Q: What is MICRO SWITCH™?
A: MICRO SWITCH™ is a brand of electric switch actuated by the physical motion of mechanical devices. The actuation of the switch typically causes an “on” or “off” action. MICRO SWITCH components are generally packaged in a small form factor to allow placement in small spaces.

Q: When was the technology invented?
A: Having secured an order for 10,000 chicken brooders in 1932, Dr. Charles F. Burgess, owner of the C. F. Burgess Laboratories, Inc. of Madison Wisconsin, assigned one of his mechanics, Philip K. Gall, to develop a switch specifically for the close-tolerance requirements of a chicken brooder. Gall invented the first precision snap-action basic switch, which was quickly adapted for other applications. In 1937, one of Burgess’ employees purchased the electronics division of his company and formed the MICRO SWITCH Corporation. That company was acquired by Honeywell in 1950.

Q: Why is MICRO SWITCH technology so important today?
A: MICRO SWITCH technology represents the birth of modern electronics and manufacturing, paving the way for millions of products that wouldn’t have been possible without it. The 75th anniversary of MICRO SWITCH technology is an important milestone for our industry, and an excellent example of Honeywell’s strong tradition of innovation.

Q: How many MICRO SWITCH components are manufactured each year?
A: Honeywell manufactures more than 120 million MICRO SWITCH components each year.

Q: Are there variations on the original technology?
A: The core MICRO SWITCH technology has changed very little since its inception. Variations on the original switch are mainly found in the types of housing used, such as hermetically sealed switches or explosion-proof switches.

Q: What other Honeywell products are derived from MICRO SWITCH technology?
A: The original large basic MICRO SWITCH product has paved the way for countless innovations. Snap-action switches were introduced in 1932, hermetically sealed switches for airplane use came onto the market during the 1940’s, and subminiature switches for appliances were introduced during the 1950’s. In fact, research during the 1960’s around the effect of magnetic fields on circuit chips – called the “Hall Effect” – led to the growth of the company’s keyboard design group, eventually giving rise to the sensor business within Honeywell Sensing & Control.

Q: What are a few example applications of MICRO SWITCH technology?
A: You’ve probably encountered several of them today and haven’t even realized it. MICRO SWITCH devices can be found nearly everywhere…from your alarm clock this morning, to the microwave you used to warm your coffee, to the elevator you took to get to your office floor. MICRO SWITCH components are so pervasive, that the world around us would likely come to a halt if they did not exist.

Q: Who was the first customer for MICRO SWITCH products?
A: United Electric Controls in 1932 was the first company to place an order for Philip K. Gall’s new MICRO SWITCH precision snap-action switch. In 1936, a fulltime sales representative in Chicago was employed by MICRO SWITCH Corporation, spurring further interest and use of the technology in the United States and eventually worldwide.

Q: Where does Honeywell manufacture MICRO SWITCH products?
A: Honeywell has MIRCO SWITCH component manufacturing facilities in Freeport and Galena, Ill., as well as Juarez, Mexico and Newhouse, Scotland. The company also has numerous engineering and sales centers throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Q: What other Honeywell technologies have had such an impact on our world?
A: Honeywell’s tradition of innovation is very strong. You are likely well aware of the world famous Honeywell Round Thermostat, introduced in 1953. The “Round” replaced chunky, rectangular models, and is one of the world's most recognizable designs. In fact, a mercury switch based on the original MICRO SWITCH component design was used to form the manufacturing foundation of the Round thermostat. It remains in production today and adorns the walls of more households around the world than any other thermostat.

In 1957, Honeywell purchased a fire detection and alarm firm, the first of many acquisitions that would build its security business into today's global leader. In many North America cities, the red and black "Protected by Honeywell" window stickers and placards became nearly as recognizable as the Round thermostat.