What are limit switches?
A standard limit switch is an electromechanical device containing an actuator that is mechanically linked to a set of contacts. Designed to automatically indicate when the movement of a machine reaches its limits in either direction or the presence of an object, and if those limits have been met or exceeded. Limit switches can determine the presence or lack of an object, its passing, positioning and the end of travel and also act as emergency devices to prevent machinery malfunctions.
When part of a processing machine or an object comes into contact with the limit switches actuator the mechanism moves the internal contacts, making or breaking the electrical connection. For extended and repeated use the electrical switches should be durable, accurate and feature a quick response rate. From a contact perspective, most limit switches generally feature either maintained contacts or momentary contacts.
Limit switches come in all manner of shapes and sizes with operating actuator variants including – lever, roller plunger, plunger and spring rod types. Due to their practicality, durability and ease of installation, limit switches are utilised in many industrial and commercial applications the world over.
Pizzato, one of the leading manufacturers of process automation and control devices, has a comprehensive offering of limit switches and actuators covering all the applications that you are likely to encounter. We take a quick look at two of their limit switch families, the FD and FR ranges.
FD Range – Heavy-Duty Specialist
Designed to be used in the toughest and most demanding of environments the FD range of Limit Switches easily passes the IP67 immersion test, making them suitable for all environments where a high degree of protection is required. Utilising high-quality and robust materials in their construction, the metal bodied housing can take the hard knocks of life in tough industrial environments. Capable of resisting temperatures from -40 to +80 degrees C makes the Heavy Duty FD range one of the most robust and dependable positional switches available for heavy-duty industrial applications.
The FD range of switches has some clever features besides its ruggedness, such as a comprehensive range of 17 interchangeable contact blocks with multiple contact variants, the option of gold-plated contacts to prevent the build-up of oxides (to enable the switches to be used in harsh dusty environments or on low current applications), a selection of conduit entry ports, rotatable switch heads and 29 interchangeable actuator solutions.
FD Range at a Glance:
- Bidirectional contact block options
- 29 different interchangeable actuators to choose from
- 17 interchangeable contact blocks, slow action or snap action
- IP67 rated metal housing with one conduit entry
- Temperature range -40 to +80 Degrees C
- Laser engraved front-plate, no label
- Gold plated electrical contact options, prevents contact oxidisation
- 20 million operating cycles – 3600 cycles per hour
- M12 connector options
- UL, CSA, IEC approved
View the FD Range
FR Range – Standard Application Supremo
The FR range of Limit Switches, much like the FD range is IP67 rated making them equally as suitable for environmental conditions that demand a high degree of protection. With a glass fibre reinforced technopolymer housing, this range is more suited to less physically demanding environmental conditions such as industrial processing in clean environments, but it still capable of resisting temperatures from -40 to +80 degrees C.
The FR range is feature-packed, with a staggering 48 different actuators to choose from and 17 interchangeable contact blocks with differing contact options. The FR range also allows you to select gold-plated contacts to prevent the build-up of oxides (to enable the switches to be used in dusty environments or on low current applications), different conduit entry ports, rotatable switch heads and 48 interchangeable actuator solutions and 17 interchangeable contact blocks.
FR Range at a Glance:
- 48 different interchangeable actuators to choose from
- 17 interchangeable contact blocks, slow action or snap action
- Bidirectional contact block options
- IP67 rated glass fibre housing with one conduit entry
- Temperature range -40 to +80 Degrees C
- Gold plated electrical contact options, prevents contact oxidisation
- 20 million operating cycles – 3600 cycles per hour
- M12 connector options
- UL, CSA, IEC approved
View the FR Range
For all of your Pizzato limit switches requirements you can depend on Kempston Controls to supply you with the perfect industrial automation process and control limit switch solution. Contact our busy sales department on +44 (0) 1933 411411 or email sales@kempstoncontrols.co.uk and we can help you find the precise positional switch products to meet all your industrial installation needs.
Further Reading:
Kempston Controls is committed to finding you the ideal solution for your application. Call us today on +44 (0) 1933 411 411, email us at sales@kempstoncontrols.co.uk, or alternatively contact us here, we will be happy to help.
