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Can I replace ZB2 parts with ZB4 parts?

XB2/ZB2 is the old pushbutton and pilot light range which was replaced by the current XB4/ZB4 range (Also known as Harmony XB4).

By general Schneider Electric convention, part numbers beginning with "X" are a complete assembly whilst those beginning with "Z" are a component part of that assembly. For example, XB4BS8442 is a complete Emergency Stop button with one normally closed contact. This is made up of ZB4BS844 (operating head) and ZB4BZ102 (fixing collar and contact block).

The significance of this is that XB4 assemblies are mostly direct replacements for XB2 assemblies but ZB4 parts are not interchangeable with ZB2 parts. If a part of an XB2/ZB2 assembly has to be replaced with ZB4, then the whole assembly must be replaced, either with an XB4 assembly or all ZB4 components to make up a complete XB4 assembly.

Further to this, there are some instances where different methods are used to achieve the same ends. For example, in the XB2/ZB2 range, a latching pushbutton was created by using a standard momentary pushbutton and adding a latching adaptor ZB2BZ21 between the button and the contacts. In ZB4 a specific latching pushbutton head is used so there is no ZB4 equivalent of ZB2BZ21 and a momentary pushbutton can not be converted to latching or vice versa. Incidentally, in Schneider Electric documentation latching pushbuttons are referred to as "push-push buttons".

There are a number of similar instances so do not assume that there is always an equivalent ZB4 part for every ZB2 part.

For the XB2 to XB4 parts only, due to the constraints discussed above, the Substitution Tool available on the Schneider Electric website here can help with cross referencing between old and new products.

It is essential to check the form and function of the original and replacement products to ensure that they meet the required specifications.