PITTSBURGH … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today that it is introducing a line of modular 22 mm pushbuttons. Designed for global applications, the new M22 Pushbutton line includes a core group of pushbuttons, selector switches, pilot lights, mushroom operators and E-Stops, as well as new and unique products including  palm switches, four-way buttons, buzzers and communicating devices. The M22 pushbuttons have an innovative and ergonomic design that is especially useful for original equipment manufacturers, end-users, and system integrators who value high quality construction, flexibility, and front panel aesthetics.

“The M22 design reflects Eaton’s commitment to providing products that deliver increased reliability, functionality and time savings, while raising the industry standard in quality and versatility,” said George Deits, product line manager, logic components, Eaton Corporation.

Featuring a tactile and ergonomic design, the M22 product line features Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology that achieves high illumination efficiency. The LEDs are vibration proof and can function for 100,000 hours, and provide safe, reliable, ultra-bright and economical lighting. Standard pushbuttons and contact blocks have a mechanical life of over five million operations.

The M22 devices provide versatility in the area of device, legend plate and enclosure marking. All indicator lights, pushbuttons, legend plates and enclosures in the M22 product line can be inscribed with any text or symbol via laser etching. Laser etching provides clarity and durability for standard or customized needs.

Providing a high level of modularity, the M22 features innovative technology that allows for field conversion of pushbuttons and selector switches to maintained and momentary functions.  Optional spring-cage style terminations enable faster installation and reduced labor costs.

Utilizing the cost-effective Actuator-Sensor Interface (ASi) network, M22 affords the ability to provide efficient machine communications, reduce signal paths and wiring costs.

To meet global application requirements, the M22 Pushbuttons meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and European Standard (EN) 60 947, Underwriters Laboratories® (UL), Canadian Standards Association® (CSA) standards as well as certifications for shipping and marine requirements. With IP66 protection, M22 devices thrive in harsh industrial environments.

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and industrial automation products and services. Eaton’s global electrical product lines, including Cutler-Hammer®, Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, Santak®, and MGE Office Protection Systems™, provide customer-driven PowerChain Management® solutions to serve the power system needs of the data center, industrial, institutional, government, utility, commercial, residential and OEM markets worldwide.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 75,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com .