In various types of industries, control panels are used that help the operator control the equipment without being physically present next to it. Most often, such devices are used to connect and disconnect electrical circuits in lifting machines (hoists). Such devices are also called remotes (posts) push-button hoist (PKT). Basically, such devices are used in low-voltage AC or DC voltage networks to control electric motors.
PKT consists of a push-button station, which is placed in an ABS plastic shell with the function of heat resistance and reduced flammability. The housing is sealed, protected from external influences by means of a sealing gasket between the connected elements. Most often, switching devices are made of plastic, but models in a metal case can be found on sale. There are also models that do not have a case, and are buttons that are fixed directly on the panel to which the power cable is connected.
In this review, we will talk about the functionality of control panels, the criteria for their selection, and also make a rating of popular models on sale. You will also learn what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing a PCT.
Content
There are 3 main functions of push-button posts: 1) turning machines and mechanisms on and off, 2) switching the direction of rotation of the blades of the equipment (“reverse” function), 3) turning off the mechanism in case of an emergency breakdown manually. Most often, switching devices are used to manipulate electric motors powered by alternating current. The design of a button post may vary depending on what functions it performs and what tasks it is intended for.
Among the criteria for choosing a PCT, one can distinguish: the number of mechanisms that need to be controlled, the conditions in which operation will take place (whether protection from dust, moisture, and other external influences is required), as well as the purpose of machines and mechanisms.
Depending on how many mechanisms control is required, button posts also differ - they can be two-button and multi-button. In the first case, the user receives only 2 levers - “start” and “stop”.Most consoles have holes on their cases for mounting them on a wall or a horizontal surface. Since the PKT is a specific type of posts and is used to work with crane beams, lifting mechanisms, as well as telphers, it is operated "on the ground".
Depending on the shape, the pushers are mushroom-shaped, cylindrical or recessed.
The main functional element of the remote control is a button (also called a “pusher”), which switches modes and closes and opens the circuit. It works from the physical impact of the operator and is of two types: with self-return, or with fixation in a given position. The first type returns to its original position due to the pressure of the spring mounted in the housing. The second option remains fixed in the desired position until the operator returns it to its original position.
Most often on sale you can find two-button models that have pushers of different colors: red - "stop", black - "start". "Stop" can also be yellow, and "start" - blue, green or white. When you press the second pusher, the contact circuit is connected, and in the off state it is disconnected. In order to ensure a safe connection, the circuits are not connected directly, but with the help of magnetic starters, which provide high voltage protection from short circuits, overheating and other problems.
All PCTs have similar functionality, and differ from each other only in appearance, as well as in the trademark. They also differ in placement and type of execution.
Operational characteristics of switching equipment:
Usually, in order to understand the functionality of a domestic-made device, a digital designation is included in its name, where:
On sale you can find PKT, which are labeled as PKT-a, b, c, where:
Most of the consoles are designed for use in production, where there is no possibility of leakage of any gases, and have a low degree of protection against an explosion of a gas-air mixture. To use the equipment in an explosive environment, devices are sold that are protected from this factor. In their marking there is an index "B". Most often they are used in places where there is a high probability of fire - oil storage facilities, paint factories, etc. Models in this category can be not only wired, but also wireless. Remote gauges provide operator safety and make work easier.
On the territory of Russia, PKT of Russian production is mainly sold, there are also hoist products of German and Polish production. Products under the IEK brand are also sold in large quantities - they are manufactured in China (in terms of purpose and main characteristics, they fully correspond to Russian-made equipment, and are distinguished by budget-friendly manufacturing materials, as well as an inexpensive price).
The review begins with the model of the well-known Russian manufacturer EKF (manufacturer is located in China), which is the largest in terms of production scale. The degree of protection against external influences IP54 is provided due to the presence of a sealed housing with heat-resistant properties (does not support combustion). Despite the high degree of protection against the penetration of foreign contaminants from the outside, the manufacturer does not recommend operating the model in an explosive environment, as well as in places saturated with steam, gases, dust, and under direct sunlight. Cable entry and connection of joined elements are sealed with sealing gaskets and glands.
Pushers are returnable, not fixed in the selected position. The device is used for hoists, overhead and support cranes at industrial facilities and construction sites. Operating frequency - 50 Hz, limit voltage - 400 volts. Pushers are programmed for 2 functions - "up" and "down". They are push, equipped with self-return. The device has a built-in fuse against short circuit. Overall dimensions: 123*50*89 mm. Cannot be used for emergency stop. The manufacturer claims a service life of 10 years and gives a guarantee for 7. The package includes a switch and a passport describing its technical characteristics. The average price of a product is 440 rubles.
The products of the Chinese company are well known in the market of electrical products. The popularity of the models of this manufacturer is associated with a low cost compared to how much similar equipment costs from competitors. Unlike the previous applicant, the device is sold in a cardboard box, which contains detailed information about the manufacturer and the technical characteristics of the product being sold. The device is used for switching circuits in lifting mechanisms.
