Scribd
Upload
13 views

SWITCHES

Different sensors used in electro-pneumatic system

Uploaded by

Prosper Righenda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views

SWITCHES

Different sensors used in electro-pneumatic system

Uploaded by

Prosper Righenda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

SWITCHES

Is an electrical device, usually electro-mechanical used to control continuity between two points or we
can say, is an electrical component that connects or disconnects the conducting path in an electrical
circuit, interrupting the electrical current or diverting it from one conductor to another.
Switches turn electric circuits ON and OFF in four ways single pole-single throw (SPST), single pole-
double throw (SPDT), double pole-single throw (DPST) and double pole-double throw (DPDT).

Those lead to several types of switches like push button switches, toggle switches, rocker switches,
touch switches etc.

LIMIT SWITCH
This is the electro-mechanical device operated by a physical force applied to it by an object, that detect
the presence or absence of an object, originally used to define the limit of travel of an object and as a
result they were named “limit switch”. They do so by turning off the actuating power to a component if it
moves too far

Fig. limit switch symbol


There are several types of limit switch but main are four, which are; -
 Whisker limit switch.
 Roller limit switch.
 Lever limit switch.
 Plunger limit switch.
Those can be applied in several places and equipment. Roller limit switch used at hydraulic lifter for
position detection, overhead garage doors, industries counting passing objects i.e. containers. Lever limit
switch used at microwave, thermoforms, automobile pneumatic suspension. Plunger limit switch used at
fridge doors, car doors. Whisker limit switches are often used in robotic arms and grippers to detect the
presence of objects. They are also used in some types of safety interlocks.
These limit switches closely resemble rugged toggle or selector hand switches fitted with a lever
pushed by the machine parts. Often, the levers are tipped with a small roller bearing, preventing the lever
from being worn off by repeated contact with the machine part.
Limit switch perform work as proximity switch that come into account they be replaced by, but they
can never eradicated since they have ability to handle much current up to 10A which is best for different
industrial conditions though they require much power to operate compared to proximity switches that
need small current up to 0.2A.
Limit switch consisting of an actuator, mechanically linked to an electrical switch when an object
contacts the actuator, the switch will operate causing an electrical connection to “make” or “break”.
Switch configuration can be; -
 Normally open.
 Normally closed.
 Normally open/close
PROXIMITY SWITCH
Proximity switch is an electronic switch that “make” or “break” an electrical connection by sense the
approach of a metallic machine part either by a magnet or high-frequency electro-magnetic field and
therefore performs switching action with “electronics”

prox

fig. proximity switch symbol.

Proximity switch are categorized into; -


 Capacitive proximity switch.
 Inductive proximity switch.
 Photoelectric proximity switch.
 Ultrasonic proximity switch.
Most proximity switches applied at industries, simple proximity switches use a permanent magnet to
actuate a sealed switch mechanism whenever the machine part gets close (typical 1 inch or less). More
complex proximity switches work like a metal detector, energizing a coil of wire with a high frequency
current and electronically monitoring the magnitude of that current.
If a metallic part (not necessarily magnetic) gets close enough to the coil, the current will increase and
trip the monitoring circuit.
Another form of proximity switch is the optical switch, comprised of a light source and photocell.
Machine position is detected by either the interruption or reflection of a light beam. Optical switches are
also useful in safety application where beams of light can be used to detect personnel entry into a
dangerous area

Fig. features of proximity switch


Their versatility is their most significant benefit. With various types available, proximity switches
can be used to detect a vast array of materials, from metal to glass, plastic, and even liquids. They can
also be utilized in an extensive range of applications, from safety systems to product sorting. Though,
temperature and humidity have an effect on them, creating design is difficult and sometimes operational
range will be restricted.
Proximity switches function based on a principle called 'inductive coupling'. These devices
generate an electromagnetic field, and when an object enters this field, it disrupts the field and triggers the
switch.
PRESSURE SWITCH
Is the process switch that gas or liquid pressure can be used to actuate a switch mechanism, if that
pressure is applied to a piston, diaphragm, or bellows, which convert pressure to mechanical force. Or we
can say is a form of switch that operates an electrical contact when a certain set fluid pressure has been
reached on its input. The switch may be designed to make contact either on pressure rise or on pressure
fall.

Fig. Pressure switch symbol.


There are two types of pressure switch namely; -
 Mechanical pressure switches.
 Electronic pressure switches.
A pressure switch serves two main purposes. One is to regulate the pressure in the system or to
ensure the reservoir level remains stable. Another is to safeguard equipment from damage or running at
low efficiency. Can be used to sound alarm, shut down the process equipment.

Fig features of pressure switch


Benefits of pressure switch are; -
 Ideal for high switching rate applications.
 Setpoint adjustment easily accessed.
 High accuracy and repeatability.
Limitations of pressure switch are; -

 They are pretty expensive.


 Broadcast traffic could be an issue.
 Broadcast traffic can be problematic.
 The failure of a switching bridge brings the network to a halt.
 Switches in indiscriminate mode are helpless to security attacks.

A pressure switch is a passive device since all it needs to function is the presence or absence of
pressure. Diaphragm pressure compresses a calibrated spring. If the spring tension reaches or exceeds the
set point, it will close the contacts in a NO switch or open them in an NC switch.

You might also like