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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
