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A MOMENTARY POSITION of a switch is one in which the actuator will only stay as long as
force is applied to the actuator. When the force is removed, the actuator (and switch) will return to a non-
momentary position.
A LOCKED POSITION of a switch is used to prevent the accidental movement of the actuator to
or from a specific position.
A SNAP-ACTING SWITCH is one in which the movement of the switch contacts is relatively
independent of the actuator movement. This is accomplished by using a leaf spring for the common
contact of the switch.
A MICROSWITCH is an accurate snap-acting switch and the operating point is preset and very
accurately known.