Switches may seem ordinary, superficial, and sometimes insignificant, but they are essential to the functionality of any electrical system. There are different types of light switches used in residential and industrial applications, and the push button light switch is an increasingly popular mechanical option. Push button light switches are electric devices used to turn light fixtures on or off with the push of a button. 

They were among the earliest light switch designs and were common in homes in the early 20^th century. Push button light switches are considered classic and antique but come in a variety of modern designs that suit current electrical specifications and the interior décor of all kinds of homes. Below is a comprehensive look into push button light switches and how they work.

The Components of a Push Button Light Switch

A push button light switch serves as an electrical actuator that closes or opens an electrical circuit when you press it. An actuator is a component that moves or controls a mechanism or system. This type of switch is among the most basic switch types and comprises a switch, electrical wires, and a power source. 

A push button light switch can take the form of a key or button. It can also be recessed, flush, or elevated. Recessed switches are installed beneath a surface to prevent accidental switches. Flush switches form a continuous plane with the surface they are installed on. Elevated switches are installed above a surface level, making them easy to find and use. 

How the Push Button Light Switch Works

A push button light switch is similar to the conventional toggle switch in that it’s used to make a simple circuit change. It relies on the mechanical push of a button to actuate the internal switching mechanism. A push button light switch is attached to the electrical circuit that powers the light fixture. 

Since the switch is push-to-make or Normally Open, electricity can’t flow continuously through the circuit. This stops the light fixture from functioning, meaning it stays off. A Push button light switch typically has a spring that retracts the switch when the button isn’t pressed.

 This mechanism keeps the electrical circuit open and alternates between releasing and holding with successive pushes of the button. 

When you press the button on the light switch, the internal spring depresses, and the contacts at the bottom of the switch touch. This action initiates the circuit, enabling electricity to flow and allowing the light fixture to turn on. Pushing the button again retracts the spring, altering the status of the push button connection. This action reopens the electric circuit and turns the lights off. 

A push button light switch helps control the lighting by maintaining or disrupting the flow of electricity through its on and off positions. You engage and disengage these positions, each time you push the button on the switch. Essentially, a push button lights switch works by enabling you to control the supply of electrical current to the load, which is the light fixture in this case.

The Functional Classifications of Push Button Light Switches

A push button light switch is a maintained type of switch. A switch that requires maintained operation changes position when it is actuated and stays in the same position until you actuate it again. The other type of switch operation is momentary or temporary, which is only actuated when being pressed- like a doorbell for instance.

A push button switch can also be a Normally Open (NO) or push-to-make switch or a Normally Closed (NC) or push-to-break switch. Typically, push button light switches are NO or push-to-make switches. This means the switch stays open until your press the button, after which the switch closes until you press it again to reopen it. 

Within the above classification, you can further define the functionality of push button light switches in terms of the switching circuits they use. Push button light switches are commonly single pole, single throw (SPST) switches. SPST switches utilize two terminals; therefore, they can only close or open a single circuit to turn a light fixture on or off.

Overall, push button light switches are an increasingly popular switch option, offering various benefits. Aside from their charming nostalgic design, push button light switches are also stronger, more durable, and more user-friendly than other types of light switches. Are you looking for high-quality push button light switches? APIELE is a leading and trusted vendor of best-in-class push button switches for residential and industrial applications.