Anti-vandal switches are an important part of many industries, preventing unauthorized access and vandalism. From mass transit systems to outdoor equipment, these rugged switches are designed to withstand harsh conditions and ensure the safety and functionality of a wide variety of devices.
This article will introduce their structure and function to application. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to anti-vandal switches.
What is an Anti-vandal Switch?
Anti-vandal switch is a type of switch that utilizes a button to activate the transmission mechanism, resulting in the joining or disconnection of the moving contacts and static contacts to facilitate circuit switching. It finds application in electrical active control circuits where it is employed for manual transmission of control signals to operate contactors, relays, electromagnetic starters, and similar devices.
With the rapid development of microelectronics technology, control technology is becoming increasingly perfect and mature. As the core component of industrial control, anti-vandal switches have stronger control functions, smaller sizes, and faster and more reliable operation.
Human-machine interface (HMI) completely breaks the traditional operation forms such as buttons and signal lights, making the equipment operation interface simpler, friendly, flexible and diverse.
Its powerful storage function and communication capabilities bring unimaginable benefits and convenience to equipment production and users. It is a trend to replace the traditional equipment operation interface.
At present, the control technology of frequency converters used for ordinary motor speed regulation has far exceeded the early single metal button switch control method and has rapidly developed towards sensor-less vectoring, direct torque control, etc., making it widely used in various industries.
Metal button switches are also widely used, but second only to touch button switches, they are more commonly used in daily mechanical appliances such as some large machine tools or elevators.
Due to the corrosion resistance, dustproof, and waterproof performance of the metal button switch, as well as the metal keycap and internal structure of the switch, its service life will also be long.
The main supporting fields of illuminated anti-vandal switches are electronic control equipment, lifting equipment, heavy machine tools, power electronic equipment, transportation vehicles, aerospace, ships, household appliances, etc.
What’s the difference between an anti-vandal switch and a push-button switch?
Anti-damage switch is a kind of button switch, usually referred to as a metal button switch, the biggest difference is that the anti-damage switch actuator and housing are made of metal. Metal switches are wear-resistant and ideal for repetitive/high-usage equipment. For example, crosswalks, coffee machines, elevators, access control systems, and even pressing the start button on a car engine.
The anti-damage switch surpasses the ordinary button switch in both appearance and waterproof rating. It boasts an impressive IP65, IP67, or even IP68 waterproof rating. Furthermore, this robust switch offers a prolonged service life of up to 50,000 cycles.
Guide to Wiring Bulgin Vandal Resistant Switches for Computers
1. The switch terminal is typically labelled with “L,” “L1,” or “L2.” When the L terminal is connected to the line, one end of L1 and L2 is also connected to L. Once the switch is pressed, the other end of L1 and L2 will be connected to L as well.
2. To avoid any accidental contact, it is recommended to use diagonal pliers when peeling the wire. Take caution not to leave an excessive length of thread.
3. Use the L of the left switch as the live wire input, and connect the L1 and L2 of the two switches to the corresponding wiring, and then connect the right switch L to one end of the lighting lamp, and the other end of the lighting lamp to the neutral line.
4. Upon completing the wiring connection, it is imperative to secure and safeguard the light ends on both sides by utilizing insulating tape. This precautionary measure effectively prevents any potential leakage.
5. To complete the wiring process, the final live wire and neutral wire are connected to the plug. This step ensures that the electrical circuit is properly established.
Note: During actual operations, it is essential to ensure that the power is turned off prior to any installation or repair activities taking place!
The above is how to wire the switch. We offer wiring services that work very quickly and cheaply, just ask. We have also developed quick connectors for switches.
Anti-vandal switches for everyday applications
Basically, in order to be useful, systems need inputs from their users either to define what they want the system to do, or to provide information to the system. While technologies such as voice recognition are in the early stages of development, the use of switches in all of their various forms remains the preferred method for developing HMIs.
When technology is placed in unsupervised areas and operated by people who do not own the equipment, it is likely to be subject to harsh treatment. This could be simple malicious vandalism where, for whatever reason, individuals take it upon themselves to damage the equipment.
It could also be legitimate users of the equipment who are somewhat less than careful and use over-forceful switch presses that will shorten the life of the equipment and, in particular, the HMI. Clearly, a delicate membrane-based switch matrix (for example) will not last long in these circumstances.
