Undertaking the task of wiring a push button switch may not be the most difficult of tasks, but it is something that requires concentration, especially for application. Whether one is doing a look for DIY Electronics which can make use of a Push button Switch or rather one is repairing a spoiled switch in a house, then learning how to wire a push-button switch becomes a necessary point.
This guide will help you in the process by providing step-by-step procedures on how to wire push button switches. So keep learning!
Figure no 1 Push switch button connection
1) What is a push button switch?
“A push button is a type of switch which when pushed, initiates the opening or closing of an electric circuit.”
The switches are easily found in things like bells, tools, and many other electric machines. Push button switches are available in various types, such as;
Figure no 2 Push button switch
Switch type | Function | Example |
i) Momentary push button switch | When the button is pressed, it turns on the circuit; when the button is released, it turns off. | Doorbell, keyboard |
ii) Latching/maintaining the push button switch | When the button is pressed once, it will switch the circuit on. It will keep its state even after you release it. Then, when the button is pressed again, the power is cut off. | Normal light switches in the home, electric fans |
iii) Illuminated push button switch | To disclose the circuit state, it has a light on the button | Vehicles dashboard, PC keyboards |
iv) Emergency stop | It has a red button which is often used to cut off the power supply in emergencies. | Electric lifts, industrial machinery |
2) How to wire a push button switch?
Push button switches may have different types of terminals, let’s take a look at the table below;
Terminal type | Definition | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Pin terminal | These pins have to be soldered with wire or use a unique jack for connection. | These terminals are so flexible that they can adjusted with many devices and connectors. | Somewhat risky, and can cause short circuits if not tightened or insulated properly. |
Plug terminal | This terminal is a type of metal plug that can be inserted into a circuit through a socket or jack. | Easy to insert and remove. These terminals provide a stable connection. | They get loose with time. Shortcircuit is the main issue here in case of improper insulation. |
Wire terminal | It’s a type of terminal that can be soldered onto a circuit. | Protects from accidental disconnections, so strong to withstand high current and voltages | Require a skilled person for proper installation and removal, otherwise, it can damage the circuit board. |
Screw terminal | This is a type of screw that can be adjusted( tightened or loosened) to fit the wire onto the circuit. | These terminals are so stable, can handle heavy voltages. | Screw terminals are affected by the external environment and they easily get loose, resulting in a poor connection. |
Wire button | Without any terminal, wires are directly connected to this button | Easy to install and remove. Provides waterproofing to the switches | Rigidity in customization. Not compatible with all devices. |
Before delving into the reply for how to connect push button switch, it’s crucial to understand the difference between NO and NC, which you are going to deal with in the whole wiring process.
- Normally Open connection: It’s the type of connection in which the moment you press the push button, the load starts working. For instance, if, in normal conditions, the load’s light is off, when you press the push button, the load will light up
- Normally closed connection: In this type, whenever you press the push button, the load will start working oppositely. If the load’s light is already turned on, as soon as you press the push button, the light will turn off promptly
i) How to wire a push button switch having 2 pins
“When you press down the push button, the power will be on; release the push button power will be off.”
The 2-pin push button switch is the most basic push button switch. The main function of this switch is to turn the load on/off momentarily. It includes the following two pins;
- Both Normally Open pin (NO) or Normally closed pin (NC)
Let’s see how to wire a 2-wire push button switch;
Step 1) Connect the positive terminal of the power with one pin of the push button.
Step 2) Connect the other pin (NO/NC) of the push button with one wire of the load.
Step 3) Lastly, connect the negative terminal of the power with that of the remaining wire of the load.
Figure no 5 2-pin push button connection
ii) How to wire a push button switch having 4 pins
This type of switch has 4 metal pin terminals that led push button switch wiring. These switches are mainly used for regulating lights, fans, calculators, remote control, alarms and many other electrical gadgets.
4-pin push button switch wiring process is a bit more complicated than a 2-pin connection. So, let’s break the whole procedure into easy-to-understand steps. This push button wiring involves 4 pins named as;
- 2 NO/NC
- LED (+)
- LED (-)
Take into account that your switch button’s voltage should be compatible with that of the power. If you are using a 12V battery, it is compulsory to use a 12V push button ( All Cdoe switches have voltage mentioned on them ) Okay! Let’s see how to wire a push button having 4 pins.
Step 1) Start by connecting the positive terminal of power with any of two NO/NC terminal of the push button.
Step 2) Now, connect the other NO/NC pin with one wire of the load. You will be more clear by looking at the led push button switch wiring diagram below;
Figure no 6 4-pin push button connection
Step 3) Connect the other terminal of the load with the negative terminal of the power.
Step 4) Good! Now what’s remaining is the LED pins connections. