Questions You Should Know about how to test micro switch

JohnnieB

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Re: Microswitch

The difference between a two terminal and three terminal microswitch is that one set of contacts (either the NC or NO) isn't installed.

The spring that returns the wiper ("C" or Common contact) to the NC (Normally Closed) contact is an arched piece of Beryllium Copper (BeCu), but other type springs are used. No matter what spring arrangement is used, the return spring is the weakest mechanical part of a microswitch and typically the first to fail. The contact points are fairly small and will fail due to pitting (Arcing) and corrosion, but with proper electrical design, they'll out last the spring.

The microswitches EZGO uses on F/R and Throttle assemblies typically use the NC contacts for "GO" and mechanically opens them for "NO-GO".
That way, the cart is "NO-GO' when the little bitty weak spring fails instead of being a runaway half ton wheeled object.
(Some of the carts built before the lawyers took over, like the one you've got, might have used different switch arrangements. )

Matt - rather than answering your questions directly, let's do it this way.The difference between a two terminal and three terminal microswitch is that one set of contacts (either the NC or NO) isn't installed.The spring that returns the wiper ("C" or Common contact) to the NC (Normally Closed) contact is an arched piece of Beryllium Copper (BeCu), but other type springs are used. No matter what spring arrangement is used, the return spring is the weakest mechanical part of a microswitch and typically the first to fail. The contact points are fairly small and will fail due to pitting (Arcing) and corrosion, but with proper electrical design, they'll out last the spring.The microswitches EZGO uses on F/R and Throttle assemblies typically use the NC contacts for "GO" and mechanically opens them for "NO-GO".That way, the cart is "NO-GO' when the little bitty weak spring fails instead of being a runaway half ton wheeled object.(Some of the carts built before the lawyers took over, like the one you've got, might have used different switch arrangements.

Micro switches are an essential component in many electronic devices, serving as a trigger mechanism that activates when a specific physical movement occurs. These switches are found in various products, including gaming controllers, washing machines, and vending machines. As with any mechanical component, microswitches can sometimes fail or become faulty due to wear and tear. This article will discuss how to tell if a micro switch is bad or faulty in quality.

Steps to judge the quality of micro switches

Check for physical damage:

The first step in diagnosing a faulty microswitch is to check for any physical damage. Inspect the switch for any cracks, chips, or other signs of damage that may be visible. Also, check to see if the switch feels loose or wobbly when you press it. If the switch appears to be physically damaged, it is likely that it is no longer functional and will need to be replaced.

 

Continuity test:

If the switch appears to be physically intact, the next step is to test for continuity. This can be done using a multimeter, which measures the electrical continuity between two points. Begin by setting the multimeter to measure resistance (ohms), and then touch one probe to each of the switch's terminals. When the switch is in its resting state (not being pressed), the multimeter should read infinity (meaning there is no continuity). When the switch is pressed, the multimeter should read zero (meaning there is continuity).

 

If the multimeter does not register any change when the switch is pressed, this indicates that there is no continuity, and the switch is faulty. If the multimeter always reads zero, even when the switch is not being pressed, this indicates that the switch is stuck closed and is also faulty.

 Basic Micro Switch

Check the actuation force:

The actuation force is the amount of pressure required to activate the switch. If the actuation force is too high or too low, the switch may not function properly. To test the actuation force, press the switch several times and note the amount of force required to activate it. If the force required to activate the switch is significantly different from what it should be, the switch is likely faulty.

 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of how to test micro switch. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Listen for a click:

When a micro switch is activated, it should produce an audible click. This click is the sound of the switch's contacts closing, which completes the electrical circuit. If the switch does not produce a click, this indicates that the contacts are not closing properly and the switch is faulty.

 

Test for bouncing:

When a switch is activated, the contacts may bounce a few times before settling into a stable state. This bouncing can cause issues with certain types of electronic devices. To test for bouncing, connect the switch to a circuit and activate it several times. If the circuit behaves erratically when the switch is activated, this indicates that the contacts are bouncing, and the switch is faulty.

 

Check for proper alignment:

Micro switches are designed to function properly only when they are properly aligned. If the switch is misaligned, it may not function correctly or may fail prematurely. To check for proper alignment, inspect the switch's actuator and ensure that it lines up correctly with the switch's contacts. If the actuator is misaligned, adjust it until it lines up correctly.

 

Check for dirt and debris:

Dirt and debris can cause micro switches to fail or malfunction. When debris builds up on the contacts, it can prevent them from making a proper connection, leading to a faulty switch. To check for dirt and debris, inspect the switch's contacts and actuator. If there is any buildup, clean it off with a soft-bristled brush or compressed air.

Signs of a Faulty Micro Switch

&#; No Continuity: If the multimeter does not show continuity when it should, the switch may be faulty.

&#; Inconsistent Readings: If the readings are inconsistent or fluctuate, the switch may have internal issues.

&#; No Actuation Response: If the switch does not respond to the plunger movement, it may be defective.

&#; Burn Marks or Corrosion: The presence of these indicates possible electrical faults.

More questions about the quality of micro switches.

By systematically following these steps, you can determine if a micro switch is bad or faulty in quality. If the switch fails any of these tests, it is likely defective and should be replaced. We can also help you test the quality of various limit switches and micro switches. Please contact us.

Want more information on manually operated switches? Feel free to contact us.