Langir Panel Mount Push Button Switch

Langir Electric is a trustworthy producer of panel mount push button switch in China. Langir push button switches are usually mounted on the panels whereas the max panel thickness is 12mm. It means your panel thickness is less than 12mm, you can install the pushbutton switch freely. You could not install them on uneven panel board unless you just need them to look beautiful. It is also called surface mount.

Langir suggests you the tolerance of hole size not exceed 0.3mm. For example, if the pushbutton switch is 19mm when you open the hole on the panel, the hole shall be about 19.3mm, so that the water will not seep into the machine. O ring will prevent it.

Langir panel mount push button switch is available with a choice of normally open, normally closed, SPST, SPDT, or DPDT. The flush actuator offers non-illuminated, dot illumination, ring illumination, bi-color, and tri-color illumination, with illumination color choices of red, yellow, green, blue, white, and orange. So you can find the exact option you need.

Langir panel mount push button switches are durable of long electrical life and are easy to install. In addition, the quick disconnect function and easy-to-clean functions increase the reliability of our products. In a word, Langir panel mount push button switches are a really easy tool to be used in your machine.

Browse our website or call Langir, where our sales term is standing by to assist you. You will get our quick and professional quote!

Panel Mount Push Button Switch – FAQ Guide

In this FAQ guide, you will learn a multitude of interesting things about the panel mount push button switch.

You will learn the different types it offers, the available colors, shapes, and sizes that you’re not familiar with until you read this FAQ guide.

On top of that, you will also learn different vital information about the panel mount push button switch that you will find useful for its application and use.

So, before purchasing a panel mount push button switch, you should read this helpful FAQ guide first.

1. What is the panel mount push button switch?

Panel mount push button switch

The panel mount push button switch generally refers to the method that the switch is mounted or the material where it is going to be mounted.

It is also known by several names such as panel mount push button, push button panel, panel mount switch, push button switch panel, push button switch panel mount, panel mount push switch, push button panel mount, switch panel mount, as well as flat push button, or flat push button switch.

Similar to other types of push button switches, the panel mount push button switch also has different types, characteristics, features, and many other classifications which make it a versatile and reliable choice for any purpose and application.

One of the earliest recorded accounts of the use of panel mount push button switches is with the early computers in the 1960s.

The early computer panels contain some or random combinations of indicator lights, dials, symbol displays, console typewriters, oscilloscopes, toggles, and panel mount push button switches mounted on a metal faceplate.

One of the early computers with panel mount push button switches is IBM’s system/360 model 91 for their out-of-order execution to compete with its competitor CDC 6600 by Control Data Corporation.

System 360 model 91 front panel

2. How does the mechanism of the panel mount push button switch operate?

The panel mount push button switch operates to connect or disconnect one or more circuits that initiate the device or equipment function.

It needs a manual force such as pressing or touching the actuator to move the mechanisms inside the switch such as opening and closing the circuit’s maneuvering the current flow.

3. What makes up the assembly of the panel mount push button switch?

The panel mount push button switch comprises of two main parts which are the actuator and the body or its enclosure.

But apart from these main parts, other parts are equally important to the operation of the panel mount push button switch.

Here are the most common assembly parts of the panel mount push button switch:

• Actuator – Sometimes called the panel mount button, operator, or the head, it is the user facing part of the panel mount push button switch which the user pressed to initiate the designated operation.
• Enclosure – Otherwise called the shell or the body of the panel mount push button switch that houses and protects the internal mechanical and electrical parts.
• Terminals – Also known as the pins of the panel mount push button switch where the wires are usually connected.
• Mounting flange – This is generally a hex shaped nut that is used to fasten and secure the panel mount push button switch.
• O-Ring – This is also called the rubber ring or rubber seal that is positioned beneath the actuator so that when mounted, it seals the panel cut from water ingress.
• Grooves – These are the indentations around the body of the panel mount push button switch enabling the mounting flange to fasten it tightly.

The interior of the panel mount push button switch contains the spring, fixed and movable contacts, and LED chip for the illumination.

While other types of the panel mount push button switch have no moving parts but instead it contains an assembly module, for example, the piezo switch.

