This section provides an overview for switch buttons as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 25 switch button manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked switch button companies as of November, 2024: 1.Meba Electric Co.,Ltd, 2.Dongguan Lituo Electronics Co., Ltd., 3.Shenzhen Greater Electronics Co., Ltd.
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A switch button is a type of switch, usually called a push-button switch, in which the switch contacts are turned on and off by human operation.
There are two types of switch buttons: automatic return type and holding type. The former is a type of switch that turns ON (or OFF) only while the button is pushed in and simultaneously turns OFF (or ON) the moment the finger is released. The latter is a type of switch that turns ON (or OFF) when the button is pressed and remains ON (or OFF) even if the finger is removed from the button.
Whether to use an auto-return type or a holding type switch depends on the intended use.
When using an auto-return type switch, it is necessary to have a receiver that can detect the state of the switch instantaneously and connect it to the control of the device. For example, if there is a system controller that can receive instructions from the switch and instantly control the inside of the equipment, an auto-return type switch is used because it can monitor the switch status. On the other hand, if a holding type switch is used, the receiver does not need to take any action as described above. As the switch does not switch between ON and OFF states on its own, the receiver can always control the equipment according to the state of the switch.
Switch buttons are available in three types: a-contact, b-contact, and c-contact.
The a-contact is a contact that turns the switch OFF when the finger is removed from the button and ON when the button is pressed. The a-contact is also called a NO (normally open) contact, meaning that the switch is open during normal operation.
The b-contact is the opposite of the a-contact. B-contact is also called NC (Normal Close) contact, which means "normally closed."
A c-contact consists of a combination of a and b contacts. As an example, consider three contacts: a, b, and COM. When the button is not pressed, the a-contact and the COM contact are electrically connected. When the button is pressed, the a-contact and the COM contact are non-conductive, and the COM contact and the b-contact conduct instead. The c-contact is a contact that switches the current flowing into the COM terminal between the a-contact and b-contact.
Switches are classified according to their applications, such as detection switches used to detect the position of objects, operation switches used for human operation input, and setting switches used to switch functions. The following types of switches can be classified by their structural characteristics, and are used in various places, such as industrial equipment, facilities, and consumer equipment.
Switch buttons are switches that provide human operation input. The actuator moves in the direction of its axis to open or close the contact point. Some actuators are equipped with LEDs, etc., and have both illumination and display functions. There are various types of actuators in terms of shape, size, color, and terminal shape.
There are generally two types of shapes: round body type and square body type. The difference between the two is the shape of the mounting panel. The display part can be rectangular, square, or round. There are also various variations in the illumination and color of the display.
The typical structure of a switch button consists of an actuator, mounting section, switch section, and case section.
The actuator of the switch button is responsible for transmitting the operated movement from the outside to the switch section. With the illuminated type, the surface of the actuator emits light. There are two types of mechanical operation of the actuator: momentary operation and alternate operation. Momentary operation is also called self-return type and turns on only when the switch is pressed in. Alternate operation, also called self-maintaining, is the type that remains on when the switch is pressed. Pressing the switch again releases the depressed state and turns it off.
The mounting part is where the switch body is secured to a panel such as sheet metal. The round body type is fixed with screws using a mounting nut, while the square body type is generally fixed with a snap-in method by simply inserting the switch into a hole.
The switch section opens and closes the electric circuit. The force applied by the actuator is transmitted inside the switch to move the metal moving part to open and close the contacts.
The case part protects the internal switch mechanism and has soldering terminals and other parts protruding from the bottom.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Selco Products was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The ISO 9001:2008-certified company is a global manufacturer of customized electronic components. The company serves several markets including medical, HVAC, electronics, and aerospace OEMs and end-user companies, leveraging JIT delivery, Kansan, and engineering support. Electronics offerings include thermistors, temperature controls, panel instruments, and signal converters. Non-electronics include buttons, knobs, and other accessories used in digital and analog electronics controls.
Oslo Switch Inc., a unit of Electro Switch Corp, is a manufacturer and supplier of lighted push buttons, rocker switches, and key locks with its headquarters in Cheshire, Connecticut since 1972. Their rocker switch product portfolio is composed of lighted and non-lighted RA miniature rockers, R9 miniature rockers, round rockers, submarine rockers, and full-size 3-position rocker switches. The company offers UL, CSA, and VDE-approved products used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Rees, Inc. began in 1929 and is based in Fremont, Indiana. The company is a designer and manufacturer of electromechanical and industrial control switches that serve the automotive, conveyor, material handling, food processing, and other manufacturing industries. The company manufactures its parts in the United States in ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities. The company’s product categories include various types of switches, control units, contact blocks, and push buttons. The company offers modification options on most parts available upon request.
