PUSH BUTTONS, SWITCHES, PILOT LIGHTS AND JOYSTICKS FOR SALE

Push buttons, switches, pilot lights, and joysticks are all examples of human-machine interfaces (HMIs), which act as the bridge between the human user and the machine. HMIs are the crucial link that allows us to control, monitor, and interact with complex machinery and systems. They are essentially the "language" we use to communicate with machines, allowing us to give instructions, receive feedback, and understand the status of a system.

At Blackhawk Supply, we offer a wide selection of push buttons, switches, pilot lights, and joysticks to meet your diverse needs. Whether you're building a custom control panel for industrial machinery, upgrading your home automation system, or working on a creative DIY project, we have the right components to bring your vision to life. To help you navigate this selection, we'd like to delve into the specifics of each item, explaining its types, functionalities, and applications.

PUSH BUTTONS: WHAT THEY CONSIST OF AND WHERE THEY ARE USED

Push buttons are simple switches activated by pressing a button. They are widely used in appliances like coffee makers and washing machines, electronic devices like computer keyboards and calculators, and industrial control systems.

They consist of the following:

• Button: A physical button that is pressed to activate the switch.

• Contact: An internal mechanism that creates or breaks an electrical circuit when the button is pressed.

• Housing: A protective shell that encloses the button and contact mechanism.

Types of Push Buttons by Size

We offer push buttons in a variety of sizes, each catering to different applications and aesthetic preferences. To navigate this diverse world of push buttons, we need to delve into their different types.

Here's a breakdown of the various types of push buttons based on their size, functionalities, and applications:

• 16mm Push Buttons: Compact push buttons typically found in control panels and smaller equipment.

• 22mm Push Buttons: A more standard size for push buttons, suitable for a range of applications.

• 30mm Push Buttons: Larger push buttons designed for clear visibility and easy operation, often used for heavy-duty equipment.

SWITCHES: WHAT THEY ARE MADE OF AND WHERE THEY ARE USED

Switches control the flow of electricity by opening or closing an electrical circuit. They can be activated by a variety of methods, including pushing, flipping, turning, or sliding. Switches are found in a wide range of applications, including lighting systems, power outlets, automotive systems, and industrial machinery.

The basic components of a switch are:

• Contacts: Metallic parts that make or break the electrical connection.

• Actuator: The mechanism that moves the contacts (e.g., a lever, a knob, or a sliding bar).

• Housing: A protective enclosure that houses the contacts and actuator.

Types of Switches We Offer

At Blackhawk Supply, we offer a wide range of switches to suit diverse applications, from simple household use to demanding industrial environments. To help you navigate this selection, we'll explore the various types of switches, focusing on their NEMA ratings (for environmental protection) and AMPS (amperage capacity) to guide your choice.

Switches by Function

• Disconnect Switches: These switches are designed for a single, primary purpose: to interrupt the flow of electricity to a circuit or device. They are typically manually operated and are commonly used for safety during maintenance, repairs, or when isolating a section of the electrical system.

• Footswitches: These switches are operated by pressing a foot pedal, providing a hands-free method of control. Their primary function is to activate or deactivate a circuit or device in situations where using hands might be inconvenient or dangerous. They are often used in industrial settings for heavy machinery operation.

• Safety Switches: As the name suggests, these switches are designed with safety as their primary focus. They serve to isolate power, often with additional features like built-in fuses, and are used to protect users and equipment from electrical hazards.

Switches by Amperage

• 30 AMP Switches, 60 AMP Switches, 100 AMP Switches: Common for general-duty switches, small appliances, light-duty machinery, and some pilot lights.

• 400 AMP Switches, 600 AMP Switches, 800 AMR Switches: Typical for heavier-duty switches and industrial equipment, including large motors, welding machines, and high-power tools.

• 1200 AMP Switches: Usually seen on high-capacity switches, large industrial equipment, and power distribution systems.

Switches by Duty Rating and Functionality

• Safety Switch Fuse Kit: These switches integrate fuses directly into their design. This provides overcurrent protection in addition to isolating power, making them especially suitable for critical applications where a quick and reliable disconnect is vital.

