Electric Bell - Types - Interrupter Bells

Interrupter Bells

The most widely used form is the interrupter bell, which produces a continuous sound when current is applied. The bell or gong, which is often in the shape of a cup or half-sphere, is struck by a spring-loaded arm with a metal ball on the end called a clapper, actuated by an electromagnet. In its rest position the clapper is held away from the bell a short distance by its springy arm. When an electric current is passed through the winding of the electromagnet it creates a magnetic field that attracts the iron arm of the clapper, pulling it over to give the bell a tap. This opens a pair of electrical contacts attached to the clapper arm, interrupting the current to the electromagnet. The magnetic field of the electromagnet collapses, and the clapper springs away from the bell. This closes the contacts again, allowing the current to flow to the electromagnet again, so the magnet pulls the clapper over to strike the bell again. This cycle repeats rapidly, many times per second, resulting in a continuous ringing.

The tone of the sound generated depends on the shape and size of the bell or gong resonator. Where several bells are installed together, they may be given distinctive rings by using different size or shapes of gong, even though the strike mechanisms are identical.

Another type, the single-stroke bell, has no interrupting contacts. The hammer strikes the gong once each time the circuit is closed. These are used to signal brief notifications, such as a shop door opening for a customer, rather than continuous warnings.