The body of the remote control is made of plastic with high heat-resistant performance. A sealing gasket is laid at the junction of the elements to be joined, fastening is carried out using metal bolts. The cable entry is sealed with a gland, which prevents small contaminants from getting inside. Degree of protection - IP54. Pushers set the direction of movement "up" and "down". The remote control is not used for emergency stop. Overall dimensions: 123*57*65 mm. Weight 229 grams. Limiting alternating voltage - 660 V, constant - 400, frequency - 50/60 Hz. The manufacturer claims a 5 year warranty. The average price of goods starts from 200 rubles.
Unlike previous contenders, this one is equipped with a key that blocks the operation of the device. Blocking occurs due to switching to a normally open contact. The body is black, cylindrical. It is applied to management of lifting mechanisms in the conditions of production or construction.
The degree of protection against external influences is IP30 (there is an gland at the inlet and a sealing gasket).Since it is low, it is recommended not to use the post in industries with a lot of dust, gases, or high humidity. Not applicable for emergency stop. Overall dimensions: 207*50*50 mm. Weight - 243 grams. The average price of the goods is 330 rubles.
Models with 4 buttons allow the operator to set the direction of machines and mechanisms not only "forward" and "backward", but also "left" and "right". The Chinese-made product has a degree of protection IP54 and is equipped with sealing gaskets at the joints, including at the cable entry. Most of the technical characteristics of the device are similar to those indicated by the younger "brother" for 2 pushers. The main differences are in the number of controls, overall dimensions, as well as the weight and cost of the product.
The case of the device is made of plastic, resistant to burning and melting. Tolerates high temperatures without loss of consumer qualities. Body color is orange, buttons are white, pointers are painted black. It is used in AC networks with voltage up to 400 V, DC - up to 600. It can be used in conjunction with reversing or non-reversing starters or contactors. Operating frequency - from 50 to 50 Hz. Overall dimensions: 195*57*65 mm. Weight - 324 grams. The product is sold in a box with technical information and main characteristics. The warranty period is 5 years, which is not enough for this type of device.Service life - not less than 10 years. According to customer reviews, the remote control is characterized by reliability and durability. The average price of a product is 280 rubles.
The Chinese-made model in appearance resembles the previous one and has similar characteristics. The device is made of flame retardant plastic, internal components are made of polyvinyl chloride. The degree of protection against external influences is IP54. The push-button station must not be used in an explosive environment, as well as under direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The body is orange, the controls are white, the cable entry is black.
With the help of the device, you can control the mechanisms in four directions - left, right, up, down. Push buttons with self-return. There is a mechanical lock. Conditional short-circuit current - 1000 A. Rated operating current - 5 A. Mechanical wear resistance is 30 thousand cycles. The cross section of the connected conductors is 1.5 mm2. Climatic modification - UHL4. The product is sold together with a passport, which contains the main technical characteristics, as well as tips and recommendations for the safe operation of the product. The remote control can only be used indoors with an air temperature of -40 ºС to +55 ºС. Warranty period of operation - 7 years, shelf life - 10 years or more. Overall dimensions of the product: 172*50*89 mm.The average price of a product is 300 rubles.
The model is used to control equipment equipped with a motor with one or two speeds, operating from a DC voltage of 220 or 660 volts AC. Operating frequencies - 50 or 60 Hz. The Russian-made device is manufactured in accordance with GOST, and can be used both in industrial premises and on construction sites (provided that it is not exposed to precipitation). The black device has a cylindrical shape, and is equipped with a key that fixes the pushers in a given position.
Degree of protection against mechanical influences – IP30. The body of the device is made of non-combustible plastic, the control elements can be single-operation and two-operation. The lock is electric, used to fix the pusher in a predetermined position. The directions of movement set using the button post are indicated by arrows. Buttons with self-return, with mechanical fixation. The device can be operated at an ambient temperature of not more than 60 ºС. The cross section of the connected conductors is no more than 1.5 mm2. Mechanical wear resistance - 30 thousand cycles. The manufacturer provides a guarantee for products for 3.5 years, of which six months - for storage and sale, and 3 years - for operation. Overall dimensions of the product: 205*50*50 mm. The average price of the goods is 420 rubles.
The model differs from competitors in color - the body is orange, the pushers with directions of movement are painted white, and those that are responsible for turning on and off are green and red, respectively. The abbreviation PS in the name indicates that the post can start and stop the electric motor.
The case is made of heat-resistant plastic, all connected joints are sealed with a sealing gasket to prevent dirt and moisture from getting inside. The pushers are equipped with a mechanical lock in a predetermined position. Degree of protection - IP54. Limiting alternating voltage - 660 V, constant - 400 V. Product weight - 438 grams. Rated current - 6.3 A. Overall dimensions: 290 * 65 * 50 mm. The average price of the goods is 380 rubles.
