Push button switches have a simplicity to their design which makes them adaptable to practically any application. The fact that their simple design can work in computers, light switches, automotive starters, emergency stop buttons and more make them an item that will you can use for a long time to come. The fact that the electrical push button have endured since the 1890s is a testament to their staying power.

In order to succeed in making the most of push-button switches, browse through the information that describes the electric push buttons in various applications, such as an automotive push button, push button light switch, industrial push button and computer push button, and why it's suited for each application. 1. Incorporate push button switches in computers.

2. Use push button switches for lights.

3. Rely on industrial push button switches.

4. Let the automotive push button switch power the starter and more.

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Use push buttons switches with computers

There is a variety of push button switches that work well with computers. Some can be keyboard switches that are low profile, or tiny push button switches, or ones that are sealed and have a 'snap' feel when pushed. All of these switches work well for computer peripheries, and can either snap in or come with long pigtails for easy installation.

I recommend: GAMMA Electronics and Mouser Electronics have a wide selection of computer push button switches from which to choose.

Rely on the push button light switch, a new and old favorite

Push button light switches are something that were ubiquitous in house in the 50s, and are experiencing a resurgence. If your company is located in an old building or a building that looks old, push button light switches can add a nice detail. Don't think you need to rely on push button light switches that only turn one light off and on: technology has allowed these simple-appearing switches to be three or four way so you can add more than one 'station of operation.' Check to make sure the switches are UL Listed and CSA Certified. These reproductions have the advantage of use with new or existing wiring.

I recommend: Kyle Designs and Omhega Salvage have push button light switches.

Consider the work horses of the push button family: industrial push button switches

Industrial push button switches lend themselves to hard use by being sealed, being lighted pushbutton switch, able to resist dirt, dust, water and whatever you can throw at it. Abuse them all you want, and they'll still turn on your equipment, function as emergency stops and more.

I recommend: Norgren and Baco have a wide selection of industrial push button switches. On the Baco website, choose the product category that best fits your needs to download a PDF file of industrial push button switches.

Find automotive push button switches

The automotive push button switch is dust as well as moisture resistant. They often have sealed rubber caps that don't affect the ease of use. Often, the contacts are made of silver and copper, and are therefore long lasting.

I recommend: Select Controls and Ace Electronics have automotive push button switches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact the manufacturers of push button switches if you don't find one that suits your company. They can work with you to design or suggest something that will. Ask about discounts.

Push-button switches are easy to find in any shape or size you need. Electric push buttons are useful for industrial switches, home and office switches, games, or any switch that you want to make easier to find or press. Push-button switches come in many sizes, shapes and features depending on what you're turning on and off.

If you're shopping for an electrical push button, first make sure that you know how to install the new wiring or replace the existing switch or button. Think about convenient features you may want, like an illuminated, raised or large button.

Before you buy an electric push button, consider the following:

1. Check out illuminated push buttons for easy-to-see switches.

2. Browse rocker switches or paddle handles rather than buttons if you want a switch rather than a button.

3. Look for specialty buttons if you have novelty button needs.

4. Get switch plates and other accessories for your electrical push buttons.

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Look for an illuminated push button switch for easy switching on and off

The most common colors for illuminated buttons are green and red, but they also typically come in white, blue, yellow and orange. Illuminated switches are easy to locate in the dark and during the daytime, and different colored push-button switches can help differentiate between switch functions.

I recommend: Use illuminated push buttons anywhere you'll need to press a button in the dark, including a main switch for the office, garage or home flood lights. If you have a switch with two functions that requires two buttons, or want a two-function button for convenience on a garage door or similar device, check out dual illuminated push buttons for multiple functions.

Use rocker switches or paddle handles for push button light switches

If you're looking for a push button light switch, rocker switches combine the large, easy-press functionality of a push button with the back-and-forth switch motion of a typical light switch. Rocker switches are easy to switch on and off, but also make it obvious if a device is switched on or off before you press.

I recommend: Rocker switches are ideal for a computer push button or other on-off device, and are often labeled like computer switches. Illuminated paddle handles are another good choice for a push button light switch and have the added benefit of being lighted for easy location in the dark.

Check out novelty push-button switches for games or arcades

If you're designing a game that requires the use of a button, or if you're refurbishing or redesigning existing arcade games or other push-button games, look for fun, multi-colored novelty buttons. Push-button switches that are oversized, exaggerated, or perform a variety of functions like a joy stick or track ball are great for use in any game and can be purchased individually from many push button manufacturers.

I recommend: Check out the mega push button or the joystick push button if you're working on an arcade game. These buttons are fun to press and engage even small children, and the joystick push button combines several uses to simplify game control wiring.

Get push button switch plates for protection

As with regular light switches, switch plates for push buttons hide the wiring and make buttons and switches blend into the surroundings. Switch plates come with multiple combinations of openings for buttons and switches, so when you purchase an electrical push button, don't forget to get a switch plate to cover the casing.

