Vibration Switches

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What are Vibration Switches?

A vibration switch is used to cut off power to the fan motor of your cooling tower application and set off an alarm in the case of excessive vibration.

There are different types of vibration switches, the three main types being mechanical, electronic, and “smart.” Here at Commercial HVAC Parts, we carry stock of both mechanical and electronic switches. Below we will go in-depth on how each switch works and which is best for your cooling tower.


Electronic and mechanical switches

 

 


Mechanical Vibration Switch

Mechanical vibration switches are the most affordable switch for managing vibration, however, they are the least reliable. A mechanical switch has an inertia-sensitive device that triggers a “snap-action” switch if vibration surpasses a set point. If tripped, the device can set off an alert and shut down the application. These switches do not collect data and are able only to react to a vibration event as it occurs. Often times it is too late to prevent a failure and the mechanical switch simply prevents more vibrational tower damage.

Electronic Vibration Switch

Electronic vibration switches have multiple advantages over mechanical siblings. The electronic switch utilizes a solid-state piezoelectric crystal to provide a 4-20mA electrical output when deformed by vibration forces. A vibration that exceeds a preset limit will set off an alarm, alerting operators to inspect the cooling tower and shut it down before failure occurs. If the vibration exceeds a second preset limit before operators manually shut down the tower, the switch triggers a solid-state relay for automatic shutdown.

Both the mechanical and electronic switches typically are mounted on structural support beams. For more information and specs on switches, click here.

To view our stock of vibration switches, click here.

 


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