Safe and field-proven switches and pushbuttons for applications with demanding hygiene requirements

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a drastic tightening of hygiene regulations worldwide. Especially in the medical sector and food industry, the corresponding operational components are now more in focus than ever. APEM/IDEC, the leading international switch manufacturer, offers technically mature solutions in this area, which also reliably meet particularly high demands in terms of sealing and hygiene.

Durable piezo-electric pushbuttons with an easy-to-clean metal surface
The PBA 22 mm series from APEM/IDEC is equipped with a surface made of anodized aluminum or stainless steel – a decisive advantage when it comes to ensuring optimum cleaning and full compliance with hygiene regulations at all times. This is especially important wherever operating surfaces must be repeatedly and frequently cleaned, such as in medical facilities and the food industry. 

Thanks to their one-piece design, the switches are completely sealed in accordance with IP68 (IEC 60529) and IP69K (DIN 40050-9) with a fully enclosed actuating surface. This reliably prevents the penetration of liquids or other foreign matter. It also makes the PBA 22 mm series the ideal switch solution for environments with very high humidity, such as swimming pools and wellness areas.

The piezo-electric switches of the PBA 22 mm series are based on a solid-state output, which enables an extremely long service life in excess of 50 million cycles. Due to their robustness and excellent optical recognition based on ring or point illumination, these pushbuttons are also suitable for integration into access control systems. The PBA 22 mm series can be used in a temperature range from -40°C to +75°C.

Well protected: capacitive switches and pushbuttons for sub-panel mounting
They function perfectly even when the operator‘s hand is covered by a medical glove. The capacitive switches and pushbuttons of the CG series can be actuated through the panel at the touch of a finger. In this way, non-conductive glass or polycarbonate front panels can be transformed into active interfaces.

The CG series from APEM can be mounted under glass front panels with a maximum thickness of 6 mm or under polycarbonate panels up to 4 mm thick. This type of mounting without a front panel cut-out is not only absolutely watertight and thus extremely hygienic – it also allows quick and easy cleaning of the corresponding control panel at any time.

Thanks to the use of capacitive sensor technology, the CG series contains no moving mechanical parts that are subject to wear and tear. As a result, the service life of these switches and pushbuttons is at least 50 million cycles.