14XE1-6

14XE1-6 Application Field and Working Principle

Limit switches are electromechanical devices used to open and close an electrical circuit or provide a signal when a specified pressure or force is exerted. The 14XE1-6 limit switch is an example of a snap-action limit switch, which uses a combination of contact elements and a bi-metal spring for contact actuation.

Application Field

The 14XE1-6 snap action limit switch is mainly used as a safety device in industrial automation to monitor and control hazardous operations. It can be used to control the motion and parameters of a machine, detect obstacles and limit travel, detect abnormal temperature or pressure, and open interlocks for doors and ladders.

It is also widely used in the automotive industry for applications such as motors and ignitions.

Working Principle

The 14XE1-6 snap action limit switch works by actuating a bi-metal spring which is connected to multiple contact elements. The bi-metal spring is triggered by current supplied to the switch, in either AC or DC current. When the current is applied to the switch, the bi-metal spring moves quickly and snaps into either the open or closed position, causing the contacts to open or close, thus supplying or cutting off the electricity.

As the contacts are opened or closed, the limit switch can provide an electrical signal to an automation system, such as a PLC, to actuate a motor or motor-driven device.