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The Most Common Types of Push Buttons

Push buttons are switches that consist of a plunger that opens and closes a circuit when pressed down by the user. There are several common types of push buttons defined by the number of contact points and conducting positions, including: SPST buttons which are simple on-off switches; SPDT buttons which can be in on or off positions and are often used in pairs; DPST buttons which are pairs of on-off switches that operate together; and DPDT buttons which have six terminals and can reverse functions like a motor. Push buttons come in many styles for different applications and environments.

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89 views2 pages

The Most Common Types of Push Buttons

Push buttons are switches that consist of a plunger that opens and closes a circuit when pressed down by the user. There are several common types of push buttons defined by the number of contact points and conducting positions, including: SPST buttons which are simple on-off switches; SPDT buttons which can be in on or off positions and are often used in pairs; DPST buttons which are pairs of on-off switches that operate together; and DPDT buttons which have six terminals and can reverse functions like a motor. Push buttons come in many styles for different applications and environments.

Uploaded by

Alies David
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The most common types of push buttons

Push buttons (also referred to as push button switches) are switches that typically consist of a plunger
that the user pushes down in order to open and close the switch. There is a wide variety of different
push buttons available which can be used in a lot of different applications. Each switch is defined by the
number of its contact sets which is also referred to as the number of poles and the number of throws
which is basically the number of conducting positions. These throws can be either single or double.

Let’s take a lose look at so e of the ost o o types of push utto s:

SPST
“P“T sta ds for si gle pole si gle throw . This is pro a ly the ost o o type of push utto s
which is also known as a simple on-off switch. SPST buttons can either stay in on position when pushed
or return to the off position once they are released.

SPDT
As you ight pro a ly guess o your ow , “PDT sta ds for si gle pole dou le throw . The ost
popular term for this type of push button is a three-way switch. Its most useful feature is that it can be
in on and off position at the same time. These push buttons are usually used in pairs and the switch can
turn on different devices in each of its positions. Such a button can be used to turn on a green light and
a red light whe it’s i two differe t positio s. “o e utto s a e used to tur off oth lights i their
third position.

DPST
The double pole single throw switch usually has 4 terminals. This push button is actually a pair of regular
on-off switches that operate together. These switches can isolate both neutral and live connections
when used to switch electricity.

DPDT
This is the most complex switch of the ones mentioned so far. It usually has six terminals and can be
found in both maintained and momentary contact versions. This push button can be used reversing
switch for a motor for example.

There are also push buttons that use the so-called solid state switching mechanism which typically
works with piezoelectric materials and transistors.

There are numerous types of push buttons and users can choose depending on the applications they
need them for. There are also different styles such as illuminated buttons, buttons with imprinted
markings, buttons with time delay features, vandal proof buttons with rugged housings, water proof and
weather resistant buttons and more.

The wide variety of different push buttons makes it easy for any enthusiast or factory to make things
work in a very simple way. Push buttons are not only used in factories however, as we make use of them
in our everyday lives. In order to choose the right one for your needs, you will first have to take into
consideration the capabilities of each push button switch and then consider what exactly you need. This
will help you to make the right decision.

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