Control Push Buttons, Switches and Pedals Selection Guide
Selection criteria for Ø22 mm push buttons, emergency stop switches, selector switches, joysticks, control boxes and foot pedals by NO/NC contact configuration and voltage.
What are control push buttons, switches and pedals? Control push buttons, selector switches, joysticks, and foot pedals are electromechanical operator interface devices used on automation panels and machinery to issue start, stop, mode selection, directional movement, and emergency shutdown commands.
This guide outlines the selection criteria for products in the Control Push Buttons, Switches and Pedals category.
Main product groups
- Push buttons: Ø22 mm panel-mount momentary push buttons, illuminated push buttons, twin start/stop buttons, mushroom-head emergency stop buttons, and 2- or 3-position selector switches.
- Control boxes: Surface-mounted 1-hole to multi-hole plastic or metal push-button enclosures and pendant control stations.
- Pedals: Shrouded and unshrouded single or double foot switches for presses, shears, and welding machines where hands-free actuation is required.
- Joystick control switches: 2-way and 4-way latching or spring-return joystick controllers.
- Appliance switches and mechanical switches: Illuminated/non-illuminated rocker switches, toggle switches, and snap-action microswitches.
- Accessories and spare parts: Add-on NO/NC contact blocks, LED light modules, legend plates, protective boots, and hole plugs.
Contact configuration and mechanism comparison
| Device Type | Actuation Mechanism | Typical Contact Block | Mounting Standard | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start Push Button | Spring-return (Momentary) | 1NO (Normally Open) | Ø22 mm panel cutout | Contactor latching and momentary pulse input |
| Stop / Emergency Stop | Momentary or latch (twist/pull release) | 1NC or 1NO+1NC | Ø22 mm panel / box | Fail-safe opening of control and safety circuits |
| Selector Switch | 2- or 3-position (Maintained / Spring) | 1NO, 2NO or 1NO+1NC | Ø22 mm panel cutout | Manual – Off – Auto operating mode selection |
| Foot Pedal | Spring-return or safety trigger latch | 1NO+1NC microswitch | Floor base | Hands-free press, bending and spot-welding control |
| Joystick Switch | 2-way or 4-way (Maintained / Spring) | 1NO per direction | Ø22 mm panel cutout | Multi-axis hoist, crane and platform control |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NO (Normally Open) and NC (Normally Closed) contacts?
An NO contact remains open at rest and closes when pressed (used for Start commands). An NC contact conducts at rest and opens when pressed (used for Stop and Emergency Stop circuits so that a broken wire also stops the machine safely).
Why do emergency stop buttons use twist-to-release or pull-to-release latching?
Latching ensures the circuit remains open after an emergency press until an operator intentionally resets the actuator after clearing the hazard.
Can additional contact blocks be stacked onto a panel push button?
Yes. Modular Ø22 mm industrial push buttons allow snap-on NO and NC contact blocks to be stacked on the rear adapter so a single press can switch multiple independent circuits.