Limit Switches | Adjustable Roller & Plunger Limit Switch
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    Limit Switches

    Limit switches are contact proximity sensor devices that consist of an actuator mechanically linked to a set of output contacts. When an object comes into contact with the actuator, the device operates the contacts to make or break an electrical connection.

    Components of Limit Switch

    Limit switches are made up of three key components.

    Actuator Head

    The actuator is the part of the switch that makes physical contact with the object. In some limit switches, the actuator is attached to an operating head that translates a rotary, linear, or perpendicular motion to open or close the electrical contacts of the switch.

    Switch Body

    The switch body is the component containing the electrical contact mechanism. The contacts within the body open or close the electrical circuit when the actuator is activated.

    Receptacle/Terminals

    Receptacles or terminals are components containing the terminal screws or screw/clamp assembly necessary for wiring purposes.

    Types of Actuators

    Limit switches are available with a wide range of actuator types. The type of actuator used can be determined by the mounting position, the force required, and the objects to be detected.

    Rotary Lever

    With lever actuators, a cam or plate hits the end of the lever arm, which in turn rotates a shaft and operates the contacts in the limit switch. The rotation may be spring returned (momentary) or maintained.

    Plunger

    Plunger types are best where short controlled machine movements are present or mounting space does not permit a lever type.

    Cat Whisker or Coil Spring

    Meanwhile, cat whisker or coil spring actuators are longer actuators with a coil wire that can be moved/bent in multiple directions. These are typically used in conveying applications to count objects as they pass by.

    Forked

    Forked actuators are used with maintained contacts and consist of two roller levers. One roller will trip the limit switch, and when the second is moved in the opposite direction, it will reset the limit switch.

    Applications and Industries

    There are several ways limit switches are used in industrial settings in New Zealand:

    • Automation: Automation micro switches are engineered to respond to a small force. These switches feature an actuator, typically a small lever, which activates the switch upon being pressed. Known for their high precision, automation micro switches can detect even minor changes in force or position. This enables them to help control parameters within automated systems, including robotic arms, conveyor belts, and assembly lines.
    • Industrial Manufacturing: Mechanical limit switches, such as micro switches, are frequently used as position or presence sensors within industrial systems. They operate electromechanically, meaning these switches are activated through physical contact with an adjustable actuator when an object comes into proximity. This enables them to help detect the position of machine components, monitor their speed, or manage their movement. They are commonly found in environments like assembly lines and conveyor systems. Meanwhile, optical limit switches are used in applications where precise control over valve positions is necessary, such as regulating the flow of liquids or gases, especially in high-temperature and dusty environments.
    • Safety Mechanisms: Limit switches can also be used as safety interlocks to prevent machine parts from moving any further when a specific point is reached, enhancing workplace safety for operators. A good example of this is an automatic garage door. Without a limit switch that stops the door when it reaches the bottom rail, the door would keep moving downwards and eventually crash, causing serious damage.

    How to Order Safety Limit Switches from RS?

    Understanding the importance of limit switches in industrial settings is only part of the equation; knowing where to source reliable switches is equally crucial for seamless operations. RS New Zealand addresses this need with our extensive assortment, which includes compact mini switches and products with a wide range of voltage options from 12v to 690v. This variety ensures you can find dependable offerings that perfectly match your operational requirements.

    Our products, which are affordably priced, are also sourced from trusted brands like Honeywell, Telemecanique Sensors, and our very own RS PRO, ensuring that you get quality and value with each purchase. Shop our selection of limit switches and other tools, such as electrical relays and din rail power supply, and take advantage of our free delivery service today.

    Delivery Information for New Zealand

    Orders for items stocked locally in New Zealand or Australia placed before 5 pm NZT and 3 pm NZT, respectively, will be delivered the next working day.

    While RS endeavours to deliver your limit switches and other items ordered on the following working day between 8 am and 5 pm local time, some items may require longer lead time.

    Extended lead times may also apply to non-core products and deliveries to specific regional areas. For further information or to arrange consolidated delivery, please reach out to Customer Service.

