RMQSI Answers ForumCategory: Electrical Component ReliabilityPushbutton Microswitch failure mode
sekharv asked 14 years ago

Can an intermittent failure mode be possible for a microswitch? Or is the sticking failure mode same as intermittent or once it sticks it remains stuck in that position? thanks

1 Answers
smorris answered 14 years ago

Yes, intermittent is possible. For example, intermittent operation could be caused by worn or corroded contacts. Sticking could cause a permanent open, or close condition, or intermittent operation if the environment is such that stuck contacts may loosen from shock and vibration seen during operation. Therefore, I would not claim that “intermittent operation” and “sticking” always mean the same thing.