ABB Push Buttons, Switches & Signaling Devices
Push buttons, switches, and signaling devices are part of low-voltage control and automation. They are integral to the ABB portfolio and are precisely designed to fulfill specific functions with adequate and clear indications, thereby allowing machine operators to control processes from a central location. You will find these devices in manufacturing industries, utilities, and infrastructure, serving as the essential human-machine interface.
If any human operator is going to control a machine, the operator must have some clear indication of the machine's status. Even push buttons can have a variety of functions. In simple and complex interlinked systems, control without clear human-to-machine interfaces would be impossible. So, the focus of ABB on precise, reliable, and consistent actuation is no small thing, especially when you're thinking about the motion and human actions that are involved with a push button or a switch.
These devices are available in many different shapes and sizes, but they all share a basic structure and function. They are all designed to be operated. And if we consider what purpose they serve in the overall narrative of control and automation, at best, if you design an operator control station, push buttons and switches are crucial to that narrative. These devices are built for the long term and practically demand zero maintenance.
FAQs
What range of pilot devices does ABB offer?
ABB offers a broad selection of pilot-devices that include push buttons, emergency stop buttons, selector switches, pilot lights, signal beacons and stack lights.
How are ABB pilot devices installed?
The installation of ABB pilot devices must follow specified torque values and panel cut-out dimensions. For many devices panel thickness ranges from 1.5 mm to 6 mm and cutouts are typically Ø22 mm or Ø30 mm.
Can ABB pilot devices be used in emergency stop or safety circuits?
Yes, ABB’s emergency-stop pushbuttons meet the latching and reset requirements defined in IEC 60947-5-5, making them suitable for machine safety applications.
What styles of ABB pilot devices are available?
ABB offers a wide variety of actuator styles (mushroom, flush, extended), color combinations, illuminated or non-illuminated versions, and legend plates.
What is the difference between 22mm and 30mm mounting sizes in ABB pilot devices?
The 22 mm size is often used for space-saving and international standard applications; ABB provides adaptors so 22 mm devices can be used in 30 mm mounting holes.
Maintaining NEMA 4 Rating When Making Enclosure Penetrations
Cutouts are very common when modifying enclosures for push buttons, indication lights, conduit entries or mounting hardware. Cutting into an enclosure runs the risk of eliminating the protective nature of the NEMA rated attributes. Proper steps must be followed in order to preserve the NEMA rating of an enclosure.
Devices mounted to the enclosure must have the same NEMA rating as the enclosure.
This means that if the devices are installed to the manufacturer's specifications, they will be able to maintain the NEMA rating of the enclosure.
Water tight conduit hubs must be used when running wire through a cutout in an enclosure.
There are many different types of conduit hubs that are used to secure conduit to an enclosure. However, only certain conduit hubs are rated for a watertight seal. By using water tight hubs, the NEMA rating of the enclosure is maintained.
Bonded washers are necessary when mounting hardware to an enclosure.
If standard mounting hardware is used, the NEMA rating of the enclosure will no longer be maintained. Bonded washers have rubber gaskets that make a watertight seal around the drilled hole. It is also important to make sure the material used for the bonded washer matches the material of the enclosure. Stainless steel enclosures require stainless steel bonded washers.