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Lv 5
? asked in Home & GardenDecorating & Remodeling · 4 years ago

how much weight does a microswitch take to operate?

I was thinking of making a light (reading lamp) that is turned on by a marble going down a run and landing on a microswitch, do I need to buy an especially sensitive one. Alternatively could I achieve the same thing another way? I don't want to spend a lot

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  • oil field trash
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    You could use a steel ball bearing and a reed switch instead. Weight would not be a problem but you would need a relay.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    4 years ago

    It also depends on the length of the arm you will use. I use micro switch as a sail switch to prove air flow. A small breeze will trip it. I has about a 6 inch arm with a 2" X 2" sail at the end.

  • Scott
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    As always, it depends on the microswitch.

  • rob
    Lv 5
    4 years ago

    Different micro-switches have different sensitivity. You would have to experiment with a bunch to see what fits your needs. Some micro-switches have a wire arm attached that can make the leverage better for your need. Look up 'coin switch' it's the kind of switch a vending machine uses to feel coins dropping. The longer the wire, the more sensitive it will be.

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