Piezo panel mount push button switch parts

4. What are the types considered as panel mount push button switches?

The term panel mount push button switch is a general term that applies to any type of push button switch that is installed in a panel.

This means that it has a wide range of types and varieties.

Here is some of the panel mount push button switch variety which is available in the market today:

• Flat head panel mount push button switch
• Panel mount switch with LED
• Red LED panel mount push button switch
• Panel mount power switch
• Waterproof panel mount switch
• Anti vandal switch panel mounted
• Piezo switch panel mounted
• Capacitive switch panel mounted
• Miniature panel mount push button switches
• Low profile panel mount push button switch

Low profile panel mount push button switch

5. What are the various characteristics of a panel mount push button switch?

The panel mount push button switch has different characteristics such as its diameter sizes, colors, actuator shapes, and design, terminals, and so on.

The following table shows the panel mount push button switch’s different characteristics:

Panel mount push button switch laser head

6. What are the styles and purposes of the panel mount push button switch?

The panel mount push button switches are classified into styles and purposes as well.

This is to provide solutions to issues such as an accidental pressing of the button by a stray finger or activating the switch by an object accidentally bumping on it.

This solution is very important especially when the panel mount push button switch’s purposes are related to security, safety, and critical processes.

• Extended application
  • The actuator is raised further when compared to other standard raised button heads.
  • Generally used for the “stop” function in a machine.
• Flush application
  • The actuator is flush with its enclosure which means that direct pressure is needed to actuate the panel mount push button switch.
  • Usually preferred for the “start” functions like the push button start panel.
• Selector switches application
  • This is used when there are multiple control option needed
  • Used when a maintained contact.
• Guarded application
  • This takes the unwanted operation one step further because the actuator has a metal guard around it.
• Mushroom and Jumbo mushroom application
  • These are used for emergency stop and stop push buttons in general.
  • They are very easy to operate which is perfect for emergency uses.
• Push-pull operators
  • The actuator needed to be physically pushed and pulled to turn it off and on.
  • Typically used for two positions maintained contacts like the start and stop button or the up or down button as well as three-position maintained or momentary contacts like the start, stop and run button or hand, off, and auto functions.
• Twist to release application
  • In this application, the actuator is activated by pushing it in and then twisting it to release.
  • This is generally used for the “emergency stop” or “stop” functions of machines.
• Key release application
  • This is similar to twist to release but you need to insert a key to release the actuator.
  • Oftentimes, this is used for safety such as locking a machine while it is undergoing a maintenance procedure.
• Illuminated lens or operator
  • This allows the user to save money and space since it is a combination of the push button function and indicator light.
  • Although the push button function and indicator light are combined in one device, they are wire separately to work.
• Roto push application
  • This application combines the push button and selector switches in one device.
  • The push button has an outer guard that can be rotated to multiple positions which can provide several contact actions whenever the actuator is pressed or released.
• Potentiometer
  • This is often used as a control for speed since it can vary resistance by turning its dial.
• Joystick application
  • The buttons are mounted in a standard hole size with some space left behind the panel for the lever to work.
• Square operator with multifunction application
  • This is used when there are several functions required and space is at a premium.

Emergency stop push button switch

7. What are the switch actions of the panel mount push button switch?

The panel mount push button switch can be categorized into two different switch actions which are the following:

• Panel mount momentary push button switch – In this switch action, the actuator remains depressed while it is being pressed down and it springs back into its normal state when the pressure is released.

It is also called the panel mount momentary switch, panel mount momentary push button, panel mount momentary push button switch, flat momentary switch, and momentary switch panel.

• Panel mount latching push button switch – In here the actuator remains depressed even after releasing the pressure and will only return to its normal state when it is pressed again.

Momentary panel mount push button switch application

8. What are the switch starting positions of the panel mount push button switch?

The panel mount push button switch momentary and latching switch actions have two kinds of starting positions or contact states, and they are:

• Normally open panel mount push button switch – In this starting position, the contacts are always open until the actuator is pressed down which connects the contacts and allowing the current flow.
• Normally closed panel mount push button switch- In here the contacts are always closed and the contacts are connected until the actuator is pressed down that disconnects them.

