XB6EA42B
Active16mm Red Push Button XB6 1NC
Schneider Harmony XB6 16mm red push button.
Common Applications
Compact 16mm stop button. For panels where 22mm is too large.
Research Notes
1. Overview
The Schneider Electric XB6EA42B is a 16 mm red flush pushbutton from the Harmony XB6E economy line — a monolithic (one-piece) complete pushbutton integrating actuator, body, and contact. It's momentary (spring-return) with a 1 NC contact, IP65, CE. Red + normally-closed is the classic stop/off configuration (an NC contact opens the circuit when pressed). It's the red sibling of the green 1 NO XB6EA31B, in Schneider's compact 16 mm economy range.
2. User Sentiment
Same appeal as the rest of the XB6 line — small (16 mm) and low-cost, quick to fit as a one-piece unit, good for dense/economy panels. The monolithic design means the 1 NC contact is fixed (no swapping blocks), which suits a simple stop button but limits reconfiguration. For heavy-duty or E-stop safety functions, a dedicated latching mushroom E-stop (not a flush momentary) is the correct device.
3. Real-World Applications
A red stop/off momentary button (1 NC) on compact control panels and small machines using 16 mm cutouts — e.g. stop a function while held, or a general normally-closed input. Not a latching emergency stop.
4. Technical Specifications
- Type: Harmony XB6E complete monolithic pushbutton, 16 mm
- Actuator: flush, momentary (spring-return); red
- Contacts: 1 NC (integrated, non-modular)
- Cutout: 16 mm
- Sealing: IP65
- Approvals: CE
5. Ordering & Compatibility
Fits 16 mm cutouts. Monolithic — the contact (1 NC) is fixed; pick the exact catalog number for the color/contact needed. Family: XB6 economy 16 mm (green 1 NO = XB6EA31B, etc.); matching ZB6 signaling/heads. Step up to 22 mm modular Harmony XB4/XB5 for reconfigurable contacts.
6. Known Issues
No notable reliability issues. Practical care: it's a flush momentary 1 NC button — not a latching emergency stop (don't substitute it for a real E-stop where safety standards require a latching red mushroom). Confirm the 16 mm cutout and that a fixed 1 NC contact fits the circuit (monolithic — no block swaps).
2 sources
Specifications
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Actuator Function
Momentary = springs back when released. Maintained/latching = stays pressed until pressed again.
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Momentary (spring-return); red 1NC = stop/off (not a latching E-stop)
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Actuator Type
The button head style. Flush sits level with the bezel (prevents accidental presses). Extended protrudes for easy access.
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Flush
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Certifications
Third-party safety certifications. UL = required for US NEC installations. CE = EU compliance. CSA = Canadian standards.
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CE
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Color
Button/actuator color. Green = start/go, Red = stop/emergency, Yellow = caution, Blue = reset (per IEC 60204-1).
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Red
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Contact Configuration
Normally Closed — circuit is on until you press. Standard for stop/emergency functions. Wire in series with safety circuits.
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1NC
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Cutout Diameter
The hole size you drill in your panel to mount this button. 22mm is the most common industrial standard worldwide.
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16mm
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IP Rating
IP65: Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Suitable for indoor industrial and light washdown.
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IP65
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Series
The manufacturer's product family. Products in the same series share mounting systems and accessories.
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Harmony XB6E (16mm economy, monolithic/non-modular)
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Installation Quick Reference
Panel cutout: 16mm. Insert from the front of the panel, secure with mounting nut from behind (tighten to 2-3 Nm).
Contact block: Snap or screw the contact block onto the rear of the button body. Ensure the contact block orientation matches the wiring diagram — NO terminals are usually marked.
Wiring: Use 0.5-2.5mm² stranded wire with ferrules. Tighten screw terminals to 0.8 Nm. Test the button function before energizing the circuit.
Dimensions
Wiring Diagram
Troubleshooting
Button doesn't respond when pressed
Check the contact block first — it's the most common failure point. Test continuity across the NO or NC terminals with a multimeter. If no click is felt, the return spring in the head may be broken.
Works intermittently
Contact block contacts are pitted or burned. Replace the contact block — don't try to file the contacts. Check if the rated cycle count has been exceeded.
Button feels mushy or doesn't click
The spring return mechanism in the button head is worn. Replace the head. The contact block can usually be reused if it tests OK.
Where to Buy
Price range
$11.74 — $133.08
across 2 distributors
Quick Specs
- Actuator Function
- Momentary (spring-return); red 1NC = stop/off (not a latching E-stop)
- Actuator Type
- Flush
- Certifications
- CE
- Color
- Red
- Contact Configuration
- 1NC
What People Are Saying
“Compact 16mm stop button. For panels where 22mm is too large.”
