

do they make a switch in this format that acts like a toggle switch? push once and release, the yellow light stays on push it again and it goes back to the green light. thanks

[@ElecInst]

Hi Wilson! I am not aware of any switch is this style that does what you are describing, but there are a couple of ways to get there: There are locking push-button switches that remain in one state until depressed, think like old stereo power buttons, also you could create what is called a "latch circuit" but requires a second switch to disconnect the power. Here are some links to review: www.sparkfun.com/products/9808?_ga=1.31737342.1904020568.1470605093 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGi2pnt6otqJi80 Good Luck!

[@playthewater]

My question is where can I find a kw3at-16 switch!?!??!? Are these things ultra rare?

[@VikashKumar-tk3de]

How lever is connected?

[@gabrielperez3619]

i bought a microswitch for my air fryer and the switch is reversed. Now, when I close the door the air fryer turns off and when I leave the door open the air fry stays on!

[@gary49er1]

how to override a eaton micro switch for a printing press??

[@ckain5501]

Could I use these in reverse so I can change polarity ?

[@ElecInst]

I'm not sure what you mean. Can you explain the specifics of what you are wanting to do?

[@ckain5501]

I am trying to change the polarity to a part so that it can change from positive to neutral when the switch is pushed

[@ElecInst]

@@ckain5501 A switch might be part of your overall design, but using it alone would not make this possible. A switch only opens or closes a circuit. There are some instances where you may want a motor to switch direction, as example, and if you were to have two separate voltages already established (pos polarity and neg polarity), then you could supply one of these to NO and the other to NC each being directed out the common. In theory, this would be possible, but there are other factors involved like the amperage of the load and whether or not the switch is rated for it. Depending on the cost of the parts and how critical the operation of this circuit is, you may want to enlist the help of a local expert.

[@GordieGii]

While this video would probably be useful for many people, I did not learn what I wanted to about how a Microswitch (TM) or snap-action switch works. I already know how a SPDT switch works and how to test electrical switches. I wanted to learn why it snaps and the animation didn't show that nor did you explain it. Perhaps you should change the name or improve the animation.

[@ElecInst]

+GordieGii Hi GordieGii! Sorry to hear the video didn't meet your expectations. Granted, there is always room for improvement. A snap-action switch functions by the use of a rigid conductor attached to the common terminal and under tension as to hold its position against the normally closed terminal. When the lever is activated, this places counter-tension against the conductor until it "snaps" to the normally open position. This snapping effect breaks continuity from NC and establishes continuity to NO almost simultaneously (I say "almost" as there is a very brief moment where continuity does not exist to either terminal, but it is measured in microseconds). The spring action is very similar to a "clicker" often used in animal training, like this: www.amazon.com/StarMark-Clicker-Dog-Training-System/dp/B000FMDIL6 I hope this helps to better clarify the mechanism. Thank you for your comment. Cecil

[@GordieGii]

Cecil Colvin I understand that the common conductor shifts from the NC contact to the NO contact. Why does it snap instead of just swinging? The amazon ad doesn't seem to explain how the 'clicker' works. Am I supposed to buy one and take it apart to understand how a snap action switch works? An actual microswitch can be had for less money and actually has contacts.

[@ElecInst]

+GordieGii It sounds like buying a switch and taking it apart may be your best option for completely understanding the internal workings.