Some of the examples are the following:

• Off
• Off or On
• 1 Off (Normally Open)
• 1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)
• 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)
• 1 On (Normally Closed)
• 2 Off (Normally Open)
• 2 Off (Normally Open) and 2 On (Normally Closed)
• 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed)
• 2 On (Normally Closed)
• 3 Off (Normally Open)

Normally open and normally closed push button switch symbol

9. What are the electrical industry designations of the panel mount push button switch?

The panel mount push button switch also has electrical industry designations or in simple terms, electrical control circuit classifications or contact forms.

These are the poles and throws of the panel mount push button switch.

Most of the time, people tend to define the poles by the number of the switch’s terminals but this is not the definition of the term at all.

The poles refer to the number of circuits that a switch can control.

For example, a single pole controls one circuit, two poles control two circuits within one unit, and so on.

There are four basic contact form variations and these are the following:

• Single Pole Single Throw (SPST)
  • This is also known as the two way switch or on and off switch.
  • It controls the connection and disconnection of two terminals.
  • It can only have one “on” position.
  • For example, push button on off panel.
• Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT)
  • This is also known as the A/B switch.
  • This has one input terminal and two “on” positions.
• Double Pole Single Throw (DPST)
  • Has the ability to control two circuits.
  • There are two inputs and two “on” positions.
• Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT)
  • Can control two electrical circuits with two input terminals and two selections for the output terminals.
  • Can be configured as a single pole.

Electrical control circuit symbols for push button switches

10. Why do most panel push button switches are made from stainless steel?

Stainless steel is one of the iron-based alloys which contains some amount of chromium to make it rustproof and heat resistant.

Other types of stainless steel include some amounts of carbon, aluminum, nitrogen, silicon, titanium, sulfur, copper, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, and selenium.

Most panel mount push button switches are made from stainless steel and this is because stainless steel is a durable material.

There are over 150 stainless steel grades but panel mount push button switch manufacturers generally use two kinds of grades only which are grades 304 and 316.

• 304 stainless steel grade – This grade has some amount of nickel and chromium which makes it high temperature resistant and high density.
• 316 stainless steel grade – This grade has molybdenum included which makes it resistant to high temperatures and rust.

While stainless steel is the most preferred material for panel mount push button switches, other materials are also used such as the following:

• Anodized Aluminum
• Silver alloy
• Gold and nickel-plated brass
• Gold and silver-plated copper
• Silicone
• Ceramic
• Polycarbonate
• Nitrile

Metal push button switches

11. What are the applications where the panel mount push button switch is best for?

The panel mount push button switches are found in a vast range of equipment, electronic devices, and products in many different industries like the following:

• Individual machines
  • All industrial machines are generally controlled by panel mount push button switches.
• Factory assembly lines
  • Manufacturing companies have assembly lines that are controlled by panel mount push button switches.
• Airlines
  • Passenger bridges are controlled by panel mount push button switches and position into the right position and lock onto the plane’s hatchway.
• Car wash businesses
  • The operator of the car wash pushes a panel mount push button switch to control the car wash process.

Panel mount push button switches application use is not limited to the industries above since you can also find them in home applications such as for light switches, garage door, and gate controls, and DIY projects.

Applications of panel mount push button switch

12. What is the difference between the front and rear panel mount push button switch?

The front and rear panel mount push button switches are different when it comes to their appearance as well as the manner of their mounting method.

13. Why front mounting method is preferred for the 30mm panel mount push button switch?

The preferred installation method of the 30mm panel mount push button switch is the front mounting method because of several reasons or advantages for many industries such as the following:

• The mounting process is simplified.
• The panel mount push button switch enclosure rating is maintained.
• The 30mm cut out has notches provided that keeps the panel mount push button switch in place and restrict its movement while being used and mounting flanges to seal better.
• You don’t need to open the panel to replace the lamp or LED of the panel mount push button switch.
• Zero arc flash incidents.
• You can place a flat gasket to seal over the large surface area from the front as compared to the rear mounting method.
• Users do not need to worry about what parts to place in front of the panel such as legend plates, guards, or lockouts since the mounting is from the back.
• You can use gaskets to compensate for varying panel mount push button switch thickness.
• Users or electricians do not have to open the panel to perform repair or maintenance work.
• You only need to hire one tradesperson to perform repair or maintenance work instead of a separate electrician and mechanic who belongs to two different unions respectively and are not allowed to perform the work of the other therefore saving money from professional fees as well.
• Contact blocks are fixed directly on the panel mount push button switch without any fixing collars which means less part number to order and stock for distributors.

