Uses of Mercury Switch (Part 1)
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Uses of Mercury Switch (Part 1) 1. Roll sensing Tilt switches may be used for a rollover or tip over warning for construction equipment and lift vehicles operating in rugged off-highway terrain. There are several non-mercury types but few are implemented due to sensitivity to shock and vibration - causing false tripping. However devices resistant to this do exist. 2. Automotive uses Mercury switches were used in automobiles for lighting controls (for example, trunk lid lights), ride control, and anti-lock braking systems. Scrapped automobiles can leak mercury to the environment if these switches are not properly removed. These uses have been discontinued in new American-built cars since 2003. 3. Aircraft Attitude Indicators/Artificial Horizons Electrically driven attitude indicators typically use mercury switches to keep the gyro axis vertical. When the gyro is off vertical, mercury switches trigger torque motors that correct the gyro position back to the correct position. Note that air driven attitude indicators have a different operating principle. 4. Fall alarms Work performed in confined space (such as a welder inside a tank) has special labor safety requirements. Tilt switches are used to sound an alarm if a worker falls over. |