Using a vibration switch

Vibration-sensitive switches play a critical role in safeguarding rotating and reciprocating machinery across various industries. These devices are designed to monitor vibration levels in equipment and trigger protective measures, such as alarms or complete machine shutdowns, when the vibration exceeds a pre-set threshold. This proactive approach to machinery maintenance helps prevent damage caused by excessive vibration, ensuring longer operational lifespans for equipment and minimising costly downtime.

How Vibration Switches Work

Vibration switches are straightforward devices with an essential purpose: to monitor and respond to excessive vibration. They are equipped with sensors that measure vibration levels in real-time. Once a vibration threshold, set according to the machine’s normal operating parameters, is exceeded, the switch activates. This could result in the triggering of an alarm to notify operators or even the automatic shutdown of the machine to prevent further damage.

Vibration switches are used to detect a variety of faults in machinery. Including:

  • Imbalance: When components of rotating machinery, such as fans or motors, become unbalanced, it can lead to excessive vibration. This imbalance can be caused by the build-up of dust, wear and tear on parts, or improper installation of components.
  • Misalignment: Vibration switches can also detect misalignment in machinery, where rotating parts are not properly aligned with their intended axis. Misalignment can cause increased wear on machinery and eventually lead to breakdowns if not addressed.
  • Looseness: Over time, parts of machinery may become loose due to wear or insufficient maintenance. This looseness can result in abnormal vibrations that the switch can detect, signalling the need for maintenance.
  • Worn bearings: As bearings age and deteriorate, they can generate excessive vibration. Vibration switches can detect this early, allowing for the replacement of bearings before they cause serious damage.
  • Cracked gears: In gear-driven machinery, cracks can develop over time due to fatigue or excessive load. A vibration switch can sense the increased vibration associated with cracked or damaged gears.
  • Lack of lubrication: Machinery requires proper lubrication to function smoothly. If lubrication is insufficient or absent, it can cause metal-to-metal contact, increasing vibration levels. A vibration switch can alert operators to this issue before major damage occurs.

Monitran's Vibration Switch Solutions

Monitran, a leader in vibration monitoring solutions, offers a range of high-quality vibration switches designed to protect machinery and enhance operational efficiency. Monitran's switches are known for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of integration into a wide variety of industrial applications.

One of the key advantages of Monitran’s vibration switches is their low-frequency response. This feature makes them ideal for detecting issues related to mass imbalance in machinery, which often manifests as low-frequency vibrations.

Additionally, these switches are designed to be insensitive to high-frequency noise, such as external knocks or other disturbances that do not pose a significant threat to the equipment. This ensures that the system does not generate false alarms and only reacts to vibrations that genuinely indicate a potential issue.

To find out more about our vibrations switches take a look here, or you can contact us now to discover which monitoring system you require. 

call us on +44 (0) 1494 816569

Monitran Product Range

accelerometers

Accelerometers

Ideal for use with portable and on-line vibration analysers.

Monitran 5032

Monitoring Systems

Monitoring systems that can be used to measure vibration.

enclosures

Enclosures

Switch Enclosures and Connection Enclosures by Monitran.

linear variable differential transformer

LVDT's

LVDT'S are a popular tansducer in industrial applications.

eddy current probes and drivers

ECPD

The latest precision-wound copper coil Proximity Sensors.

accessories

Accessories

Allowing the user access to a vibration sensor for machinery.


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Established in 1986, Monitran remains a privately owned company, based near High Wycombe 35 miles west of London.

We manufacture in the United Kingdom and source the majority of our materials and components from selected quality-managed local and national suppliers.

Call Us: +44 (0)1494 816569

Monitor House
33 Hazlemere Road
Penn
HP10 8AD
UK