Front panel mount push button switch

14. What is the maximum panel thickness for the panel mount push button switch?

The recommended maximum panel thickness for the panel mount push button switches is about 12mm.

This means that if the panel’s thickness is 12mm, you can install the panel mount push button switch without any problems.

However, you may encounter difficulties when the panel’s surface is uneven and the sealing may not be as effective, and could let dust or water enter the back of the panel.

15. What is the error in measurement allowed for panel mount push button switch?

Occasionally there are measurement errors when cutting holes for the panel mount push button switch.

This could leave a bit of space surrounding the enclosure which could make the mounting a bit lose.

It is recommended that you allow only 0.3mm error in measurement and if possible, it should not exceed that point.

So if you have a 16mm panel mount push button switch, the panel’s hole must only have the maximum diameter size of 16.3mm.

Otherwise, water may seep through the panel which can cause damage to the machine.

16. What is the purpose of the contact blocks of the panel mount push button switch?

Sometimes you will find contact blocks and light units at the back of the panel.

These are responsible for the electrical circuit connection that allows the machine to operate whether it starts, stops, or runs.

If the panel mount push button switch has a light indicator, the light signal refers to the current stage of the machine operation.

Sample of push button switch contact block

17. What are the benefits of the panel mount push button switch with indicator lights?

The panel mount push button switch with indicator lights helps you to:

• Know if the machine, equipment, or device is turned “on” or “off” and another status.
• Know the purpose of the switch instantly with color-coded lights.
• Have long-lasting indicating lights, therefore, saving money from replacements and labor service fees.

18. How to properly install a panel mount push button switch on a panel?

When installing a panel mount push button switch on a panel, it is important to be completely guided to ensure that the mounting is properly done to avoid redoing the installation or errors in measurement which could waste a good panel material.

Before you begin the mounting process, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

• A panel mount push button switch
• Panel cutout
• A panel sheet or board
• Hole saw
• Soldering tools

Here are the steps to follow as your guide for the panel mount push button switch installation:

1. Trace the panel cutout on the panel sheet and cut it with a hole saw.
2. Test the fit of the panel mount push button switch through the hole to ensure if it fits just right.
3. Insert the O-ring to the panel mount push button switch before the next step.
4. Then solder the wires to the terminals of the panel mount push button switch by referring to the wiring guide.
5. Then mount the panel mount push button switch through the panel hole.
6. Take the mounting flange and fasten the switch properly at the back of the panel.
7. Connect the wires and test the panel mount push button switch.

19. How many years is the service life of the panel mount push button switch in general?

The service life of the panel mount push button switch will depend on its quality and the manner how it is being used.

A high quality panel mount push button switch would typically have about 1,000,000 mechanical life cycles and around 200,000 electrical life cycles.

While poor quality panel mount push button switch may have lower mechanical and electrical life cycles.

Apart from the quality aspect, sometimes the service life of the panel mount push button switch is also shortened when it is used beyond its purpose, capacity, or manufacturer’s recommendations.

For example, a panel mount push button switch which is not water resistant is used in near water applications.

In these types of conditions, it is best to use a waterproof panel mount push button switch.

Another example is using a regular panel mount push button switch in high usage applications where it is going to be used quite frequently.

In this application, an anti vandal panel mount push button switch is very much recommended to ensure strong durability and long service life.

20. What are the advantages of panel mount push button switches in the application?

The panel mount push button switch offers a lot of advantages that add more value to your money and some of these are listed below:

• Long-lasting and hard-wearing
• Eye-catching aesthetics
• Best for many application use
• Wide range of types and designs
• Space saver options
• Reasonably priced
• quick disconnect function
• easy-to-clean
• Low maintenance
• Can be installed in many kinds of environmental conditions such as:
  • Dusty
  • Washdown
  • Damp
  • Saline
  • Corrosive
  • Oily
  • Outdoor
  • Submersible
  • High-pressure washdown
  • Hazardous

Because of the superb quality and versatile features of the panel mount push button switch, it is widely regarded as the best option for any switch application.

