Pushbuttons play a pivotal role in efficiently controlling the machines, initiating emergency responses, or activating any other specific functions that contribute to safe and smooth industrial operations. It is a simple, yet indispensable component widely used in industries, including manufacturing, energy and utilities, infrastructure etc. Gain a detailed understanding through this blog on tips for the optimal selection of pushbuttons for your industrial needs.

What is a Pushbutton?

A pushbutton is a device for making or breaking an electrical circuit & is one of the most common types of switches, designed to control an electric circuit with the press of a button. Its design varies according to applications and requirements. It is made of plastic or metal.

How Does a Pushbutton Work?

Basic Mechanism

Typically, a pushbutton controls various functions of a machine or process. The components of the pushbutton switch include a button or actuator, contacts, and a spring mechanism. A pushbutton initiates switch operation; the contacts, low-resistance metal, that make or break the electrical circuit; and the switch mechanism which is linked to the operator and opens and closes the contacts.

There are two main types of contacts:

The terms NORMALLY OPEN and NORMALLY CLOSED refer to the physical position of the contacts in reference to each other.

Normally Open (NO):

In a normally open switch, the contacts are separated or open; thus the circuit is open and no current can flow through the switch. Typical is a pushbutton switch where depressing the pushbutton causes the contact to move to the other of its extreme positions and close the circuit.

Normally Closed (NC):

In a normally closed switch, the contacts are closed, thereby making electrical contact and electrical circuit. Operation of the switch causes the contact to move and open the circuit.

Tips to Select the Right Pushbuttons for Your Industrial Needs:

• Prioritize Durability: Heavy industries operate in environments that can impact the durability of any equipment. When choosing a pushbutton for harsh weather conditions, consider features such as Ingress Protection (IP) ratings such as IP65, IP 67 & IP68, life cycle, vibration resistance etc.
• Functionality: Understand the functions of pushbuttons and, depending on that, choose the most suitable type of pushbutton for the demands of heavy industries.
• Quality Matters: Quality should always be one of the primary factors when choosing industrial pushbuttons. Choose products with industry certifications like UL, VDE, CE or CSA which provide assurance that the pushbutton complies with safety and performance standards.
• Test and Evaluate: Whenever possible, test the product’s performance in the actual operating environment before full deployment.
• Options for Customization: Modern pushbuttons often come with customizable features to meet the customer's specific needs including illumination, labeling, color options, etc. Make your choice based on your custom requirements.

Applications of Pushbuttons:

Types of Pushbuttons

Based on their function, design, mode of operation, and actuation type, pushbuttons can be further divided into:

By Function:

• Momentary Pushbuttons
  These pushbuttons maintain contact only while the button is pressed. Once the button is released the pushbutton returns to its initial position.
• Latching Pushbuttons
  These pushbuttons maintain contact until the button is pressed again to release. The state toggles with each press.

By Design:

• Flush Pushbuttons
  The button is flat or slightly raised and flush with the panel surface.
• Extended Pushbuttons
  It has a protruding or raised actuator.
• Illuminated Pushbuttons
  The button has a built-in light source (LED or bulb) which indicates the status of the button.
• Mushroom Head Pushbuttons
  These are large, round, dome-shaped buttons, often used for emergency stops.
• Selector Pushbuttons
  These are stayput or momentary rotary pushbuttons allowing multi-position selection, often used for changing between different operational modes.

By Operation:

• Three major terms designate a pushbutton’s function - POLE, THROW, and BREAK.
• The term POLE refers to the number of circuits that can be controlled by the switch.
• The term THROW indicates the number of conductors or paths the switch can control.
• The term BREAK refers to the breaking or opening of a circuit.

A double-break switch provides greater volume of contact material, permitting greater heat dissipation and thereby longer switch life. The double-break switch also has twice the voltage breaking capacity, a desirable feature for DC circuit applications.

Based on the mode of operation, pushbuttons can be grouped as:

• SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw):
  A basic on/off switch with one input and one output.
• SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw):
  A switch with one input and two output positions, allowing you to switch between two different outputs.
• DPST (Double Pole, Single Throw):
  A switch with two inputs and two corresponding outputs, effectively two SPST switches in one package.
• DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw):
  A switch with two inputs and two output positions, allowing you to switch two circuits between two different outputs.

Pushbuttons by Teknic Electric

For selecting the right pushbuttons for heavy industrial applications, the key factors involved are quality, safety, efficiency and overall operational success.

With the right choice, you can achieve seamless control and signaling for your industrial applications. Pushbuttons by Teknic Electric, India’s leading manufacturer of Control and Signaling devices, undergo a stringent quality control process making it an ideal choice for your industrial requirements.