Modular buttons
Modular buttons are electrical switches, they are widely used in
industrial and residential switchboards and machine parks. They are used
for local control of electrical circuits. They are available with
backlight (illuminated buttons). The backlight allows for signaling the
activation of a given function, which enables the exchange of
machine-operator information. There are various types of light sources
and different value of supply voltage. The most popular are bulbs and
LEDs. The voltage values are 12, 24 VDC and 230 VAC.
Modular push button switches
Switches that operate by permanently changing the position of their
contacts are called push buttons. The action of switching on a given
circuit is triggered by pressing. The broken circuit can only be
triggered by pressing the button a second time.
Modular push button switches have the advantage that they are quick
to install on the line. The plastic switch design makes it
corrosion-resistant and easy to store. Precise mechanics and long
electrical life allow for use in difficult and demanding conditions.
Modular control buttons
Modular control buttons are elements that are part of the desktop
apparatus. They are used in the construction of the control panel, in
almost all types of machines. They are used in assemblies of elements in
production halls. They are also often used in warehouse buildings as
well as other utility facilities. The optimal design of the control
panel, which uses the right buttons, optimizes the response time of the
operator's tasks, which affects the safety, efficiency and
effectiveness of work.
Modular buttons - monostable and bistable
In terms of construction, we distinguish buttons with hold or with
automatic return (with self-return), the name for such buttons is also
used: monostable (impulse control) or bistable (state control).
Buttons with NO and NC contacts
An important distinguishing feature of the switch type are their
contacts, which can be normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO). The
symbol NC (normally closed) in the specification represents the
situation in which the contact in the normal state (before the trip
which causes the change of state) is in the closed position. When the
switch is in standby mode, the switch contact is open, which is
described in its specification by the symbol NO (normally open). The
contacts in the NO position are called make contacts and the NC contacts
are called break contacts.
Modular buttons - covered and protruding
A distinction is made between built-in (covered) and unbuilt
(projecting) buttons. The hidden buttons thanks to their design do not
allow the operator to accidentally release them. On the other hand, the
protruding buttons facilitate access to them and their use by the
operator. This is especially important when triggering the stop
function.
Button IP protection
The selection of the protection degree (IP) of the button should be
adapted to the environment in which the device is used. Depending on
whether it will be exposed to dust, water or other unfavorable
conditions, the appropriate type of protection should be selected.
Hermetic covers are useful in special cases.
Colors of control buttons
When designing the control panel, the colors of the modular control
buttons should be matched to the function to be performed by the button.
The red color is usually assigned to the machine stop function, in the
event of a breakdown or in an emergency. The green color is reserved for
the desired, normal state, e.g. task completion. Blue color is often
used to perform functions that require confirmation by the operator. It
is suggested that the universal colors white, gray and black should not
be used for the emergency stop of the machine or line.