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Lesley Graybeal

Guide to Push-Button Switches

How to make switching on and off easy with electric push buttons


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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.



Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.

The official source of Push-Button Switches is the Push-Button Switches page at Business.com

Featured Vendors

Search for Push-Button Switches
Broad-line distributor web site features real-time stock status and pricing, online ordering, RFQ, technical support, product datasheets and photos.
www.digikey.com

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Fast Shipping on foot switches, 2-way, momentary, e-stop, incandescent pushbuttons and panel indicator lights from Cutler-Hammer & other suppliers.
www.AutomationDirect.com/pushbuttons_lights

GlobalSpec.com: Push-Button Switches
Provides database of suppliers for Push-Button Switches. Browse catalogs and view technical information.
www.globalspec.com

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