Submersible waterproof panel mount push button switches

21. What are the panel mount push button switch stations?

This refers to multiple panel mount push button switches that are mounted in a panel altogether following a matrix or arrangement.

The panel mount push button switches can be customized for different functions in a single panel or push button control panel.

One station to house multiple panel mount push button switches saves space since it removes the need to include several panel sheets hence saving money as well.

Push button switch stations

22. What are the panel mount push button switch legend plates?

The panel mount push button switch legend plates help you to identify which button to push for a specific function immediately.

This also helps you in selecting the wrong button which can cause problems afterward due to human error.

These are small plates with different color and size varieties like the examples below:

• Standard legend plates – Usually fits closely around the panel mount push button switch.
• Extra-large plates – These are prominent-looking plates generally used for “stop” functions and are often colored red.

Push button switch legend plate

23. What are the common issues with the panel mount push button switch?

Knowing the common issues when working with the panel mount push button switch is a piece of good-to-know information to help you with when you’re selecting what you will be purchasing or when you’re installing it.

• Space issues

When installing the panel mount push button switch, sometimes there is not enough space for you to maneuver your hands and easily install it.

This is why manufacturers provide the mounting matrix which defines the vertical and horizontal dimensions.

• Enclosures

Some complicated machines require several panel mount push button switches which means that you also need different sizes of enclosures with enough room for the wires, cables, and conduits.

You also need to consider how much space the panel mount push button switches occupies behind the panel since they vary in lengths.

Knowing this information will ensure that the enclosure is deep enough to hold all of them.

You also need to comply with ingress and environmental protection ratings for the enclosure such as NEMA, UL, and IECs IP which involves protection against dust, water, oil, and vibration.

• LED service life

For panel mount push button switch with LED that is rarely lit, shorter lamp life is okay to use or you leave out the wiring for the LED.

However, for a frequently used application, it is better to choose a high-quality LED panel mount push button switch instead.

24. What does the IK seal mean in the panel mount push button switches?

There are times that you will see a seal that reads IK10 in the panel mount push button switch’s product description or on its packaging.

This seal represents the degree of protection that the enclosure of the panel mount push button switch provides against certain levels of kinetic force and tough temperature levels.

A manufacturer will submit their panel mount push button switch to two types of IK impact tests which are the Charpy impact test and the Drop weight impact test.

Each test comprises different levels of impact testing and varying temperature levels to simulate certain tough conditions.

Depending on how the panel mount push button switch performs after the tests, it is rated from IK0 to IK10 in which IK10 is the highest.

IK10 seal

25. What does the IP number mean in the panel mount push button switches?

The IP number that you see on the panel mount push button switch’s description refers to the level of protection it provides against solid and water ingress hence IP stands for Ingress Protection.

The two digit numbers represent the levels of protection for solid and water respectively.

The first number indicates the degree of protection from solid ingress while the second number is for the degree of protection for water ingress.

This also means that the panel mount push button switch is subjected to two types of testing which are the solid substance protection test and the water ingress protection test.

Each test comprises a succession of procedures to determine up to what level of degree the panel mount push button switch can withstand and come out fine.

After these tests, the panel mount push button switch is labeled anywhere between IP11 to IP69K.

Examples of these are the push button marine switch panel, or the marine push button switch panel.

IP rating seals for water resistant and water proof push button switches

26. How to select a high quality panel mount push button switch suitable for any application use?

When you’re looking for a panel mount push button switch, it is necessary to know the details that will help you determine whether it is high quality and suitable for your intended application.

