Table of Contents
- 1 What is the purpose of a mercury switch?
- 2 What is a mercury switch bomb?
- 3 Are mercury switches illegal?
- 4 How does a mercury float switch work?
- 5 Do old light switches have mercury?
- 6 Why mercury is used in electronics?
- 7 How does a float switch work on a submersible pump?
- 8 Why is mercury used in electronics?
- 9 How does a mercury switch work?
- 10 How does a Mercury detonator work?
What is the purpose of a mercury switch?
A mercury switch is an electrical switch that opens and closes a circuit when a small amount of the liquid metal mercury connects metal electrodes to close the circuit.
What is a mercury switch bomb?
The tilt fuze is typically a home-made mercury switch. The function of the fuze is such that when it is tilted or moved, the mercury – a liquid metal – will slide down the tube and close the electrical circuit wired to the bomb.
How could you use mercury to make a switch to turn on a light when the trunk of a car is opened?
How could you use mercury to make a switch to turn on a light when the trunk of a car is opened? It could be used in a microchip (electronic device) to turn the switch on.
Are mercury switches illegal?
In 2001, California passed a law called SB 633. This law: makes it illegal to sell certain items that contain mercury, encourages people who dismantle, recycle and repair vehicles to remove mercury switches, and.
How does a mercury float switch work?
It has an internal contact that opens or closes depending on the float switch position. When the float switch is submerged, it rises and the internal contact closes. Mercury float switches are recommended for usage in sewage water or water/liquids that are not suitable for drinking.
Why is mercury used in tilt switch?
Mercury switches use a drop of mercury in the tube. The sensor is positioned with respect to gravity forces so that the mercury moves away from the contacts when the switch is open. A change in the orientation of the sensor causes the bead to roll in the tube, touching both the contacts and closing the switch.
Do old light switches have mercury?
Manufactured prior to 1991, by many manufacturers, mercury light switches (generally referred to as “silent switches”) contain about 2 grams of mercury. Mainly found in older buildings, these devices look like typical wall switches, but they do not make the audible “click” sound when activated.
Why mercury is used in electronics?
Although many liquids could be used in pressure measuring devices, mercury is used because its high density requires less space. It is also a good conductor of electricity, so it is a useful component of electrical switches.
What replaced mercury switches?
unidirectional tilt switch
The unidirectional tilt switch is a great alternative to older “mercury switches” in order to avoid the hazardous mercury in applications for safety and compliance standards. They also have much greater accuracy than most other non-mercury switch options.
How does a float switch work on a submersible pump?
The float switch works by simply turning the pump on when the water level goes up and turning it off when the level goes down. Because of this, the float switch is the most common failure, or most vulnerable component of a submersible pump.
Why is mercury used in electronics?
Could a mercury switch trigger a bomb?
If a mercury switch was used to trigger a bomb, it could be used as an anti-sabotage measure to ensure that armed, picking it up or attempting to move it would detonate it. It could also be attached to a bimetallic strip as used in an analog thermostat and could trigger the explosion at a certain temperature point.
How does a mercury switch work?
A mercury switch contains a ball of mercury, which is electrically-conductive. If the switch is moved, the mercury will roll around, either making or breaking an electrical circuit, causing the bomb to detonate.
How does a Mercury detonator work?
Mercury switches are also popular as detonators in motion-activated bombs. Any attempt to shake or move the explosive device will cause the mercury to complete the circuit between a detonator and the explosive charge. This is why law enforcement officers caution by-standers not to touch or move any suspicious packages.
What can be used as a switch for a bomb?
Anything that sets off the initiator can be used as a switch. Bomb makers sometimes use wireless devices, such as cell phones, key fobs or walkie-talkies. Other times, they opt for wired triggers, such as trip wires, trip plates and timers.