Microswitch Voltage Usage Question

[A_someone]

I've been thinking of using a microswitch in a project of mine. The switch should indicate when something is hit. However the thing is the voltage requirements I've seen for most of them are really high compared to the rest of what I'm using, as in I'm getting requirements of of over 100 volts of either direct or alternating current while the sensors and motors (which seem much more complicated and voltage consuming to me) require far less

I also remember reading somewhere that the voltage listed on the switches was mainly an upper limit and lower voltages could work. Is this correct? If not, what are are good suggestions for cheap low voltage and current alternatives?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi A_someone! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

The voltage rating on a switch is just its maximum; you can use any mechanical switch on tiny voltages. So go ahead and use it.

 

[davenn]

hi welcome to PF

as long as the voltage and current ratings of the switch are higher than what you intend to put through the switch, then you won't damage the switch

is say you circuit is 12V, it doesn't matter if the switch is rated at 50V 100V or 200V

NOTE... MOST switches have both a DC and an AC voltage and current rating

Dave

 

[A_someone]

Oh wow, thanks a lot to both of you for being friendly and responding so quickly!

The voltage and current ratings being the maximum does make a bit more sense to me; this will be really useful.