Push buttons – Wiring, functions, mounting diameters & FAQ

Here you will find all important information about push buttons, LED push buttons and LED indicator lights: switching functions (NO / NC), mounting diameters, electrical wiring, voltages, materials, customization, shipping, sample ordering and documentation – presented in a concise, practical way.

Go directly to: Push buttons · Indicator lights

1. Products & basics

What is a push button?
A push button is a momentary switching element that, when actuated, briefly closes or opens an electrical contact and then automatically returns to its original position. It is used wherever a control pulse is required, for example for start/stop functions, reset buttons, door openers, or machine controls.
How do push buttons differ from switches?

Push button (momentary function):
A push button switches only while it is being pressed. When it is released, the contact automatically returns to its initial state. This makes it particularly suitable for control pulses, signals, and momentary functions.

Switch or latching push switch:
A switch remains in the selected position (ON or OFF) after actuation. It is used for permanent switching states, for example as a mains or main switch in devices, systems, or control cabinets.

For special control tasks, rotary switches and key switches are also available.

What switching functions are available?
Various switching functions are available for push buttons:
  • Normally open (NO – normally open): the contact closes when pressed, the circuit is completed.
  • Normally closed (NC – normally closed): the contact opens when pressed, the circuit is interrupted.
  • Changeover (NO/NC): combines both contact types. Our changeover push buttons have one NO contact and one NC contact within a single button and are therefore particularly versatile.
Normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) – which push button is right?

A normally open (NO) contact is open in the idle state and closes when pressed. It is most commonly used for start, signal, and control functions.

A normally closed (NC) contact is closed in the idle state and opens when pressed. This variant is preferred for safety functions and emergency‑stop circuits.

What mounting hole diameters are available?
Our push buttons are available in common industrial standard sizes:
12 mm, 16 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm.
These mounting diameters are suitable for front panels, control panels, operator panels, and control cabinets.
Using a push button with different voltages
A push button or LED may only be operated with the voltages approved in its respective data sheet. Particularly important are:
  • permissible operating and control voltage
  • maximum switching current
  • approval for AC and/or DC operation
Suitable accessories such as cables, connectors, or mounting aids can also be found in our range.

2. Electrical wiring

How do I wire a push button?
The switching contact of the push button is wired in series into the respective control or load circuit.
For models with an integrated LED, the illumination is wired separately according to the specified rated voltage.

Detailed wiring diagrams and circuit diagrams are available for download directly in the product description of each item.
What voltage do LED push buttons have – 12 V, 24 V, or 230 V?
Depending on the design, LED push buttons are available for 12 V DC, 24 V DC, or 230 V AC. The permissible operating voltage is specified in the corresponding data sheet and must be strictly observed in order to avoid damage or failures.
Does the entire ring light up on RGB push buttons?
Yes, on RGB push buttons the entire LED ring is evenly illuminated.
The colors shown in the product image indicate which color variants can be achieved with the button.

3. LED indicator lights

What is an LED indicator light?
An LED indicator light is used for the visual indication of operating and system states such as ON, OFF, warning, or fault. It is typically used in machines, control cabinets, operator panels, and control systems and offers the following advantages:
  • Very energy‑efficient
  • Very long service life
  • Clear and easily visible light signals
  • Different colors for clear identification of states
Additionally, signal tower lights can also be used.
What LED colors are available?
As standard, the following LED colors are available for indicator lights:
White, red, green, blue, yellow.
This allows operating states, warnings, and error messages to be displayed clearly and unambiguously.

4. Materials & properties

Housing materials
Our push buttons are made from high‑quality stainless steel combinations:
  • Housing: Stainless Steel 304 / V2A
  • Button: Stainless Steel 316 / V4A
This combination offers high mechanical robustness, long service life, and excellent corrosion resistance – ideal for industrial applications and demanding environments.
What IP protection ratings are available for push buttons?
The IP rating indicates how well a push button is protected against dust and moisture. Common ratings are IP65 (dust‑tight, protected against water jets) and IP67 (temporarily waterproof). For industrial applications, at least IP65 is recommended.
Which push buttons are suitable for control cabinets?
For control cabinets, push buttons with standardized mounting diameters (e.g. 22 mm or 30 mm), high mechanical durability, and sufficient IP rating (e.g. IP65) are suitable. Stainless steel push buttons are particularly durable and suitable for industrial use.

5. Push button customization

Can push buttons be engraved?
Yes, engraving is possible. Implementation is carried out on request and is subject to a minimum order quantity of 100 pieces. This makes it possible to apply symbols, text, or markings directly to the button – ideal for series projects and machine labeling.
Customer‑specific B2B solutions
We offer customer‑specific B2B solutions and can adapt symbols, labeling, and, in some cases, LED versions according to your requirements. These customizations are particularly attractive for OEM customers, mechanical engineering, and industrial projects.

6. Shipping & delivery

How fast is shipping?
As a rule, around 80 % of all stock items are shipped on the same working day as the online order. The exact delivery time is shown at checkout and depends on the shipping service provider and destination country.
International delivery
We ship internationally, including throughout Europe.
If your country cannot be selected in the shop, please send us an inquiry – we will then check the delivery options on an individual basis.
Replenishment times & long‑term availability
We place great importance on stable and long‑term predictable product availability.
Replenishment times can vary depending on the item. On request, we will gladly provide you with a current estimate of delivery times and future availability, especially for series or project requirements.

7. Ordering & payment

Available payment methods
Depending on the delivery country and customer group, the following payment methods are available:
  • Advance payment / bank transfer
  • Invoice for business customers (subject to credit check)

8. Sample orders

Can I receive samples?
Yes, we can provide samples on request. These are ideal for testing products in advance, using them in prototypes, or evaluating them in development projects.

9. Documentation

Where can I find data sheets?
The technical data sheets can be found directly on the respective item. On the product page, they are available for download and contain all relevant information on electrical values, dimensions, and wiring diagrams.
Are the products CE and RoHS compliant?
Yes. Our products are CE and RoHS compliant in accordance with the relevant EU directives. For details, please refer to the respective product documentation and declarations of conformity.
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