Here are some of the things you can refer to when looking for a high quality panel mount push button switch:

• Positive customer reviews
  • If the panel mount push button switch has good customer reviews this means that it has a good quality.
  • The customer reviews are oftentimes found in the manufacturer’s website, online marketplaces, vendors, product brochures, and so on.
• Priced just right
  • The first thing you notice on a product listing is the price which sometimes makes or breaks the deal.
  • Sometimes if the price is cheap, the quality is not that good but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the high priced panel mount push button switches are high quality.
  • Try to compare the prices of several panel mount push button switches to identify the reasonable price range.
• Review the images and demo videos
  • While most product listings have images of the panel mount push button switch, sometimes it is better if it has a demo or promotional video.
  • If the product listing does not include any videos, try to find the manufacturer’s website or their youtube channel.
  • Analyze the panel mount push button switch images and video to identify if this is the right one that you’re looking for.
• Check for the quality seals
• As a consumer, you should look for markings or seals that indicate the quality of the panel mount push button switch.
  • Some of the seals that you should be looking for are the following:
    • IP65, IP68, or IP69K seal for waterproof
    • IK10 seal for vandal proof

While for international safety standards:

• ISO certified
• CE (European Conformity)
• REACH certificate of compliance
• RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances)
• TUV (Technical Inspection Association)
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

International standard and quality seals

27. What if you receive a faulty panel mount push button switch?

On some occasions, you may receive a faulty panel mount push button switch despite quality checks done by the manufacturer.

When you do, it is best to secure the warranty paperwork which should come along with the product or be sent to you via email.

It will indicate how many years the warranty covers and the details of its coverage.

Generally, if you found out that the panel mount push button switch is not working shortly after receiving it, you can immediately contact your manufacturer or vendor for a possible replacement.

Testing the panel mount push button switch upon receiving it is important in this case.

If you were to store it first, you may forget about it until the warranty period lapses and may not be able to request a replacement.

Replacing the faulty panel mount push button switch with a new one also depends on the manufacturer’s discretion.

If the panel mount push button switch has been used already, the manufacturer’s repair technician identifies what caused the problem and this becomes the basis of the applicable warranty policy.

If the fault is due to human error, it may not be covered by the warranty and you may be charged with repair fees.

Aside from that, the length of time it may take to have it repaired or replaced can take up to several weeks depending on your location.

This is why it is ideal to test the panel mount push button switch first before working on it to ensure that you have received a good one and will not have any issues later on.

It is also important to highlight here that when this happens, usually the panel mount push button switch you’ve purchased may not be of good quality.

So, the next time you shop for panel mount push button switches, always look for high quality features that are included in this FAQ guide.

28. How to test a panel mount push button switch to know its condition?

It is important to test the panel mount push button switch the soonest as you received it.

This helps to determine if it is a good switch or not so good one before you start working with it and installing it.

To check the panel mount push button switch’s condition multimeter to perform the testing.

• Check the multimeter’s condition first by turning it on and turning the range selector knob.
• Connect the leads into the ports appropriate for the testing.
  • The black lead goes to the COM port
  • The red lead goes to the current port for voltage measurement or the MaV Ω port to measure resistance
• Test the leads first by touching the probes together
• The display of the multimeter should show about 1 ohm
• If not check if the leads are connected to the right ports correctly otherwise, the multimeter may not be working properly
• Then using the probes, touch the panel mount push button switch’s terminals with one probe in one terminal.
• The display will show 1 ohm or less and OL if the panel mount push button switch is off.

• After this multimeter testing is done, you can be sure that the panel mount push button switch is in good working condition and ready for installation.

29. Can you request modifications for your panel mount push button switch order?

Yes, you can of course.

Some manufacturers welcome modifications or customization requests from their customers and clients regarding their panel mount push button switch orders.

Whether you need a unique-looking panel mount push button switch, or a specific color or size, you can bring this up to your manufacturer and know if these modifications are possible.

You may also be provided with other customization options that are available that you may find interesting and will surely help your customization goals.

Here are some of the options that may be available for your panel mount push button switch’s modification request:

• The kind of materials which are going to be used for making the panel mount push button switch
• The diameter size and measurements of other parts.
• The shape and color of the panel mount push button switch
• The design and type of the actuator whether it is illuminated or not
• Backlit logo options
• Other specifications you need for your panel mount push button switch

If you have your panel mount push button switch design such as 3d rendered illustrations, you can also consult your manufacturer about the possibility of considering it for your orders.

You should also confirm with your manufacturer if they have a minimum quantity requirement for modification requests.

Symbol options