Investigations of the Shape Memory Alloy actuator applied in a current sensitive switch

The main goal of this paper is to present results of investigations of the Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator applied in a current sensitive switch. The SMA muscle wire actuates the electric micro switch, breaking the electrical circuit. The prototype stand of the switch, automatically breaking the circuit when overcurrent appears, was designed. The stand consists of a prototype switch construction and a measuring system, allowing for various investigations. The measurement methodology and selected results of the performed experiments are also presented. Finally, the authors try to answer the following question: is it possible to use the SMA actuator as a main drive in a current sensing switch?