Microswitches made by Microprecision Electronics answer the specific needs of train manufacturers with IP67 protection of the switch mechanism and extended mechanical life. Railway applications are a difficult environment for sensitive electronic sensors. If you want to detect an open/closing of doors or the proper engagement and locking of the mechanical coupler between units of a train set you are forced to find a solution which has to work under extreme temperature conditions, dust and humidity influences as well as vibrations or shock impact.

In other areas of a railway system you may even need good resistance to electromagnetic disturbances or other nasty influences. Electronic sensing solutions with their limited temperature range and sensitivity to electromagnetic fields are not sufficiently reliable. This is an environment where a sealed mechanical switch is a definitely a better solution for a position detection system. Microswitches made by Microprecision Electronics answer the specific needs of train manufacturers with IP67 protection of the switch mechanism and extended mechanical life.

To respond to the large variety of the applications and their actuating forces and directions, the mechanical actuator can be modified many different ways to fulfil specific needs, such as a door locking application where the lever has to be extended and bent in order to fit into an existing door frame. The coupler between train units is typically an element exposed to shock, dust and humidity.

The MP210 sealed switch can be used to detect the proper locking of the coupler. The switch has a wide operating temperature range of -40 to +130C enabling it to be used in all regions of the world, and the IP67 protection keeps all dust or water off the switching circuit. Other applications where IP67 and temperature resistance are required can be found for brake detection, pneumatic door lock detection or sensing of the take-up position.