Push Button Contact Blocks & Light Blocks
Contact blocks act as electrical switch connectors that open (make) or close (break) circuits when activated. At RS Philippines, you’ll find a comprehensive range of high-quality push button contact blocks and light blocks designed for reliable control and clear indication in electrical circuits. As a trusted supplier of push button contact blocks in the Philippines, we provide essential components for automation systems, control panels, and various types of machinery. Explore our selection for industrial-grade quality and benefit from fast delivery.
What Is a Contact Block and How Does It Work?
A contact block is an electrical component that acts as a switch, either opening or closing an electrical circuit when activated by a connected device like a push button or relay switch. In automation systems and control panels, these contact blocks are crucial for controlling power flow to various machine interfaces.
Contact blocks come in two main configurations:
- Normally Open (NO): Circuit remains open until the device activates it, allowing current flow.
- Normally Closed (NC): Circuit remains closed until the device activates it, interrupting current flow.
Selecting the correct contact block type is essential for proper system operation.
Contact Block Configurations and Functions
Contact blocks are designed to fit specific push buttons or control devices, therefore matching the correct contact block and device is essential. Also, contact blocks are available with a wide range of contact configurations that allow the main device to change a circuit in many different ways. Typical contact configurations available are:
- 1NO (One Normally Open Contact): The circuit is open in its resting state and closes only when the connected device, such as a push button with contact block, is activated.
- 1NC (One Normally Closed Contact): The circuit is closed in its resting state and opens only when the connected device is activated.
- 1NO/1NC (One Normally Open and One Normally Closed): This configuration provides both a normally open and a normally closed contact within a single block, offering versatile control options.
- 2NO: Two independent normally open contacts that close upon activation.
- 2NC: Two independent normally closed contacts that open upon activation.
- 2NO/2NC: This configuration offers two normally open and two normally closed contacts within one block, providing maximum control flexibility.
What Are Push Button Light Blocks?
Push button light blocks are add-on components designed to illuminate a button switch when it's activated. These units are mounted on the rear of the push button, alongside the contact blocks, and provide a clear visual indication of the switch's status. Often utilizing LED technology, these contact blocks shine through the button head, making them essential visual indicators in control panels and various industrial environments. They also offer immediate feedback on the operational state of the connected machinery or system.
Types of Light Blocks
Push button light blocks primarily come in two types to provide visual indication:
- LED Light Blocks: These contact blocks feature a fixed, bright LED light source designed for a long lifespan, often lasting the entire operational life of the push button. Additionally, they are available in a variety of colors, allowing for easy color-coding to match the button or indicate different states within a control system. Due to their reliability and energy efficiency, LED light blocks are increasingly common in industrial applications.
- Incandescent Light Blocks: These traditional light blocks utilize a changeable incandescent bulb. The bulb produces a white light that illuminates through the colored button head to achieve the desired indicator color. While still available, incandescent light blocks are less prevalent in modern industrial settings compared to the more robust and energy-efficient LED options.
How to Choose the Right Contact Block or Light Block
When you buy a contact block or light block for your push button or control device, consider these factors to ensure reliable operation and clear indication:
- Circuit Requirement: Determine your circuit's needs. Do you require a normally open contact block to close the circuit when activated, a normally closed contact block to open it, or a combination within a single push button with contact block?
- Indicator Need: Assess if visual feedback is necessary. If so, a push button light block can illuminate the button upon activation. Decide between an LED light block for long-lasting, colored indication or an incandescent option.
- **Panel Layout: **Consider the wiring method and space constraints. Different push button terminal block types, such as screw clamp or plug-in, offer varying installation ease and connection security.
- Mounting Compatibility: Ensure the contact block or light block is physically compatible with your chosen push button or control device, matching their specifications for secure attachment.
- Voltage and Current Ratings: Verify that the voltage and current ratings of both the contact block and light block align with the requirements of your control system to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.
Where Are Contact Blocks Used?
Industrial contact blocks and their accompanying light blocks are integral components in numerous electrical systems across various sectors in the Philippines.
Machinery and Industrial Automation
In machinery and industrial automation, contact blocks are essential for motor controls, emergency stops, and user interface panels on machines. These industrial contact blocks enable the activation and deactivation of critical functions, often paired with light blocks for immediate visual feedback on the machine's status.
Electrical Control Panels and Switchboards
Contact blocks are fundamental for activating and deactivating electrical circuits within facility-wide systems housed in electrical control panels and switchboards. Their reliable operation ensures the proper distribution and control of power throughout industrial and commercial buildings in the Philippines.
Building and Facility Management Systems
Building and facility management systems utilize contact blocks to enable push-button lighting control, manage elevator operations, and toggle HVAC system functions. Often paired with illuminated indicators via push button light blocks, they provide clear and user-friendly control within commercial and residential buildings across the Philippines.
Buy Contact Blocks and Light Blocks in the Philippines
When you need to buy contact blocks, turn to RS Philippines. As a trusted supplier of industrial electrical components in the country, we offer an extensive range of contact blocks and light blocks, including normally open and normally closed options, as well as LED-compatible designs and even auxiliary contacts. Our range includes products from brands like Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB and many more.
Whether you're a small-scale user or a bulk buyer, you can rely on RS Philippines for comprehensive support for industrial, commercial, and automation projects. Order your contact blocks and light blocks online and enjoy fast nationwide delivery.
