Posted to News on 20th Feb 2014, 17:00
Capacitive pushbuttons are fully sealed, with LED indication
A new product from ifm electronic is designed to be easier to use and maintain than a traditional pushbutton. The new KT51 series consists of capacitive sensors built into a standard M22 pushbutton housing, complete with LED indication for actuation feedback
No physical pressure is needed to activate the button, just the presence of even a gloved finger, yet the KT51 will not react to a film of moisture; in fact, it is sealed to IP69K on the front face. Sometimes pushbuttons can be contaminated with dust, crumbs and other residue, which gets into the openings in the housing. The KT51, in contrast, is fully sealed.
In addition, the KT51 is available in two versions with either static or dynamic operation. Static operation means the switch is made while the operator's finger is present, while dynamic operation provides a fleeting pulse as the finger approaches, detecting a change and so ignoring any possible deposits left from the previous activation.
The KT51 series is a DC pnp device, supplied with either a short cable or a cable with M12 connector. When powered, the green LED lights change to red when switched. One version allows the system to turn the green LED on separately to indicate that the system expects that button to be pressed. The sensor is supplied without a symbol, as different symbol inserts are offered which snap into the top of the device leaving a smooth, flush surface. Users can even customise the symbol.
Please go to www.ifm.com for further information about the KT51 series of capacitive pushbuttons from ifm.
