Safety Push Buttons

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.

Push button are most commonly used for switching devices on or off. There are different types of push buttons switches that function in specific ways. Momentary push button switches require continuous compression to keep contact within the circuit and keep the device “on.” Most are used for intermittent user input such as reset or keypad buttons. Latching or maintained push button switches do not require continuous compression and require the user to just press the switch once to turn the device on or off until it is pressed again. 

It is important to follow the proper safety standards when selecting the color of push buttons for industrial applications in order to prevent confusion. Start/On function: Green, white, black or grey. No red. Emergency stop function: Only red. Stop/Off function: Black, grey or white. No green. Red is permitted if it is not near any emergency stop buttons.

Push buttons designed for industrial environments should have proper sealant methods to prevent water, oil and other pollutants from interfering or contaminating the mechanism. They should be built to withstand higher voltages and the switches should allow for greater electrical conductivity. They generally come in 16, 22 and 30 mm sizes, can be illuminated, and are available in metal and plastic versions.