What is a Contact switch?

A contact switch is an electrical switch that operates by physical contact to open or close a circuit. It is commonly used in machines, equipment, and household appliances, where pressing or pulling the switch causes internal contacts to either close or open, thus controlling the electrical flow. This mechanism allows the circuit to be turned on or off in response to external actions. Contact switches come in various types based on their structure and use. For example, push-button switches, rotary switches, and reed switches are some of the common types, each suited for specific applications. Push-button switches temporarily open or close a circuit and are widely used in many devices. Rotary switches operate by rotating to change contacts, and they are often used to adjust settings on machines. Reed switches, on the other hand, use a magnetic field to open or close the contacts, typically functioning as sensors.

While contact switches have a simple construction, they offer high reliability and durability. This makes them a trusted choice in both industrial and household equipment. The intuitive and easy-to-operate nature of contact switches adds to their popularity. However, contact switches can experience wear and tear over time, especially with frequent use, leading to contact degradation. As a result, in some applications, non-contact switches such as those utilizing light or magnetic sensors are used instead.

Application of Contact switch

✅Push-Button Switch in Household Appliances
A common example is the push-button switch used in appliances like toasters, blenders, or electric kettles. Pressing the button closes the circuit and turns the appliance on or off.
✅Rotary Switch in Machinery
Rotary switches are often used in industrial machinery to select different settings or operations. For example, a rotary switch can be used to change the speed settings of a motor or to control different modes of a machine.
✅Reed Switch in Security Systems
Reed switches are widely used in security systems, especially in door/window sensors. The magnetic field generated by a nearby magnet opens or closes the reed switch, triggering the alarm system when the door or window is opened.
✅Limit Switch in Conveyor Systems
Limit switches are used in conveyor belts to detect the position of objects or machines. They can signal when an object reaches a specific location, automatically stopping or starting the conveyor system.

※Includes information on some trading companies