Heavy-Duty Palm Button Valves Product Catalog

Key Features and Design Advantages

The heavy-duty palm button valves are built for reliable performance in tough conditions. Their poppet construction provides a positive seal that resists wear and contamination. The heavy-duty design ensures quiet operation while withstanding repeated actuation cycles. Dual mounting flanges offer flexible and easy installation options, allowing the valve to be securely panel-mounted or surface-mounted. The rugged construction uses corrosion-resistant cast aluminum for the valve body and high-strength polymer for the button, giving the valve a long service life even in challenging environments.

Color-Coded Button Options

Each valve is available with a blue, green, or red palm button. Color coding allows plant operators and maintenance personnel to quickly identify valve functions at a glance. For example, a red button might signal an emergency or stop function, a green button could indicate a start or go function, and a blue button may denote a general-purpose auxiliary function. This color distinction is especially valuable on control panels with multiple palm button valves grouped together.

2/2 Heavy-Duty Palm Button Valve Specifications

The 2/2 heavy-duty palm button valves are normally closed, 2-way, 2-position valves with 1/4-inch ports. They provide a flow capacity of CV 0.8 (790 Nl/min) and weigh approximately 1.8 lb (0.8 kg). The valve uses poppet construction for a positive and reliable seal.

Model numbers are organized by button color and seal material. For NPT threaded ports, the base models are 260A-2B (blue), 260A-2G (green), and 260A-2R (red) with Buna-N seals. Fluoroelastomer seal versions add an 'A' prefix to the color suffix, such as 260A-2AB for blue with fluoroelastomer seals. G-thread versions append a 'W' suffix, such as 260A-2BW for blue with Buna-N seals in G thread.

Response Time and Performance Data

The catalog provides average response constants for calculating valve response time using the formula: Response Time (msec) = M + (F x V), where V is the volume in cubic inches to be filled to 90% of supply pressure or exhausted to 10% of supply pressure. The F value for the 1-2 flow path is 2.0. For manually operated valves, the M value depends on the speed of actuation and may be taken as zero for most practical applications. This allows engineers to estimate fill and exhaust times when sizing the valve for specific cylinder or actuator volumes.

3/2 Heavy-Duty Palm Button Valve Specifications

The 3/2 heavy-duty palm button valves are normally closed, 3-way, 2-position valves, also with 1/4-inch ports and a flow capacity of CV 0.8 (790 Nl/min). The weight is approximately 1.8 lb (0.8 kg), identical to the 2/2 version. The 3-way configuration adds an exhaust port, allowing the downstream actuator to vent when the valve returns to its normally closed position.

Model numbers follow the same color-coding scheme as the 2/2 valves. NPT models include 360A-2B (blue), 360A-2G (green), and 360A-2R (red) with Buna-N seals. Fluoroelastomer options include 360A-2AB, 360A-2AG, and 360A-2AR. G-thread versions are available with the 'W' suffix. The response constants for the 3/2 valve include an F value of 2.0 for the 1-2 flow path and 2.3 for the 3-2 exhaust path.

Construction Materials and Operating Conditions

The heavy-duty palm button valves are constructed with a cast aluminum valve body that provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The palm button itself is made from high-strength polymer that withstands repeated impacts without cracking or deforming. Seal options include Buna-N as the standard material for general-purpose air applications, and fluoroelastomer for environments requiring enhanced chemical or temperature resistance.

The valves operate on filtered air at pressures from 5 to 150 psi (0.3 to 10 bar). The ambient and media operating temperature range is -10°F to 175°F (-23°C to 80°C), which is a wider range than many comparable valves. For applications below -10°F (-23°C), Automatic Valve should be consulted for guidance on suitable configurations. Port connections are available in NPT and G thread standards, and the port location is on the side of the valve body.

Dimensions, Mounting, and Installation

The heavy-duty palm button valves feature a compact, panel-mountable design with dual mounting flanges. The overall dimensions are approximately 2.86 inches (73 mm) in height, with a 2.67-inch (68 mm) by 1.33-inch (34 mm) mounting footprint. Four mounting holes of 0.28-inch (7 mm) diameter are provided for secure installation. The button travel distance is 0.18 inches (0.5 mm), providing a short, positive actuation stroke.

The valve profile extends approximately 2.47 inches (63 mm) above the mounting surface to the top of the button when not actuated. The port connections are located on the side, with a 0.50-inch (13 mm) clearance below the mounting surface. Downloadable CAD models are available to assist engineers in planning panel layouts and confirming dimensional fit.

Accessories and Ring Guard

An optional ring guard (Model 6098) is available to help protect against accidental valve actuation. This shield-type ring guard mounts around the palm button and requires the operator to deliberately reach through the guard opening to press the button. The ring guard measures 4.75 inches (121 mm) in diameter and 2.50 inches (64 mm) in height. This accessory is recommended for applications where inadvertent valve operation could cause safety issues or production disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2/2 and 3/2 heavy-duty palm button valves?

The 2/2 valve is a 2-way, 2-position normally closed valve with an inlet port and an outlet port. When pressed, air passes from inlet to outlet. When released, the flow stops. The 3/2 valve adds a third (exhaust) port, so when the button is released, the outlet port is connected to the exhaust port, venting the downstream actuator. The 3/2 valve is preferred for applications requiring positive venting of cylinders or actuators.

What button colors are available and why does color matter?

The valves are available in blue, green, and red button colors. Color coding enables visual identification of valve functions on a control panel, which improves operator safety and efficiency. For example, red is commonly used for stop functions, green for start, and blue for auxiliary or general-purpose control.

What is the operating pressure range?

The heavy-duty palm button valves operate from 5 to 150 psi (0.3 to 10 bar) using filtered air. The minimum pressure of 5 psi ensures reliable actuation even in low-pressure pilot circuits.

Is a guard available to prevent accidental actuation?

Yes. The Model 6098 ring guard is a shield-type accessory that mounts around the palm button to help prevent accidental actuation. It is recommended for safety-critical applications where an unintended button press could cause harm or production issues.

What seal material options are available?

Standard seals are Buna-N, suitable for general air applications. Fluoroelastomer seals are available for applications requiring resistance to higher temperatures, aggressive chemicals, or petroleum-based lubricants. Both options are available across all button colors and thread types.