Pendent control box for a VFD

I need to make 4 or more pendents for various VFDs, with the usual controls. Stop, start plus forward and reverse and jog. Not forgetting the usual pot for speed control.

Looking around for suitable switches gave me a severe pain in the wallet! Can anyone suggest a source of suitable switches that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Andrew

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Pushbutton-Switches/58166/i.html?_from=R40&_sop=15&_nkw=22mm+pushbutton

A quick search on Ebay using "22mm push button" came up with quite a few options from under £2 each delivered (from China). Change the search term to "16mm" if you want more compact switches.

Nigel B

Thanks Nigel,

An Ebay search didn't throw up those options, only some eye wateringly expensive equivalents!

Andrew.

I used chint actuators and contactors on my vfd install, though for some reason they are currently astronomically priced on eBay, other suppliers on Google look more normal.

About 4gbp per button or so, they have a nice heft to them, and I liked how I could have a guard ring on the start button, but not on the stop control, small details like that adds a nice polish I think.

I bought the switches, potentiometer etc for my pendant from Inverter Drive Supermarket. They stock a complete range of components, apart from a housing, and at very modest cost.

Clive

The cost might depend on your definition of 'suitable'.

The pricey sort sold by RS are the better types, including goodies such as IP ratings suitable for a hostile environment. Those sold by Inverter Drive Supermarket look to be down a notch, ie not suitable for wet work, but should be fine in a workshop where the controls are away from coolants etc.

Bought some cheap switches from ebay last year that have been OK for light occasional use. I doubt they'll last forever though and they look and feel cheap! Are your customers fuss-pots?

Dave

Telemecanique are my preferred supplier of control components, I think the Harmony buttons are excellent and worth the cost. They are extremely reliable and very suitable for the workshop environment. Not the cheapest but in my opinion they are the best.

Mike

You might find something suitable here:

**LINK**

they are usually cheaper than rs.

Cheap switches are false economy in my opinion. Over the last few years I have had to replace many on my equipment, mainly due to the plastic going brittle. I agree with Mike Poole's recommendation on make. CPC or Rapid are my first choice for these items. Only if I need them next day do I use RS or Farnell.

Definitely go for a protected start button variety. Also one with the correct IP rating if used in a location that is exposed to dust or liquid.

Hugh

Edited By HughE on 13/04/2019 21:57:02

Thanks gentlemen,

I have now sourced some reasonable quality switches without breaking the bank. The expensive variety which were cheap and nasty were indeed a shock. But as usual good advice was given on this forum.

Andrew.