• General Duty Safety Switch: These are the most common type, offering a basic level of protection and suitable for standard industrial applications. They typically handle lower current loads compared to heavy-duty options.

• Heavy Duty Safety Switch: Built to handle higher current loads and more demanding environments, these switches are often used in heavy-duty machinery, large-scale industrial processes, and situations requiring robust isolation.

• Heavy Duty - Double Throw Safety Switch: This variation of the heavy-duty switch adds the functionality to switch power to two different circuits. This allows for flexibility in power routing and control within a system.

Switches by NEMA Rating

• NEMA 1 Switches: Indoor use, generally for non-hazardous environments. Often used for general switches, light fixtures, and small appliances.

• NEMA 12 Switches: Indoor use, with added protection against dust, dirt, and dripping liquids. Common for switches, controls, and enclosures used in industrial settings.

• NEMA 3R Switches: Outdoor use, providing protection against rain, sleet, and snow. Typically used for weatherproof switches and enclosures.

• NEMA 4 Switches: Outdoor use, with added protection against splashing water. Suitable for switches and enclosures in more demanding outdoor environments.

• NEMA 4X Switches: Outdoor use, offering the highest level of protection against water and dust. Ideal for corrosive environments or applications exposed to extreme weather.

• NEMA 5 Switches: Indoor use, with a higher level of dust and dirt protection compared to NEMA 1. Often used for enclosures in dusty environments.

PILOT LIGHTS: STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR

Pilot lights are small, visible indicators that signal the status of a system or device. They are typically illuminated by a light bulb or LED and are commonly used in appliances (e.g., ovens, refrigerators), electronic devices (e.g., power supplies, routers), and industrial machinery to indicate power, operation, or error conditions.

They consist of:

• Light source: A bulb or LED that emits light.

• Lens: A transparent cover that focuses and directs the light.

• Housing: A protective shell that encloses the light source and lens.

JOYSTICKS: COMPOSITION AND HOW THEY ARE USED

Joysticks are hand-held controllers that allow users to control the movement of a device in multiple directions. They are used extensively in gaming consoles, computer games, robotics, and industrial control systems.

A joystick is typically composed of:

• Stick: A movable lever that is manipulated by the user.

• Sensors: Internal devices that detect the position and movement of the stick.

• Housing: A protective enclosure that houses the stick and sensors.

We at Blackhawk Supply carry a full selection of push buttons, switches, pilot lights, and joysticks, all available in a range of voltages, including 120V options, 240V options, 600V options, and others, to ensure compatibility with diverse electrical systems and applications.

PUSH BUTTONS, SWITCHES, PILOT LIGHTS AND JOYSTICKS BRANDS WE OFFER AT BLACKHAWK SUPPLY

At Blackhawk Supply, we offer a range of over 300 push buttons, switches, pilot lights, and joysticks from leading brands like Schneider Electric, including its renowned Square D line.

• Schneider Electric's push buttons, switches, and pilot lights are designed for both industrial and residential applications. The brand's products are known for their innovation, energy efficiency, and user-friendly design, making them ideal for a variety of control systems, automation projects, and electrical installations.

• Meanwhile, Square D switches, push buttons, and pilot lights are designed for demanding applications. The products are renowned for their durability, reliability, and safety features, making them a top choice for industrial environments, manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure projects.

PUSH BUTTONS, SWITCHES, PILOT LIGHTS, AND JOYSTICKS: FIND THE RIGHT FIT AT BLACKHAWK SUPPLY

Ready to upgrade your control systems with reliable and versatile components? Blackhawk Supply is your one-stop shop for push buttons, switches, pilot lights, and joysticks, offering a wide selection to meet your diverse needs. Whether you're building a custom control panel for industrial machinery, upgrading your home automation system, or working on a creative DIY project, we have the right components to bring your vision to life.

Browse our inventory, explore the different types and functionalities of each component, and find the perfect interface to connect you with your machines. With a range of voltage options and top brands like Schneider Electric and Square D, you'll find the perfect solution for any project. Plus, enjoy our 60-day return policy and free shipping on orders over $999!

Don't wait; start building your ideal control system today. Place your order online today!