The model has 6 controls - "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "up", "down". The design is similar to other similar products (there is a sealed gasket that seals the stuffing box). The device is used for switching any mechanisms equipped with an electric motor.The plastic is heat resistant. Body color - orange, pushers - white. Rated frequency - 50 Hz. Operating voltage: direct - up to 400 V, variable - up to 660.
Degree of protection - IP54. Overall dimensions - 275 * 57 * 65 mm. Weight - 420 grams. Manufacturer's warranty - 5 years. The post model is one of the most popular and is sold in most electrical stores. Despite the fact that the product is manufactured in China, there are several official dealers in Russia who sell it, including retail. According to buyers, the device is suitable for most tasks in industry and construction, while it costs an order of magnitude cheaper than offers from other manufacturers. The average price of the goods is 430 rubles.
The model is designed to generate control signals for equipment that is used in direct (up to 440 volts) and alternating (up to 660 volts) current networks. The rated current is 5 A. The pushers set the following functions: right, left, up, down, forward, backward. Making and breaking capacity - 10 le. There are three fuses to prevent short circuits. Control elements - push with self-return. Double insulated wiring, reliable and durable.
There is protection against external influences (IP54), which allows using the device in industrial conditions. The cross section of the connected conductors must not exceed 1.5 mm. Climatic modification - UHL 4. The manufacturer claims wear resistance of 30,000 clicks, as well as a 5-year warranty. The body is made of wear-resistant and non-flammable plastic, other elements are made of carbolite. The overall dimensions of the product are 172x50x89 mm. The average price of the goods is 670 rubles.
The novelty of the Russian manufacturer in appearance is practically no different from the products of other brands, but it costs an order of magnitude more expensive. The difference in price is associated primarily with the components that are used in the manufacture. Compared to the Chinese counterpart, the plastic looks stronger, and the assembly is better. Brand products are manufactured in accordance with GOST, have passed all the necessary tests and have the appropriate quality certificate.
The operating frequency of the device is 50 Hz. Operation is allowed at temperature conditions from -25 ºС to +45 ºС. The controls are programmed to perform functions: left, right, forward, backward, up and down. Pushers push with self-return (not fixed in a given position). The cross section of the connected conductors must not exceed 1.5 mm2. The manufacturer claims a service life of at least 15 years, while the warranty period is 3 years.The device is supplied complete with a passport and instructions for assembly and operation, which describes the main technical characteristics, it also indicates how to select the appropriate cables, and also contains the electrical circuit diagrams of the equipment. Overall dimensions of the product: 253*68*50 mm. The average price of a product is 1,000 rubles.
The review continues with another Russian-made model, which is distinguished by the presence of a security key. All elements of the device, including the case, are made of heat-resistant black plastic. The direction indications and functional purposes of the control elements are embossed and are difficult to see in poor lighting.
The degree of protection against external influences is low - IP 30, which does not allow the use of a push-button post in rooms with a high content of dust, gas in the air. Climatic version - U2. Operation only under a canopy, with protection against moisture is allowed. Rated operating current - 6.3 A. The functionality includes not only transportation, but also lifting to a given height. In some modifications, a lock is provided in an emergency. The inlet hole has a diameter of 17.5 mm, respectively, the cross section of the incoming wire should not exceed 16 mm. Overall dimensions of the product: 350x50x50 mm. The average price of a product, depending on the store, does not exceed 500 rubles.
The model under consideration is distinguished by the presence of two bright red and green buttons that can stop and start the hoist, respectively. In addition, there are 6 more standard pushers with directions - up, down, left, right, forward, back. All joints of the connected parts are sealed with sealing gaskets and glands, which allows the device to be used in conditions of high humidity, as well as in dusty industries. Degree of protection against dust and moisture - IP 54.
Rated frequency - 50 Hz, permissible voltage - 400 volts in the DC network, 600 volts - in the AC network. It can be used to control magnets and electric motors of large and small power. The pushers are equipped with a locking function in a predetermined position. Dimensions: 410 x 65 x 50 mm. Product weight - 420 grams. The average price of a product is 500 rubles.
The products of the Russian manufacturer in appearance resemble the previous applicant, and differ from it only in the color of the pushers. Non-latching control elements, each of them is labeled indicating the functional purpose. Degree of protection against dust and moisture - IP 54. Limit voltage - 660 volts. The plastic is heat resistant. Not suitable for emergency stop. Rated current - 10 A.
Overall dimensions - 312*50*80 mm.Weight - 410 grams. The average price of a product is 800 rubles.
Most push-button posts on sale fall into the category up to 1,500 rubles. Almost all models sold are made in Russia or China, and are similar in functionality. Comparing the offer of which company is better, you should focus not only on the price of the device, but also evaluate its functionality, compare the quality of the materials from which it is made.
We recommend, in case of doubt, to choose Russian-made products, since they have all the necessary quality certificates, and unlike Chinese ones, they have been tested in laboratory conditions, have a longer warranty period, and work flawlessly. We hope that our review will help you make the right choice!