Cam switches are becoming more and more common electrical mechanisms that use a clock frequency to switch electrical circuits. They are actively used to measure different values in powerful engines, take part in the control of various electrical systems, they are equipped with transformers.
Cam Cam General Information
Cam switches are special electrical devices that switch both direct and alternating currents in electrical circuits. Such devices are operated in low-voltage circuits, as well as in circuits with voltage up to 500 V, for alternating and direct current.
The composition of the products includes insulating and conductive raw materials of high quality, the results of successful experiences in creating modern technology and the knowledge gained in the development of such equipment also take part in the production. Characteristic features of cam devices are compact dimensions, high resistance to short-term loads in the chain. They also have excellent switching characteristics. In order to protect them from the short circuit current in the electrical circuit, fuses equipped with fuses are additionally required.
Specifications
The main working parts are the “cams” that drive the “pusher”. The equipment involves equipping a group of switching segments, when changing the location of which it is possible to achieve their desired location to activate a specific switching circuit at a given time.
The location of the cams and contacts is a circuit program, its main task is to assemble a specific connection scheme. They are installed inside a case made of plastic, it also includes melamine.
The advantage of the housing material is its resistance to eddy currents and electric arcs. A simple but effective design allows you to turn on and off a large number of contacts. This is due to the fact that the cam of one working segment is mechanically connected to other nodes.
To increase the wear resistance and switching characteristics in the device, the contacts are made not of copper, but of silver. Another advantage of the material is that silver can withstand an electric arc. The device is also equipped with a locking mechanism of the drive, without which the switch will not be able to lock in a given direction, therefore, the cam switch will no longer be able to cope with the tasks.
It is worth mentioning the movement limiters of the drive. Its purpose is to fix the switch in the extreme position. A device shaft or drive is an ordinary square rod. For optimal contact switching and reliable operation, it needs to be made of high-quality metal so that the part can withstand the load when scrolling. This point is very important in those industries where you want to control the electric motors. For the convenience of control and switching modes, a special handle is used, made of a special insulating substance.
Types of Cam Switches
In construction stores, a rather large assortment of cam switches in various forms is presented.
- Two-contact equipment that is required for operation of pulse transformers. A feature of this switch is that the control device is based on a conventional adapter. Characteristic features: at the output, the voltage reaches 3 V; equipped with an insulator sheath; current control is carried out by the power of the modulator; module value - 10 mV; It can withstand overloads up to 5 A. It is forbidden to use it when working with voltmeters.
- Cam switch to 3 positions or three position. Devices that can be used with voltmeters. Characteristic features: small size; indicators of maximum voltage reach a mark of 20 V; the connections are on the back of the structure; the device is equipped with additional stabilizers.
- Equipment used in transformers. Characteristic features of this type of cam switches: some modifications are equipped with tetrodes; 15-volt installations have a modulator sensitivity of not more than 40 mV; current transmission reaches a mark of 6 microns.
- Switching equipment, which is additionally equipped with an amplifier. Actively used in measuring instruments. Characteristics of devices: connection is provided with the help of adapters; equipped with filters of various types; contacts are placed on the back of the case; maximum load indicators are 12 A; the magnitude of the current 12 microns. Do not use this version with pulse transformers.
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- For voltmeter
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- Two contact
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- 3 positions
To select the most suitable cam switch, it is necessary to study specific models in more detail. In order to prevent the purchase of low-quality goods or fakes of well-known manufacturers, you need to make purchases in specialized stores or from official representatives.
Operating principle
The operation of the cam switch is based on the activation of a group of contacts due to the rotation of the drive device. The mechanical rotation of the built-in handle causes the drive to make revolutions around its axis, which drives the very same cams.
Active "cams" close the desired group of contacts. To analyze the working group of contacts, you need to follow the inclusion diagram, the principle of its compilation is based on the necessary connection diagram. If the drive is in the desired position, using a special locking mechanism, the switch becomes stationary, the specified circuit starts to do its job. To return to the zero position, you need to rotate the handle again.
According to the principle of operation, cam switches are divided into manual and equipped with automatic return of the handle to its original position.
Purpose and scope
The device is actively used for the following purposes:
- Turn on and off the drive of the working segment of the sectional disconnector, which are equipped with transformer substations.
- Management of complex structures and entire systems that are driven by single-phase and three-phase motors, changing the direction of the rotational element, for connecting the windings of AC motors.
- The operation modes of the heating elements or equipment as a whole are switched.
- Alarm and control for operational purposes.
- Providing the required connection of resistance elements.
- In the form of an operating position switch in an electric welding machine.
The device is quite multifunctional, so it has found application not only in industrial production, but also in everyday life, power supply and water supply facilities. Also, the cam switch is actively used in agriculture to control equipment.If you try, with the help of such switches you can organize a bypass connection.
Cam switches have a fairly extensive list of advantageous features. Special attention is paid to the quality and safety of switching, as well as resistance to high loads.
For the manufacture of equipment, high-quality, strong and wear-resistant materials are used, which explains the considerable cost of the equipment. Ease of use and maintenance is also a welcome addition to the regular operation of the cam switch.
Developers devote a lot of time, effort and finances to the invention of such equipment, but designed to work in adverse conditions, for example, in a humid environment or at critical temperature levels (extremely low or high temperatures). It is also possible to manufacture cam switches for individual orders, taking into account the goals and objectives of the customer.