    2160 Products showing for Limit Switches

    Siemens
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    3P
    2NO/1NC
    IP66, IP67
    -
    Plastic
    -
    -
    -
    3SE5
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Siemens
    Roller
    -
    1NC/1NO
    IP65
    6A
    Plastic
    400V
    -
    -
    3SE5
    Snap Action
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Honeywell
    Adjustable Roller Lever
    SPDT
    NO/NC
    IP67
    100mA
    Die Cast Zinc
    50V
    50V
    M20
    GLA
    Snap Action
    145.8mm
    42mm
    42mm
    -
    +85°C
    -25°C
    CCC, CE, CSA, UL
    Omron
    Roller Plunger
    SPDT
    NO/NC
    IP65
    15A
    -
    250V ac
    -
    -
    -
    Snap Action
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Siemens
    Plunger
    DPST
    NO/NC
    IP20
    -
    Plastic
    -
    -
    Screw
    3SE5
    Snap Action
    42.5mm
    30mm
    27.8mm
    -
    +85°C
    -25°C
    CCC, CE, cULus
    Telemecanique Sensors
    Roller Lever
    2P
    NO/NC
    IP66, IP67
    3A
    Plastic
    240V
    250V
    M20
    OsiSense XC
    Slow Action
    31mm
    39.5mm
    65mm
    -
    +70°C
    -25°C
    -
    Honeywell
    Roller Lever
    SPDT
    NO/NC
    IP67
    6A
    Metal
    240V
    -
    Cable
    NGC
    Positive Break, Snap Action
    30mm
    32.5mm
    106.3mm
    -
    +70°C
    +25°C
    -
    ABB
    -
    2P
    -
    IP65
    10A
    -
    600V
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Telemecanique Sensors
    Roller Lever Plunger
    DP
    NO/NC
    IP66, IP67, IP68
    1.5A
    Zinc Alloy
    240V
    250V
    Cable
    OsiSense XC
    Snap Action
    50mm
    30mm
    16mm
    -
    +70°C
    -25°C
    -
    Honeywell
    Roller Lever
    -
    -
    IP67
    10A
    -
    480V
    550V
    M20
    LS
    Snap Action
    111.4mm
    40mm
    58.5mm
    -
    +150°C
    -10°C
    -
    Siemens
    Lever
    -
    2NO/1NC
    IP66, IP67
    10A
    Plastic
    400V
    -
    -
    3SE
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Honeywell
    Adjustable Roller Lever
    SPDT
    1NC/1NO
    IP66
    10A
    Plastic
    300V ac
    -
    -
    -
    Snap Action
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Schmersal
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    PS315-T12-K360
    -
    -
    -
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    -
    -
    -
    -
    Telemecanique Sensors
    -
    DP
    1NC/1NO
    IP66, IP67
    10A
    Metal
    500V
    -
    -
    -
    Snap Action
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Telemecanique Sensors
    Plunger
    4P
    NO/NC
    IP66
    10A
    Zinc Alloy
    240V
    250V
    -
    OsiSense XC
    Snap Action
    81mm
    72mm
    36mm
    -
    +70°C
    -25°C
    -
    Siemens
    Roller
    -
    1NC/1NO
    IP65
    4A
    Plastic
    400V
    -
    -
    3SE5
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Telemecanique Sensors
    -
    SPDT-DB
    NO/NC
    IP67
    1.2A
    Zinc
    600V
    600V
    M20
    9007
    Snap Action
    39.37mm
    63.5mm
    102.108mm
    -
    +185°F
    -20°F
    -
    Schmersal
    Roller Lever
    -
    1NO/1NC
    IP65
    4A
    Die Cast Zinc
    230V ac
    -
    -
    EX-T
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Honeywell
    Plunger
    SPDT
    NO/NC
    IP67
    10A
    Die Cast Zinc
    600V
    250V
    M20
    GLB
    Snap Action
    145.8mm
    42mm
    62mm
    -
    +85°C
    -25°C
    -
    Telemecanique Sensors
    Roller Lever
    3P
    2NC/1NO
    IP66
    6A
    Metal
    400V
    -
    -
    -
    Snap Action
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
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