Metallic mercury is in an ampoule attached to a bimetal sensing element. Thermostats that contain mercury should be managed under the universal waste requirements or as dangerous waste . Digital or programmable thermostats do not contain mercury. For more information refer to Universal Waste Rule for Batteries and Mercury Containing Thermostats , July 2000, Ecology Fact Sheet 98-407. Top Switches and Other Electrical Devices Manage mercury containing devices other than batteries, thermostats and fluorescent lamps as dangerous waste .
Tilt switches cause something to happen when mercury in the switch responds to movement.
Tilt switches in buildings are used in sump pumps, bilge pumps, silent light switches, and heaters. Rectifiers are devices that convert alternating current to direct current. They may contain mercury. Gauges such as manometers, barometers, blood pressure and vacuum gauges contain mercury. Liquid mercury in the gauge expands or contracts in response to air pressure in a precise way that can be read on a calibrated scale.