Push Button Switches

Push button switches also known as push switches are one of the most common types of electrical switches used in the market today. These versatile components are used in a wide range of applications, from everyday household appliances to industrial machinery.

With their straightforward operation and robust construction, push buttons are a popular choice for controlling electrical devices, activating alarms, and initiating various control sequences.

Here at RS Singapore, we offer a comprehensive selection of high-quality illuminated and non-illuminated push buttons in a range of shapes, sizes, and colours. If you are designing a new project or simply maintaining an existing installation, we are confident we have the right push button switch for you.

How Do Push Button Switches Work?

At its core, a push button has two main components, the button that users interact with and the internal switching mechanism. When the button is pressed, it drives a plunger downward, moving within the switch housing. This movement either makes or breaks contact with the switch’s internal electrical contacts, thereby completing or interrupting the circuit.

Internally, most push buttons utilise a spring mechanism that is vital for their operation. This spring is responsible for returning the button to its original position after being pressed. When the button is pushed down, the spring compresses and the electrical contacts connect, closing the circuit and allowing power to flow through. This position is commonly referred to as the 'on' state. Once the pressure is released, the spring expands, pulling the plunger back and separating the contacts, which cuts off the power supply and switches the device to the 'off' state.

This design ensures that the button has tactile feedback and quick return, essential for applications requiring rapid activation and deactivation. It’s a balance of simplicity and efficiency, making push button switches a reliable choice for various electronic applications.

Types of Push Button Switches

Push button switches come in a variety of types, each with unique characteristics and features. Some of the most common types are:

Momentary Push Button Switch

Momentary push buttons, also known as spring return buttons are a type of switch that requires continuous compression. They will turn on when the user applies a force (usually your finger) to the switch button and will only stay on while the switch button is compressed. Once the force is removed, momentary switches will spring back and return to their original off position.

Momentary switches will ALWAYS have brackets around the momentary position to help with identification. For example (On)-Off-(On), On-(Off).

Latching Push Button Switch

Latching push buttons, also known as maintained or stay-put push buttons are a type of switch that does not require continuous compression. They will turn on when the user applies a force (usually your finger) to the switch button and will remain in the on position. It is only until the user compresses the switch button again that the switch will un-latch and return to its original off position.

Illuminated Push Button Switch

Illuminated push buttons incorporate a light source, typically an LED, that lights up when the button is pressed. Illuminated switches are often used in low-light or dark environments and are ideal for applications where a visual indication of the switch's status is required.

Non-Momentary Push Button Switch

Unlike their momentary counterparts, non-momentary push button switches maintain their state after being pressed. This means they stay on until pressed again, or in some cases, require a manual pull to turn off. Think of the classic "push-on, push-off" power button on many devices or the toggle switches found on some vintage radios.

SPST Push Button Switch

The simplest of the bunch, Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) switches have two terminals and control a single circuit. Picture the on/off switch for a lamp - that's your SPST in action. They're your go-to for basic control needs.

SPDT Push Button Switch

Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) switches step it up with three terminals, capable of controlling two separate circuits. This makes them ideal for switching between two different power sources or toggling between modes on a device.

DPST Push Button Switch

Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST) switches double the control with four electrical terminals, handling two isolated circuits simultaneously. They're perfect for applications needing to control both high and low voltage circuits safely and independently.

DPDT Push Button Switch

A DPDT switch is a versatile six-terminal switch with two independent inputs, each controlling two separate outputs. It's like having two SPDT switches in one, allowing for complex control over four circuits.

Key Benefits of Push Button Switches

Push button switches are a cornerstone in the world of electronic controls, offering a multitude of advantages that make them indispensable across a wide array of industries. Here are some of the primary benefits:

• Ease of Use: Push button switches are renowned for their straightforward functionality. Users simply press the button to connect or disconnect the electrical circuit, facilitating rapid operations without any complexity. This intuitive design is ideal for applications demanding quick actions, such as emergency systems and consumer electronics.
• Durability: Engineered to endure, push button switches are built to withstand considerable mechanical stress. Made from robust materials, these switches can operate effectively under tough conditions, making them perfect for industrial settings where reliability is crucial.
• Versatility: The adaptability of push button switches is unmatched. They are crafted in various sizes, shapes, and configurations, allowing them to be utilised in a diverse range of applications; from delicate medical instruments to rugged construction machinery.
• Safety: Designed with safety in mind, many push button switches come equipped with features that prevent accidental activation, reducing the risk of mishaps. Enhanced models include safety mechanisms that guard against electric shock and other potential dangers, ensuring operator safety in critical environments.
• Aesthetic Flexibility: With a variety of colours, shapes and finishes available, push button switches can be seamlessly integrated into the design of any device or application, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and user interaction.

Industrial Applications of Push Button Switches

Push button switches are pivotal in various industrial applications, enhancing control and safety across numerous sectors. In manufacturing, they simplify operations by allowing straightforward activation of machinery through control panels. On assembly lines, these switches manage start and stop sequences, facilitating efficient and uninterrupted production. They are also crucial in specialised fields like crane operation and robotics, where precise manipulation of heavy or intricate machinery is essential.

Your Trusted Push Button Switch Supplier in Singapore

RS Singapore is your premier source for high-quality push button switches, offering a comprehensive range from trusted global brands like ABB, Banner, Eaton, and APEM. When you choose RS, you're not just getting products, you're gaining access to a team of experts dedicated to providing exceptional technical support and customer service. We understand the critical role push button switches play in your operations, and we're here to ensure your specific needs are met with precision.

In addition, our online catalogue makes ordering simple—browse our extensive selection, which includes everything from mini push button switches to round and dome-shaped options, and find the right push button switches for your application and enjoy fast delivery throughout Singapore. For detailed information on delivery times and any associated fees, please refer to our Delivery Information page. With RS, experience a seamless purchasing process that keeps your projects on track and your operations running smoothly.