Limit Switch
limit switch
[′lim·ət ‚swich]Limit Switch
(or end switch), an electrical device used in switching control circuits of electrical machine drives or their elements at certain points of their motion.
Limit switches are actuated by the motion of the mechanism itself, usually at the end of its travel or at a predetermined point on the path of its motion. For example, in hoisting machinery a limit switch disconnects the motor and applies the brake upon approaching the end point, thus protecting the mechanism from damage. Limit switches may be of the contact or contactless type. According to their design they are classified as pressure (push-button), lever, shaft, and rotary switches.