I recommend: Switch plates are especially good to use if you're installing an electrical push button in your home or office and want it to look professional, or are installing the push button next to an existing switch and need to cover both. While industrial push button switches may require less aesthetic appeal, a switch plate is still good to protect the wiring and minimize electrical hazards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you order electric push buttons, think about other accessories you may need to purchase, such as labels for the buttons or button safety covers. Many push button manufacturers do custom artwork directly onto the buttons if requested, which can save you time and money on labeling.

Push-button switches have been a part of our lives from the 1890's. They have been push button electric switches, industrial push button switches, push button light switches, an automotive push button switch as well as the computer push button. What first began as a simple switch for a light has become an integral part of high technology. Perhaps part of the reason for the push button switch's appeal is its ease of use. Press the push button with one finger, and the circuit's completed. Push it again, and the circuit breaks. It is at once an elegant and simple design that adapts itself well to many applications.

Using push-button switches information, you can find what you need about the various push button designs and their applications. This information should help your company find the best electrical push button for its applications. When using push-button switches, you might want to:

1. Use electric push buttons for industrial applications.

2. Explore the push button light switch.

3. Incorporate the computer push button.

4. Rely on the automotive push button switch.

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Let the push button electric switch lend itself to industrial applications

Push buttons switches can be in practically any configuration imaginable, with small heads, larger heads and flatter heads that share the same characteristic, it's easy to actuate. Some of the push buttons are a lighted pushbutton switch, which makes it easier for the operator to confirm actuation of the switch. The electric push button works well as an emergency stop button or even a selector switch.

I recommend: Many manufacturers make these push button electric switches. Two of the many are Automation Direct and Lamb Industries. The Science Forum has a beneficial forum to help you determine the many uses for a push button electric switch.

Let a push button light switch add a certain je ne sais quoi to any business or residential building

Appealing to the builder or business person alike, the push button light switch can add style to the work place or home. For builders renovating old homes, the push button light switch adds a nice 'period' feel without needing to be period--though the authentic push button light switches are available at hardware stores that specialize in period and vintage hardware. If one's business is in a historic building, reproduction push button light switches can add the look while being UL listed. Some of the reproduction push button light switches even have four way capacity.

I recommend: Classic Accents and Rejuvenation have the reproduction push button light switches while House of Antique Hardware has the real thing. The push button light switch has added to the decor of homes and business for a while, as evidenced in History of the Button.

Employ computer push buttons when building computers

Computer push buttons are easy to actuate and work well as power supply buttons. These push buttons are also quite simple to install as they come with long 'pig tails' that you can cut to the length needed.

I recommend: Directon and Triangle Cables manufacture the computer push button. FreshPatents.com details another push button switch that's great for use in compact spaces, like with your computer.

Use automotive push button switches

Even car makers like push button switches. These switches look very similar to the computer push button switch, and have two long pig tails for easy installation. These push buttons can light up, and they work well for interior light applications. Other automotive switches have a softer, round head and work well for horns or starters.

I recommend: Judco has the computer-like automotive push button switches while Wiring Products has a variety of automotive push button switches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact the manufactures for discount pricing on the push button switches. If your company is interested in a push button light switch in a different configuration, contact the manufacturer who may be able to design on to your specifications.

The push button switch is one of the most commonly used types of switches, and can be used to activate everything from security alarms to elevators. Although push buttons are a relatively simple concept, many types of push button switches exist. Push buttons can contain a range of components. Knowing the specific terms used to describe push button types, functions and components will help you choose to right push button switch for any purpose based on its mechanism and features.

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Push button switch

A push button switch describes any type of mechanism that activates a control by depressing a button cover or plunger. Push button switches come in two main circuit types, those that must be pushed to complete the circuit and activate the control, which are always open or those that break the circuit when pressed in order to stop an action, which are always closed.

I recommend: Read a more complete definition of push button switch operation from Global Spec.

Actuator

The actuator is the component of the push button switch that actually initiates the intended action. An actuator converts energy to motion, and in many push button switches, is simply the ignition mechanism for a complex action.

I recommend: Read more about what an actuator is and how it works from wiseGEEK.

Rocker switch

A rocker switch is a type of push button that it not merely depressed, but has an uneven surface such that when one end is depressed, the other is raised. Rocker switches are used to control two separate switches, or to switch a control both on and off by alternatively opening or closing the circuit.

I recommend: Electronics-Manufacturers.com provides a detailed description of a rocker switch.

Rotary switch

A rotary switch allows the operator to choose from a number of controls when pressed, and like a rocker switch can initiate multiple actions using a single button. Rotary switches often control more than two discrete actions. A common example of a rotary switch is that used in a traditional rotary phone.

I recommend: Answers.com provides a definition and explanation of how a rotary switch functions.

Backlight

A backlight is used by lighted or illuminated push button switches, which typically have a narrow rim surrounding the light, or a translucent push button panel that is lit from behind using an LED.

I recommend: Learn more about LED backlight technology from Pacific Display Devices.

ADA compliant

Many buttons are advertised as being ADA compliant, which means that they conform to regulations set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act established in 1990. ADA compliant buttons may adopt certain specifications for size, labeling and placement, among other factors.

I recommend: Alinco Electric Sales provides a detailed description of the features required for push buttons to be ADA compliant.