Push switch
Momentary or non-latching switch
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Push-to-break_switch_electronic_symbol.svg/220px-Push-to-break_switch_electronic_symbol.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Push-to-make_switch_electronic_symbol.svg/220px-Push-to-make_switch_electronic_symbol.svg.png)
A push switch (button) is a momentary or non-latching switch which causes a temporary change in the state of an electrical circuit only while the switch is physically actuated. An automatic mechanism (i.e. a spring) returns the switch to its default position immediately afterwards, restoring the initial circuit condition. There are two types:[1]
- A 'push to make' switch allows electricity to flow between its two contacts when held in. When the button is released, the circuit is broken. This type of switch is also known as a Normally Open (NO) Switch. (Examples: doorbell, computer case power switch, calculator buttons, individual keys on a keyboard)
- A 'push to break' switch does the opposite, i.e. when the button is not pressed, electricity can flow, but when it is pressed the circuit is broken. This type of switch is also known as a Normally Closed (NC) Switch. (Examples: Fridge Light Switch, Alarm Switches in Fail-Safe circuits)
Many Push switches are designed to function as both 'push to make' and 'push to break' switches. For these switches, the wiring of the switch determines whether the switch functions as a 'push to make' or as a 'push to break' switch.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Push_to_Break.jpg/220px-Push_to_Break.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Push_Switch_wired_up_as_%27Push_to_Make%27.jpg/220px-Push_Switch_wired_up_as_%27Push_to_Make%27.jpg)
References
- ^ Barrett, S.F.; Pack, D.J. (2008). Atmel AVR Microcontroller Primer: Programming and Interfacing. Synthesis lectures on digital circuits and systems. Morgan & Claypool Publishers. p. 110. ISBN 978-1-59829-541-2. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
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Switch types
- Analogue switch
- Banyan switch
- Battery isolator
- Cam switch
- Centrifugal switch
- Company switch
- Contact protection
- Crossbar switch
- Crossover switch
- Cryotron
- DIP switch
- Dry contact
- Electric switchboard
- Float switch
- Half-moon switch
- Humidistat
- Infinite switch
- Inertial switch
- Kill switch
- Key switch
- Knife switch
- Limit switch
- Latching switch
- Light switch
- Lightning switch
- Magnetic proximity fuze
- Magnetic starter
- Magnetic switch
- Mercury switch
- Miniature snap-action switch
- Motion-triggered contact insufficiency
- Nintendo Switch
- Optical switch
- Photoswitch
- Piezo switch
- Placebo button
- Pull switch
- Push switch
- Push-button
- Railroad switch
- Reed switch
- Rotary switch
- Sail switch
- Sea switch
- Sense switch
- Silicone rubber keypad
- Softswitch
- Spark gap
- Staircase timer
- Stepping switch
- Strowger switch
- Thermostat
- Time switch
- Touch switch
- Transfer switch
- Vacuum switch
- Vandal-resistant switch
- Wireless light switch
- Zero speed switch
![Switches](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/SPST-Switch.svg/80px-SPST-Switch.svg.png)
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