Push Button Switches are used across a wide variety of applications.    Usually made of metal or plastic, the button is pressed by the human finger; they are the interface between a user and the end product or system.  The range of push switches is vast and below is an overview of the type of push buttons offered by Alan Butcher Components.

Types Of Pushbutton Switches:

Latching switches, also known as On/Off – when the switch is pressed the circuit is activated and remains in this state until pressed again.

Double pole, latching switch circuit diagram (DPST) – 

Momentary switches – only remain in their contact state when pressed.  When released the circuit returns to its normal state.

Double pole, momentary switch circuit diagram (DPST) – 

The switches normal state can be:

Normally Open (NO) – switches in this state are also known as pushed-to-make switches.  The switch is pressed to make contact and turn on the circuit.  This is the most popular switch state.

Normally Closed (NC) – also known as pushed-to-break switches.  The circuit is turned off or broken when the switch is pressed.

Considerations for customers when selecting a push button switch:

• Panel Cut-Out – we offer circular cut-outs – 12mm, 16mm, 19mm, 22mm and 25mm or rectangular cut-outs – 13x19mm and 22x30mm

• Number of Poles (SP or DP) – this will depend on the number of circuits you need to switch i.e. a single pole (SP) switch will activate one circuit, whilst a double pole (DP) switch will activate two.

Single Pole momentary  Double Pole latching illuminated

• Illumination – 12VDC, 24VDC & 250VAC LED or Neon options are available, subject to the switch range.

Colours offered are:         Red    Yellow     Green    Blue    White    Orange

Switches can be fully illuminated or illuminated with a small dot.  The Anti Vandal switches are either Ring or Dot illuminated.

The Deca SwitchLab D16 illuminated push buttons are modular switches; the lamp and lens can be selected according to the needs of the design/application.  The lamps and lenses are shown on the “Switch Accessories” page of our website – https://www.abcomponents.co.uk/product-category/switches/switch-accessories/

• IP rating – if a robust or splash proof switch is required you will need an appropriate IP rated push button switch. We offer the RMASK and SXA4 series push switches, manufactured by Everel https://www.abcomponents.co.uk/product-category/switches/splash-proof-switches/

Another option is to add a Splash Proof Cap to the standard SP60 and P1 switch ranges.  Fitting the cap to the switch ensures IP65 protection and the caps can be found on our Switch Accessories page https://www.abcomponents.co.uk/product-category/switches/switch-accessories/

Anti-vandal push button switches are extremely durable and are manufactured to withstand the demands of harsh environments.  Our Anti Vandal switches are rated from IP40-IP67.

Push button switch applications include:

• Access & Security products
• Vacuum cleaners & industrial cleaning machines
• Fire alarms & nurse call systems
• Test and monitoring equipment
• Instrument & control panels
• Lifts
• Home appliances
• Vending & gaming machines

Although relatively simple, the push button switch is an important component within a circuit design.  The circuit cannot be activated without it and it must encourage user input.  As we have seen, there are many options available. We are here to help you find the right product for your application.  Call us on 01258 456360 or email sales@abcomponents.co.uk