ITW EBA, established in 1970 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of switches, fasteners, dampers, connectors, and IC package solutions. Their products encompass pushbutton switches for equipment control, microswitches for motion detection, dampers regulating airflow, connectors for various applications, and IC package solutions for integrated circuits. As a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), they serve electronics, industrial, and medical sectors and hold ISO 9001:2015, IEC 60947-1, and UL certifications.
Meba Electric Co.,Ltd is a Chinese manufacturer of low-voltage electrical equipment that was established in Yueqing City, Zhejiang Province in 2006. The company produces various relays such as electronic and thermal overload relays, circuit breakers, AC contactors, and AC drivers. It also offers human machine interfaces (HMIs) such as MT4000/6000/8000 series touch panels, as well as programmable logic controller (PLC) and expansion modules. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the construction, aerospace, energy, and petrochemical industries.
Tecnomatic Italia is a manufacturer of electromechanical parts for industrial automation that was founded in 1998 in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. The company produces components used in automated industrial operations and complete automation systems. These include pneumatic cylinders, actuators for rotary motion, and solenoid valves for fluid pressure and flow control. The company also provides industry specific products and custom solutions for clients with unique projects. Its products are used by customers in the food and beverage, furniture, and packaging sectors.
LOVATO Electric S.p.A., founded in 1922 and based in Bergamo, Italy, is a manufacturer and designer of low-voltage electrical devices for industrial applications. The company offers a wide range of products such as Motor Protection circuit breakers, Contractors, electromechanical starters and relays, variable speed drives, and soft starters among others. The company holds UNI ISO 45001: 2018, ISO 1400: 2015, and ISO 50001: 2018 certificates. The company’s laboratories are certified to conduct type testing under ACAE control to issue ACAE certifications which are recognized by the European Union and valid across the wold.
K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.KG was founded in 1945 and is a manufacturer of switchgear and control devices based in Wuppertal, Germany. The company's products include security sensors, solenoid interlocks, safety switches and safety mats. The products are used in escalators, elevators, wood processing, packaging and industrial automation to provide safety at work. The company is ISO 9001 certified and supports local institutions like the University of Wuppertal, charity events and sports clubs. In Brazil, Schmersal has won the international "Great Place To Work" competition five times.
NEW ELFIN divisione pulsanti S.r.l., founded in 1966, is an Italian manufacturer headquartered in Caselle Torinese, Piemonte, providing push-buttons and accessories. Serving over 55 countries worldwide, the company offers products made from aluminum, stainless steel, and thermoplastic. Its featured products include illuminated push-buttons and emergency stop push-buttons. The company also offers custom push-buttons with a selection of accessories such as enabling switches, lamps and cable glands, as well as metal and thermoplastic enclosures and boxes. It further provides contactors, control cabinets and lighting, as well as relays and motor circuit breakers.
K.A. Tech, based in India, is a manufacturer of a diverse range of industrial products since 2006. The company's product portfolio includes foot switches, quick-release couplings, pressure gauges, proximity sensors, solid-state relays, photoelectric sensors, and electric limit switches. Its product range reflects on delivering solutions related to fluid power, automation, and control in various industrial settings. Its products are found in various industries such as manufacturing, electronics, automotive, industrial automation, and construction. The company operates as an exporter and manufacturer and its market includes countries like Bangladesh, Kenya, Belgium, Korea, and Myanmar.
Huizhou Grandye Industrial Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of precision components based in China. Founded in 2007, the company specializes in manufacturing micro switches, auto switches, waterproof switches, pressure switches, and more. Additionally, the company excels in producing an assorted range of contact modules and electronic components. The company's products are found in various sectors including automotive, industrial automation, manufacturing, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and more. The company holds the ISO9001 and ISO/TS16949 certifications, attesting to its manufacturing processes and quality control systems.
Integral Systems and Components Private Limited, an ISO9001 certified company based in India, has been a manufacturer and supplier of MIL Grade, Professional Grade Switches, and Electro-Mechanical components since 1979. The company manufactures a diverse range of switches, including toggle switches, rocker/paddle switches, plastic toggle switches, rotary switches, thumbwheel switches, and more. These switches can be moved up and down or side to open or close an electrical circuit. Toggle switches are used in industrial machinery, automotive controls, and other applications where manual control is required. These products find application in sectors such as Telecommunications, Industrial, and Defense.
YueQing Daier Electron Co., Ltd. is a reputable manufacturer and supplier of electrical switches and accessories. The company was established in 1978 and is headquartered in Yueqing, China. Its main activity is the design, development, and manufacturing of precision electronic components, including relays, contactors, and switches. The company, which has over 1,000 employees and operates in more than 20 countries, also offers a wide range of services, including engineering, testing, and certification. YueQing Daier's products are used by a wide range of customers, including automotive manufacturers, telecommunications companies, and medical device manufacturers.
