What are Industrial Automation Pilot Devices (Pushbuttons, Selector Switches, Indicating Lights, and More)?
Control & Signaling Devices

What are Industrial Automation Pilot Devices (Pushbuttons, Selector Switches, Indicating Lights, and More)?

Pilot devices are essential operator interface components for most automated equipment and processes. As the industrial age dawned, machinery and equipment were controlled manually by operators pulling levers, turning hand cranks, and making similar actions and adjustments as they saw fit. Industry 1.0 was powered by water and steam, 2.0 relied on electricity and added…
Ashcroft B-Series Mechanical Pressure Switches from AutomationDirect
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Ashcroft B-Series Mechanical Pressure Switches from AutomationDirect

June 11, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Ashcroft B-Series mechanical pressure switches to deliver precise, reliable pressure sensing in a compact and rugged design. Equipped with cost-effective, high-capacity 15A relay outputs, they eliminate the need for external contactors or interposing relays. Select models feature a narrow deadband for highly accurate trip points. With adjustable setpoints, wide…
The AutomationDirect C-more CM5 Headless HMI Wins Silver in Control Engineering 2025 Product of the Year Awards
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The AutomationDirect C-more CM5 Headless HMI Wins Silver in Control Engineering 2025 Product of the Year Awards

Readers demonstrate enthusiasm for the CM5-RHMI, a cost-effective and flexible headless HMI with remote connectivity, advanced functionality, and a compact footprint. AutomationDirect’s C-more CM5-RHMI has been announced as the 2025 Silver winner of Control Engineering’s Product of the Year program in the human-machine interface (HMI) category. Check out the award announcement here! Control Engineering subscribers…
It's Time to Have A Talk About Safety
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It's Time to Have A Talk About Safety

I remember physical education from elementary school back in the 1980s. Phys ed was always a treat as I got to get out of our regular classes and do something besides sit in a classroom. It was almost as if I had a bonus recess that day. Now, that was until third grade when my…
CHANNELLOCK Pliers, Tool Sets, Wiring Tools, and Adjustable Wrenches from AutomationDirect
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CHANNELLOCK Pliers, Tool Sets, Wiring Tools, and Adjustable Wrenches from AutomationDirect

May 28, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added CHANNELLOCK tools, which are designed with strength and durability in mind. CHANNELLOCK tools are made in the USA with high-carbon USA steel.  The CHANNELLOCK straight jaw pliers feature undercut tongue-and-groove channels to prevent slipping, and Griplock jaw tongue-and-groove pliers have an offset head for greater leverage with patented SAFE-T-STOP® technology to…
Laumas Load Cells & Electronics from AutomationDirect
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Laumas Load Cells & Electronics from AutomationDirect

May 28, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Laumas precision-engineered load cells, transmitters, and accessories that deliver reliable performance in industrial weighing and force measurement applications. The FCAL series high-precision bending beam load cells are ideal for low- to mid-capacity systems. CTL series load cells are designed for both tension and compression, with excellent linearity. The…
ifm Fail-safe Inductive Sensors from AutomationDirect
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ifm Fail-safe Inductive Sensors from AutomationDirect

May 21, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ifm fail-safe inductive sensors featuring (2) OSSD outputs that can be connected to a safety relay for safety applications requiring the detection of metal objects. These sensors are designed to trigger a safe state (like stopping a machine) if the sensor fails, reducing the risk of injury to…
Igus 2500 Cable Drag Chain and Accessories from AutomationDirect
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Igus 2500 Cable Drag Chain and Accessories from AutomationDirect

May 21, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added additional drag chain options to route cables/hoses to moving components and help extend cable/hose life. The igus 2500 series cable/hose drag chains feature a snap-open mechanism along the chain’s outer radius to allow convenient access to the chain’s channel after installation. The hinged crossbar can be swiveled by more…
Patlite Visual and Audible-Visual Industrial Signal Beacons from AutomationDirect
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Patlite Visual and Audible-Visual Industrial Signal Beacons from AutomationDirect

May 21, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Patlite industrial signal beacons, which provide a clear and unambiguous visual indication, ensuring quick and easy detection by floor personnel. These beacons are available in three series with various monocolor options and a Fresnel lens that distributes ambient, uniform light from all globe surfaces, including the top. All…