Schmersal: IP69K Series Pushbuttons Combine Advanced Sealing with Hygienic Design
The N Series from Schmersal features an IP69K-rated hygienic design that includes special seals to prevent the ingress of water, dirt and bacteria in the gaps between the fixed and moving device parts.
The IP69K rating originates from the German standard DIN 40050-9 which evaluated road vehicles that are exposed to regular and intensive cleaning. The requirements and testing to meet the IP69K rating in regards to water- proofing will actually exceed those seen with the NEMA 4X rating.
Subsequently it was found that this rating also served well to meet the cleaning requirements in hygienic applications in food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, as well as marine and other outdoor areas. In addition to high pressure and high temperature, certain application will also require the use of cleaning agents to achieve specific hygienic conditions. In this aspect the N series devices are also clean room approved according to ISO 14644-1 and suitable up to GMP Class C.
The smooth design of the bezel eliminates sharp edges and corners allowing easy cleaning and less room for dirt and bacteria to accumulate. Though the NDT and NDL button heads are recessed, the sealing bellows provide zero dead leg once installed at a 90 degree angle.
Color options for the sealing bellow include white for hygiene and clean- room applications to easily recognize foreign material as with the color blue which is also easily detectable by vision systems. The black sealing bellows are ideal for outdoor applications for increased UV protection.
Mounting of the N series is performed by a typical 22mm mounting hole even though the button heads are a robust yet small profile of 27mm to 50mm. Various symbols and lettering can also be hot embossed on to the pushbuttons and indicator lights.
In addition to pushbuttons and indicator lights, the N series also offers Step Switches, Potentiometer Holders, Main Disconnects, Knobbed Selector Switches as maintained, spring returned or combined as well as Emergency Stop pushbuttons to ISO 13850.
Applications
- Food processing machinery
- Pharmaceutical machinery
- Medical applications
- Outdoor equipment
- Chemical processing equipment
- Painting systems
- Semiconductor manufacturing
