Indication & Signaling
Pilot devices provide control and condition monitoring of different types of processes, equipment and machinery in industrial and commercial applications. They are used for communication from a machine to an operator or from an operator to a machine. Pilot devices can be an audio or visual indicator, or an actuator that is used to control the flow of energy to a process. Visual indicators are: pilot lights, signal towers, strobes and beacons. Audio indictors are: buzzers and sounder horns. Actuators are: push buttons, selector switches, toggle switches and potentiometers.
Beacons and signal towers are used in a variety of industrial automation applications. They provide operators of machinery a clear visual indication of the machine’s status. Signal towers and beacons generally come in five different colors. Red can indicate an emergency stop or machine fault. Yellow can indicate a warning. Green can indicate normal operation. Blue can indicate a help request and white can be a user-defined condition.
More Information about Indication & Signaling
Pilot lights are devices that provide visual information about the operating status of a circuit. They are normally used for on/off indication, alarm signaling and changing conditions. Pilot lights come in a variety of designs. Indicator pilot lights use LEDs or incandescent lamps as indicating lights in control panels and automated instruments. Pilot lights include a colored lens such as, green, red, amber, white or clear. The colored lens represents the condition of the connected equipment or machine. A green pilot light normally indicates that the system is de-energized or off. A red pilot light normally indicates that a system is energized or on.
Sounder horns output an audible signal when a voltage is applied to their input power terminals. The tone is pre-programmed into the circuitry and the sound is emitted when power is supplied. Sounder horns are widely used for generating evacuation alarms in the event of a fire, chemical spill or gas leak. Other applications include machinery start-up alarms, heavy equipment movement, back-up warning systems and movement of doors, barriers and gates.
Industrial Enclosure Accessories & Modification
Common modifications or accessories that are used to enhance electrical cabinets.
Lighting kits. Lighting kits are often used in outdoor applications. There are many different styles of lighting kits that can be used, but LEDs have become the preferred lighting solution in the past several years.
Pressure switches. Pressure switches operate on a spring and react to the cabinet door opening and closing. They can be used for lights, intrusions alarms and exhaust fans.
Passive air vents. Passive air vents allow natural air circulation to flow through a cabinet providing proper ventilation.
Enclosure fans. Enclosure air fans are used when more ventilation is required. The size of the fan will depend on the size of the enclosure as well as the amount of air that needs to be circulated.
Air conditioners. Air conditioners are used when ambient air circulation is inadequate to cool the cabinet. The air conditioner size will depend on the enclosure size, ambient air temperature and heat generated within the cabinet.
Heaters. Heaters are used when a cabinet is located in areas that may be exposed to cold temperatures.
Locking mechanisms. Locking mechanisms are used to secure cabinets.
Conduit hole seals. Conduit hole seals are used on cabinets that have holes that need to be plugged after conduit has been removed.