Momentary vs Latching Push Button Switch: Differences and How to Choose One
Push-button switch
A push-button switch is commonly used in electrical equipment because of its straightforward design. They are used in automated electrical control circuits, relays, control contactors, electromagnetic starters, and other components manually by emitting control signals.
Starting, stopping, reversing, changing speeds, enabling safety interlocks, and other fundamental controls are all possible with a single push of a button.
Typically, a push button switch will have two sets of contacts, one set of which will be ordinarily open while the other set will be normally closed. When you push the button, the two sets of contacts work at the same time. The contact that is usually open is disconnected, and the contact that is generally closed is closed.
To avoid accidental activation, please label each button with its intended use. Typically, button caps are manufactured in various colors to see the distinction easily. The colors range from red and green to black and yellow to blue and white. Colors denote their respective functions; for instance, red indicates the stop button, green the start button, and so on.
Momentary push-button switch
To activate or operate a device with a momentary push button switch, the switch must be depressed and held down until the circuit is made to break, which happens as soon as you release the switch.
Push-button switches with a momentary on/off action are commonly used for devices that humans must operate to ensure user safety.
There are two distinct types of push-button momentary switches.
- Instantaneous push-style activation
- Switch and slow-moving momentary push buttons.
The push button momentary switch is also known as a micro momentary push button switch because of the micro switch hidden beneath the button, and as a NO/NC Momentary Push Button Switch due to the presence of NO and NC; to utilize the switch as a momentary push button, connect ON and NC. Put one foot on the "ON" position and the other on the "NO" position if you need to use the momentary off switch.
If you need the transient functionality of a push-button switch, just join the ON and NO feet when open.
Latching push-button switch
To get the machine going, you have to connect the power source, hook up the mechanical components, and finally latch the push button switch so that when you press it, the led on the switch lights up, and the machine begins to run. When the push button latch is pressed, the light goes out, and the machine stops.
Several subtypes of the latching push button switch include lighted switches, watertight switches, etc.
Customers can specify the mounting hole size for the latching push button switch, with small sizes including 8mm, 10mm, etc. The standard size for push button switches with a latch is 12mm. A latching push button switch with a diameter of 19 mm has used in both industrial control panels and home kitchen appliances, whereas those of 16 mm are typically found in coffee makers and custom automobiles.
Many other voltages are available for latching push button switches, including 220V, 120V, 110V, 24V, 12V, 6V, 3V, etc. However, the most common value is 12V. Latching push-button switches with a 120V basic voltage are often used in Europe and the United States.
How do momentary and latching switches differ?
The internal construction of a latching push button switch differs significantly from that of a momentary push button switch, with a spring plate and a locking pin replacing the latter's spring.
Which is better, latching or momentary?
Which sort of switch is appropriate for a given application depends on the nature of that application.
A momentary switch is preferred for many applications to ensure the user's safety. If it is unsafe to leave the machine turned on, it is in everyone's best interest for operators to be required to press the switch to prevent the gadget from being used when no one is there. For example, heavy-duty roller doors often feature momentary switches, allowing the operator to instantly halt the door's movement if it encounters an obstacle when opening or shutting.
Latching switches are employed when the risk involved is minor, and it would be cumbersome for the operator to hold the button in place at all times. Latching switches are preferable to a standard switch because it eliminates the need for someone to stand at the light fixture to keep it on.