As the deployment of these types of equipment increases, so does the need for robust HMIs. In almost anything we do in our daily lives when we are away from our homes, we are very likely to encounter some form of pushbutton-driven system.
If we get into our car to travel somewhere, then at the gas station there could well be buttons on the pump to select the grade of gasoline we want. If we have a modern electric vehicle (EV), then the charging station will have several buttons to provide inputs and start/stop the charging process. While we are at the service station, we may choose to inflate our tires, or wash or vacuum our vehicle; all of these will involve some interaction with a button-based HMI.
Even if we are not travelling by car and decide to take the train, we will see more of these buttons, to open the doors of the train, access the toilet or use the intercom facility. When we bought our ticket, we likely used a machine that had a rugged HMI.
Once we get to our destination, we may need cash; the ATM will have a rugged keyboard to protect against damage. The building we are visiting may have access controls or an intercom to gain entry and, once we are inside, there could well be further buttons to call the elevator and let it know which floor we want.
Anti-vandal switches are rugged switches designed to withstand tampering, vandalism, and harsh environmental conditions. While they are typically used in industrial and security applications, they can also find practical use in everyday applications where durability and tamper resistance are important.
Here are some everyday applications where anti-vandal switches can be used:
Public restrooms:
Anti-vandal switches can be used in restroom facilities in public places. These switches prevent tampering and ensure lighting, hand dryers and other electrical devices remain operational.
Elevator controls:
Elevator buttons and control panels are frequently used and occasionally damaged. Anti-vandal switches extend the life of these controls and reduce maintenance costs.
Vending Machines:
Vending machines are easily damaged, especially if left unattended. Anti-vandal switches are available in coin slots, button panels, and the machine’s user interface to ensure smooth operation.
Outdoor lighting:
In outdoor environments such as parks, anti-vandal switches can be used to control street lights, parking lot lights and pathway lighting. These switches are designed to withstand harsh environments and resist tampering.
Public transportation:
Anti-vandal switches can be integrated into public transportation systems such as buses and trains to control door open/close buttons, emergency stop switches, and ticket vending machines.
ATM:
To enhance automated teller machine (ATM) security, anti-vandal switches are available for keypad buttons and card reader slots. This helps protect ATMs from vandals and skimming devices.
Access Control Systems:
In residential or commercial buildings, anti-vandal switches can be used in access control systems such as key card readers and access control systems. These switches are durable and safe.
Kiosks and interactive displays:
Kiosks and interactive displays in retail stores, museums and information centers can benefit from anti-vandal switches to ensure users can interact with them reliably.
Game consoles:
Game consoles or arcade machines in public places can be controlled with anti-vandal switches to prevent damage from avid gamers.
Control panels:
In-home automation systems, anti-vandal switches can be integrated into control panels for functions such as lighting, heating, and security systems. They offer a stylish and durable user interface.
Boating and Marine Applications:
Anti-vandal switches can be used on boats and vessels to control navigation lights, bilge pumps and other electrical equipment exposed to water and harsh conditions.
Conclusion
BITUO’s BTA series offers tamper-proof sealed push button switches that are designed to meet industry standards. These switches feature standard LED lighting and come in a range of sizes, from 8mm to 40mm in diameter. The switches are constructed with high-quality stainless steel and utilize a scratch-resistant actuator to maintain their sleek appearance.
The switch has a rated service life of 500,000 switching operations and is designed for use in ambient conditions ranging from 20°C to 55°C. These switches come in single-pole double-throw and double-pole double-throw configurations, with options for normally open or normally closed contacts. They are capable of both instantaneous and latching action functions.
Stainless steel actuators are available in flat, dome or strip structures and can be designed to specific specifications based on the application. The switch requires an actuation force of 2.5N (SP) or 3.5N (DP) – requiring a clear press to operate and providing positive tactile feedback to the user.
The switch meets IP67 sealing protection requirements and can withstand IK10-level mechanical impact. Its threaded construction allows for easy assembly through the front panel while utilizing the crossover feature, it easily connects to the printed circuit board.
For more information, please feel free to contact us: [email protected] or visit our website: www.bituoelec.com.