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Today, machines often perform more than function. This is where pilot devices come in. Through pilot devices, workers can interact with the machine’s operation.
Pilot devices communicate information both directions – from a human to the machine (turning it on and off), and then from machine to the human (current state of the machine).
Pilot devices consist of pushbuttons, selector switches, toggle and rocker switches, indicating lights and signal towers. They can be found in any application – residential, commercial and/or industrial – anywhere there is a need to operate and/or talk to a machine.
A pushbutton is a type of pilot device that acts as a simple switch mechanism for controlling some aspect of a machine or a process.
Pushbuttons are utilized in calculators, computers and kitchen appliances. Within industrial and commercial applications, pushbuttons can be linked together so the act of pushing one button causes another one to be released.
Pushbuttons are color coded to associate their color with their function to make it easier for the operator. Commonly used colors are RED for STOP and GREEN for GO.
The size of a pilot device is measured by the diameter of the hole the device is mounted in. Here are three typical sizes that cover most applications:
Selector switches provide flexible control options in a minimal amount of space. They perform multiple functions and only inhabit the space of a typical pushbutton.
The major difference between a selector switch and a pushbutton is that, while a pushbutton has a plate that pushes both contactor plunges at the same time, a selector switch has a rotating piece with ridges and flats on it, allowing the operator to actuate the plungers independently.
Selector switches are usually the preferred pilot device when a maintained contact state is needed.
Indicating lights tell the worker what the machine is doing or failing to do. Light units are behind the panel to hold the lamp and provide wiring terminals. Together they indicate what the machine is doing.
Think of it like this…a pushbutton or selector switch is the light switch in your kitchen. They are where you make the decision to turn the light on. Indicating lights are simply the light that turns on. When the light is connected to a machine process, and the light is on, the machine is telling you that it is working.
Signal towers or stacklights are a special form of indicating light. Instead of being mounted on the front of the panel, they are a mini-tower of indicating lights usually mounted on top of a machine to provide 360-degree visibility with important information regarding a machine or process state.
They are easily assembled and can include constant, flashing or strobe light indication as well as monotonal, bi-tonal and intermittent audible alarms. Several lamp, color and mounting options further enhance signal tower versatility.
Rocker switches are used in applications where there is a need for lighting or graphics to show:
Rocker switches have a very clean and polished look, therefore, rockers are ideal for applications in which aesthetics are important.
