Go to any source for pushbutton enclosures information and you'll find that your choice of enclosures can be a bit overwhelming. Some enclosures are made specifically to protect you and your employees from either misusing equipment or from electric shock. Other pushbutton enclosures are made for keeping dirt, debris and, quite often, corrosive materials from damaging controls. And whether they're wall- or floor-mounted, they are often sold hand in hand with terminal or conjunction boxes — used to house electrical wiring — and are typically safety rated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, or NEMA. You need to turn to NEMA to find out which enclosure will keep you safe, but there are several hundred sources on the web that offer huge selections of size, style and finish.

Consider the following pushbutton enclosures information and know the difference between enclosures for hazardous and nonhazardous environments as well as the difference between enclosures for indoor and outdoor use:

1. NEMA standards and its list of recommended manufacturers;

2. Stainless-steel options for the harshest of conditions;

3. And pushbutton enclosures made specifically for miniature controls.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Trust NEMA or a NEMA-approved pushbutton enclosures provider for the utmost in safety

NEMA's website can break down all aspects of a pushbutton enclosure such as composition, construction and dimensions -- all of which have to do with product safety -- but you can also download standards on the site to keep on hand in the workplace. Purchasing directly through NEMA or companies who comply with NEMA standards can give you peace of mind.

I recommend: NEMA offers where-to-purchase information as well as downloadable guidelines. Nema Enclosures Mfg. Corp. is another great source for NEMA-approved enclosures.

Find pushbutton enclosures for the harshest conditions

If you work in an area with lots of dirt and debris or one in which chemical contamination is an issue, find pushbutton enclosures made of stainless steel. They look nicer for longer periods and can be easily cleaned with a variety of solvents.

I recommend: Both Cooper B-Line and Omega Engineering offer sloping-front and traditional stainless-steel enclosures that can handle the harshest conditions.

Get specialty pushbutton enclosures easily online

If you have one person operating several pushbutton enclosures, it's likely that you need miniature pushbutton enclosures. They help by organizing all of your buttons within arm's reach making it easier for one person to control a variety of situations. Even the smallest enclosures should be NEMA-approved and dust-tight.

I recommend: Pushbutton enclosures provider EXM offers a huge variety of miniature pushbutton enclosures as well as specifications. Delta Fabricating sells three miniature models as well as installation kits -- all NEMA-approved.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you don't need to add chemical-resistance to your pushbutton enclosures list, consider a powder-coated pushbutton enclosure. They are well-constructed and cost 35 percent less than traditional enclosures.