Dongguan Lituo Electronics Co., Ltd., founded in Guangdong, China, in 2002 is a manufacturer of electronic switches and sockets. The company's product portfolio includes toggle switches, touch switches, key switches, uni-directional push-button switches, and MINI toggle switches. Their products are used in automotive products, instruments and apparatuses, medical devices, toys, and radios. The company serves markets such as Food and Beverage, consumer goods, Automotive, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology and Chemical and Petrochemical.
Calonix Electronic Private Limited, founded in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1982 is a manufacturer of industrial switches, connectors, terminals and fuse holders. The company's product portfolio includes Rocker Switches, Terminal Connector Blocks, Toggle Switches, PCB BatteryTerminals and Push Button Switches. Their products are used in industries such as electrical, electronic, automotive, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. Their products are recognized by the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Lab and has nation wide distribution.
Wenzhou Gangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd, founded in Hong Kong in 1976 is a manufacturer of electronic and electrical switches, sensors, plastic, and hardware parts. The company's product portfolio includes Micro Switches, Push Button Switches, Water Level Switches, Door Switches and Power Switches and they find applications in Automotive, Home Appliances, Entertainment Device and Industrial Equipment. The company also provides services including distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and customer service.
Wenzhou Gangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd, founded in Shenzhen, China in 1994 is a manufacturer of Tact Switches and other electronic switches. The company's product portfolio includes Sockets, Relay and sensors, transformers and connectors, encoders and potentiometers that are used in household appliances, 3C (computer, communications, consumer electronics), office equipment, medical, personal care, and electronics. The company serves markets such as Food and Beverage, consumer goods, Automotive, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology and Chemical and Petrochemical. The company also has operations in South Korea and Brazil.
Yueqing Tianyi Electric Co. Ltd., established in 1988 and based in Yueqing, Zhejiang, is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in push buttons and lighting products. The company's product range includes industrial-grade metal push-button switches, such as stainless steel button indicators and two-position switches. It also offers indicator, signal, and warning lights, micro and travel switches, as well as pendant control stations. These products are supplied to international customers, particularly in North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Omron Automation, situated in Hoffman Estate, IL established in 1933 is a manufacturer and supplier of fully integrated automation solutions to various industries. The complete portfolio of the company provides safety services, training, and automation services to keep people safe, protect their capital investment and increase their overall equipment effectiveness. The company has 80+ years of industry experience to benefit its clients. Whether a client is looking to protect their people, understand their functional safety risks, train their team, or refurbish a robot, the company can provide customized services to meet their client's needs.
Rafi GmbH & Co. KG, established in 1900 and located in Berg, Kr Ravensburg, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical components. Its product range includes Glasscape for capacitive input, Flexscape that merges touchscreen and haptic input, Joyscape for flexible joysticks, ECU processor units for intelligent applications, and control/signaling components for industrial automation. The company has achieved certifications like ISO 9001:2008 for quality management, ISO-TS 16949:2009 for the automotive industry, and ISO 14001 for its environmental management system.
Bituoelec Inc., since 2009 and based in Zhejiang, China is a manufacturer and supplier of electrical switches and components such as guitar pedal parts, anti-vandal switches, auto parts, and indicator lights. Their guitar pedal parts portfolio comprises aluminum enclosures, knobs, pedal switches, DC & audio jack, and mini, sub-mini, & medium-type toggle switches. The company also offers battery holders, overload protectors, terminals, banana plugs & sockets, and various types of switches such as slide, dip, rocker, push button, and tact switches. These products are used for car modification & upgrade, industrial equipment manufacturing, guitar effects manufacturing & modification, and household applications.
BERNSTEIN AG is a manufacturer and distributor of electromechanical components that was established in 1947 in Germany. The company manufactures switches and sensors that range from insulated and metal enclosed to foot switches and safety switchgear. They also provide enclosure technology that deals with the implementation of support systems for various applications such as using housing to accommodate electrical, electronic, or pneumatic components and load-bearing systems made of aluminum and stainless steel. They also offer safety solutions related to the operation of lifts and escalators that are placed in malls and airports
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | ITW Electronic Business Asia Co., Ltd. |
12.9%
|
2 | Meba Electric Co.,Ltd |
9.7%
|
3 | Dongguan Lituo Electronics Co., Ltd. |
9.7%
|
4 | Shenzhen Greater Electronics Co., Ltd |
9.7%
|
5 | Tecnomatic Italia |
6.5%
|
6 | K. A. Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG |
6.5%
|
7 | K. A. Tech. |
6.5%
|
8 | Bituoelec Inc. |
6.5%
|
9 | Calonix Electronic Private Limited |
6.5%
|
10 | Electronic Controls Corp. (ECC), Div. of Selco Products |
6.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the switch button page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
China | 7 | 36.8% |
United States of America | 3 | 15.8% |
Italy | 3 | 15.8% |
India | 3 | 15.8% |
Germany | 2 | 10.5% |
Taiwan | 1 | 5.3% |
9 products are listed.
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