Mechanical position and electrical circuitry meet in the no-nonsense limit switch. These cost-effective input devices excel in tough environments and are as simple to install as they are to maintain.
How it works
Limit switches convert mechanical motion into an electrical signal by using a lever to force open or closed a set of electrical contacts. They come in die-cast metal as well as rugged plastic housings, with a variety of conduit openings based on the intended machine destination. Common styles include pre-wired and connector versions (usually found on enclosed switches), some of which even incorporate indicator LEDs to simplify monitoring and diagnostics.
Because the switch's actuator is in direct physical contact with moving objects, limit switches are designed for easy servicing, especially the replacement of the actuator and internal switch. In some cases, the levers and actuator heads are adjustable, simplifying installation as well.
Versatile switches
Limit switches are used in a variety of applications, including conveyors, elevator control, counting, positioning, detecting, sequencing, and monitoring. Machine operations they initiate when tripped can include start, stop, change direction, recycle, slow down, or speed up. About 80% of all applications use a roller lever type actuator. Plunger types are the next most common, and a few use “wobble stick” rod or spring actuators.
Direct opening limit switches are typically used in failsafe applications such as slow/stop positioning for gantry cranes, elevator doors, and telescoping passenger bridges to aircraft. Enclosed switches are used on conveyors, cutting and machining tools, and a wide range of assembly equipment. Other styles include slim compact switches that facilitate close mounting and multi-element switches used for stacking.
Elements of a limit switch
Common limit switch styles include enclosed pin plunger switches, side rotary lever switches, and direct opening safety limit switches. Choice of style depends on the specific application.
Direct opening contact type limit switches, designated by a symbol of a circle with an arrow inside, avoids one of the problems (stuck contacts) sometimes encountered by other switch types. If metal deposition between mating contacts occurs on the normally closed contact side, the contacts are usually pulled apart by the shearing and tensile forces generated when the safety cam or plunger engages the movable contact blade.
Sizing savvy
Standard limit switches are designed to actuate frequently (up to 30 electrical operations per minute) without long periods of inactivity and with a steady current to prevent corrosion on the contacts. Microload limit switches handle low current applications below 0.1 A. For critical failsafe applications, choose a safety limit switch with direct opening contacts. Limit switches usually come with one normally open (NO) contact and one normally closed (NC) contact. Typical contact configurations include single-pole double throw (SPDT), SPDT double break, DPDT and DPDT double break.
Wiring wisdom
Polarity must be observed when wiring limit switches. Failure to observe polarity may result in arcing between contacts.
Connections to contactors
Using a contactor in the control circuit can help in cases where the limit switch contacts are not rated to directly handle the load.
Be sure to choose the electrical rating of the contacts carefully, staying within the proper voltage and current size according to the load and manufacturer's specifications. If the load current exceeds the contact rating, a relay, contactor, or motor starter must be used to interface the switch with the load. Also be careful not to mix ac and dc in the same circuit.
Inductive load considerations
When testing the switch, it's important to apply the actual load condition together with the true operating environment. Most limit switches are rated with an inductive load — a minimum power factor of 0.4 for ac or a maximum time constant of 7 msec for dc. Because an inductive load causes a problem in dc circuitry, it's essential to know the time constant of the load's inrush current. For example, an A600 rating refers to a “pilot-duty” load under the parameters discussed in the standards and regulations section.
Installation information
With rotary actuator limit switches, the cam or piece (dog) encountering the actuator should be shaped to prevent the roller lever from snapping back freely. Use a cam that's tapered to allow a slow release of the lever. This reduces contact bounce and switch wear, and improves repeat accuracy. In installations where the limit switch actuator encounters a fast-moving cam or piece, make sure the limit switch's lever does not receive a severe impact. Instead, taper the cam to extend the interval over which electrical contacts are engaged. These precautions assure the circuit is completed and prevent excessive switch wear.
Cam configuration
Cams must be configured according to the type of actuator as well as the type of cam being used. Following are guidelines for roller lever actuators (both non-overtravel and overtravel type cams) and plunger type actuators.
Roller Lever Actuators
Non-overtravel type cams
Velocity: less than or equal to 0.25 m/sec
If velocity (v) does not exceed 0.25 m/sec, the lever can be set vertically. As operating speed increases, the cam angle decreases.
Velocity: greater than or equal to 0.25 m/sec but less than or equal to 2 m/sec
In higher-speed operations, the lever angle (θ) may be required to change according to the cam angle (φ). Set the lever angle within a range of 45° to 75.°
Velocity: greater than or equal to 2 m/sec but less than or equal to 3 m/sec
Overtravel type cams
Velocity: less than or equal to 0.25 m/sec
If velocity (v) does not exceed 0.25 m/sec, the lever can be set vertically. As operating speed increases, the cam angle decreases. Cam stroke (y) may be up to 80% of total travel.
Velocity: greater than or equal to 0.5 m/sec
In higher-speed operations, the cam angle (φ) of the rear edge should be in a range of 15° to 30°. Otherwise, make sure the cam's acting surface is straight in order to reduce lever shaking.
Plunger Type Actuators
Cams that override the actuator may have the same shape for both forward and backward directions. Avoid cam shapes that leave the actuator abruptly. Possible reference locations are shown here.
Protecting the limit switch
When an overtravel situation may occur, such as an emergency stop application, choose a rotary actuator lever limit switch instead of a pin or roller-plunger type. Plunger type switches are not designed for use beyond the normal travel length, and will be damaged if the switch is used as a stop without protection. To use a plunger type switch, a stop plate should be added to protect the limit switch and its mounting from damage due to overtravel. A marginal overtravel (OT) value should be set. The ideal value is the rated OT value × 0.7.
Protecting people
Operator safety should always be considered when installing limit switches. These devices are designed for mechanical activation in automatic control. Prevent accidental activation due to operator error by installing a shield to protect the switch. Also, use a non-overriding cam or dog to activate the switch.
Cost-saving strategies
The best cost-saving strategy is to select a switch that meets the physical demands of the application. Choose an actuator type with the right shape and material in order to minimize wear and reduce maintenance. Design in the switch so that no more than 70% of the overtravel rating is used. This can be accomplished by designing the cam or dog to eliminate snap-back or excessive overtravel on the switch's actuator.
Standards and regulations
Limit switches fall under the category of auxiliary devices for industrial control equipment in the Underwriters Laboratories UL508 certification process. Shorthand created by UL designates a rating code that represents the control circuit load that may be controlled by the device that combines continuous current, maximum current for make and break at various voltages, and maximum volt-amps. Standard duty switches begin with codes B and P; heavy-duty switches begin with codes A and N. The voltage rating at 50 and 60 Hz follows the prefix.
Spud switch
Misapplication of a limit switch can range from merely frustrating to tragic. Our engineers once received a call about repeated premature failures of a limit switch installed as part of a food-handling conveyor. The maintenance engineer explained that he had potatoes pouring continuously past the limit switch's thin wire actuator and into a hopper below. This pounding avalanche exceeded the switch's overtravel rating, causing failures just about every month. A design modification prevented the limit switch and actuator from direct potato contact and provided a link to a more robust actuator type, thereby eliminating the problem.
Safety ratings
In North America, most designers are familiar with both Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA). However, as more machine builders do business in China, limit switches are now starting to show the CCC ratings as well.
Limit switches are subject to Europe's Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations and each manufacturer must provide compliance information. California and other states have recently enacted similar regulations. Limit switches used on machines built for Europe and some Latin American countries must be RoHS compliant.
For more information, visit www.omron.com.