Editing Governor (device) (section)

{{About|the concept of self-limiting in mechanics|other uses|Self-limiting (disambiguation){{!}}Self-limiting}}
{{other uses|governor (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox electronic component
| name   = Governor
| image  = Speed limiter.jpg
| caption= Electronic governor or speed limiter
| type   = Switch
| symbol = [[File:IEEE 315 Contacts, Switches, Contactors, and Relays Symbols (153).svg]]
}}
{{short description|Device used to measure and regulate the speed of a machine}}
A '''governor''', or [[speed limiter]] or '''controller''', is a [[machine|device]] used to measure and regulate the [[speed]] of a [[machine]], such as an [[engine]].

A classic example is the [[centrifugal governor]], also known as the [[James Watt|Watt]] or fly-ball governor on a reciprocating steam engine,  which uses the effect of [[Inertia|inertial force]] on rotating weights driven by the machine output shaft to regulate its speed by altering the input flow of steam.