A push-button switch is an element of electrical equipment that is in high consumer demand and is found almost everywhere. One of its main purposes is the ability to control the flow of electrical energy by pressing a special button. The most exploited are push-button switches KE, VKI, VK and others.
Types of Pushbutton Switches
The push-button switch is intended for use in electrical circuits with alternating current in the network, with voltages up to 380V. According to the control method, lighting switches of this type are divided into:
- push;
- rotary;
- combined (to turn on the lights they need to be pressed, and to control the level of illumination - turn).
Scope of push-button switches
Most often, push-button switches are used in household appliances and mobile lighting devices. They are included in the package of control panels, cabinets in fixed installations, panels. Special operating conditions for push-button switches are not needed, because during operation the temperature range can be from - 60 to + 40 degrees with relative humidity up to 100%. They can be used for outdoor and indoor installation, in a chemically active environment, explosive areas, at the enterprises of the oil and gas industry and other industries.
There are many models designed to control the main lighting in the room. They look like neat button keys.
Pushbutton switches with and without latching
Switches of this type may be:
- with fixation;
- without fixation.
The push-button switch without fixing means manual control. It works while a person holds a button. Such models are often used for control panels, in which their main advantages are best manifested - maximum protection against accidental switching on and compactness. This is practically the only type of device that has manual control. In the on position, it is simply impossible to accidentally leave it.
The push-button switch with fixation from the operating state is displayed only by repeated pressing. This type of device is considered more common, because one person can control a large number of current consumers.
Design Features of Pushbutton Switches
These controls in terms of a variety of colors, designs and shapes are very little inferior to keyboard switches. If you wish, you can choose a model with or without backlight, find products in the modern, retro and so on.
A conventional push-button switch is usually made in plastic cases, due to which these products have a low cost. If you handle them carefully, they can last a fairly long time, withstanding many thousands of switching cycles. A push-button switch with a latch for added convenience to users is supplemented by a light indicator indicating the status of this device (off or on). If similar products will be used in difficult conditions, it is recommended to purchase them in an anti-vandal design, because they have excellent mechanical strength.
If necessary, the keys and buttons of the switches can be covered with a splash shield, which will significantly extend the life of the device and reduce the risk of short circuits.
Product Cost depends on their performance and design features. For example, a push-button switch without fixing will cost a little cheaper than its analogue. The difference in price between products in the usual and special or anti-vandal performance will be quite noticeable.
Connection
The circuit breaker circuit is very simple. Their main nodes are:
- fixed contacts;
- a bridge that is equipped with movable contacts;
- spring to return the bridge.
The principle of connecting products is the same as for keyboard analogs - closing / opening phases.
Switches push-button VK16-19
Products of this series are used to control electric circuits with alternating current with a frequency of 50 and 60 Hz, as well as with voltages up to 220V. In addition, the products are used for circuits with direct current and voltage not exceeding 220 V. The push-button switch VK16-19 comes with a built-in signal lamp, which is necessary for light indication in the tripping position.
Application
Switches of this type are mainly used for the assembly of consoles, panels, posts and control cabinets in various stationary installations, mill equipment, rolling machines, automation systems and electric trains.
The principle of operation of the device
The functioning system is quite simple. When the starter is pressed, the contacts switch. In models that go without a latch, when the force is removed, the latch returns to its original position. At this moment, the contacts switch. In push-button switches with mechanical locking, the pusher remains depressed when the force is released and only when pressed again returns to its original position.
In products with electromagnetic fixation, when pressed, the electromagnet is turned on, and the pusher is fixed in the pressed position. When turned off, it will return to its original position.
KE switches
This is a unified device designed for switching electrical circuits of direct and alternating current.
Hardware Features
The push-button switch KE is used in almost all industries. Such equipment is acquired by both mechanics for machine tools and electricians for control panels. Products of this series are used on mobile installations or on stationary equipment.
The composition of such a device includes:
- unified contact elements;
- control device;
- fasteners.
In the circuit breaker, the drive is the device responsible for the tightness of the joint and pusher. It has a warning light that informs personnel of the operating condition. The make / break contacts are not connected to each other. When you press the working pusher, the traverse moves, which opens / closes the contact.
Before installing the product, you need to remove the front ring, tighten the nut with the slots to the stop so that the switch does not turn. The button is pushed into the hole with the back side so that the antenna of the ring is there. Then, holding the device, you need to rotate the front ring all the way along the axis, draw the power wires and connect to the equipment.
Pushbutton Switches with Locking FRI
This device is designed for rare switching of single and three-phase loads of both inductive and active nature (in electric motors, heating and lighting devices). The scope of the circuit breakers in this series is very diverse. They are used in electrified construction machines and mechanisms (concrete mixers of small volumes, power tools, street lighting circuits, mobile fan heaters, pumps, compressors, etc.).
When using such a device, additional means of protection against overload and short circuit should be provided, since the push-button switch FRI does not have built-in protection against overcurrents. It can be circuit breakers or fuses. Products of this series consist of a plastic base, divided into 3 parts, each of which has contact brass holders directed to each other. On the one hand, they are connected to the conductors of the network and the load, and on the other, to the contacts.
In order for the push-button switch with the lock to work as long as possible, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules during operation:
- The ambient temperature should not be higher than 50 degrees.
- The switch must not be in an explosive place. The room should not contain dust in a high concentration, since dustiness greatly reduces the performance of the device.
- Vibration load should not exceed the permissible frequency (60 Hz).
- It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight.
- Pushbutton switches with locking of the FRI series can occupy any position in space.
Only following these recommendations can you confidently use this or that device.