Mercury switches are gravity-activated circuits consisting of a small sealed tube with a pair of unconnected electrodes on one end, and a drop of liquid mercury on the other. When the tube tilts beyond a certain point, the mercury falls between the electrodes, completing an electrical connection between them and activating whatever electrical response the circuit is meant to trigger.
For production purposes, you can use a mercury switch whenever you want to create a reaction to an item's tilting past a certain degree. For example, automobile manufacturers often use them as switches in car hoods, with the opening of the hood tilting the circuit enough to complete an electrical ...
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Mercury switches are gravity-activated circuits consisting of a small sealed tube with a pair of unconnected electrodes on one end, and a drop of liquid mercury on the other. When the tube tilts beyond a certain point, the mercury falls between the electrodes, completing an electrical connection between them and activating whatever electrical response the circuit is meant to trigger.
For production purposes, you can use a mercury switch whenever you want to create a reaction to an item's tilting past a certain degree. For example, automobile manufacturers often use them as switches in car hoods, with the opening of the hood tilting the circuit enough to complete an electrical connection that turns on the hood light. By closing the hood, the circuit is broken, and the light goes off. Vending machine manufacturers also commonly use the tilting feature. When the machine is tilted as a way to dislodge merchandise from holding racks, the switch completes an alarm circuit, alerting security and scaring away thieves.
There is a disadvantage to using mercury switches in your business production. Mercury is considered a toxic material. Therefore, if the switch breaks, a trained professional must replace the device. This adds to the repair costs if you wish to guarantee the product. For more information on the uses of mercury switches in manufacturing, read the links available at Business.com.
