Ideal for any application requiring positive electrical contact on mechanical movement. Mercury switch tilt and position sensors have an exceptionallg long working lifetime with no loss of accuracy, as there are no mechanical moving parts to wear out, stick or weld and no contact wear.

Non-mercury magnetic reed and ball sensors are also available.

Mercury switch tilt sensors are designed so that when the switch tilts, a small quantity of mercury in a sealed glass capsule moves to make or break a contact with two or more electrodes. This simple but very effective design has proven to be widely adaptable for a varied range of applications for motion sensing.


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The sensors are used in aircraft instrumentation control, gyroscope assemblies and guidance systems because of their superior performance.

Other applications include train door interlocks where they can switch hundreds of times a day, 365 days a year with over 30 years service and still be going strong. The endurance of these switches makes them ideal for safety equipment, such as train retardation system.

They are dependable enough to be used in engine cut-off systems such as R.N.L.I. Lifeboats. If the boat overturns there is a risk of the crew being drawn into the propellers, and the engine taking in water. The MSM sensor will, in the event of the boat rolling over, return the engine to stand-by so that the propellers are idle until the boat is righted and the sensors will even operate in the roughest conditions.

Warning systems requiring level or tilt control for example in cranes, high-speed trains radar systems, extending ladders and access platforms use MSM sensors. They are also used on rescue-buoys and man-down alarm sensors.

In fact an MSM sensor can be used in almost any application where movement or position sensing is required.

The sensors are constructed of hard boro-silicate glass, which ensures excellent mechanical strength and additional protection is offered by a plastic coating. For some applications a higher degree of protection may be required and the sensor is supplied encapsulated in a polycarbonate housing. The sensor is instinsically safe, as it is a complete sealed unit.

These sensors have a wide range of switching characteristics and operate without noise or radio interference. They can switch from 10mA to 200A, while being able to operate down to -38 degrees celsius standard or special requirement process down to - 54 degrees celsius.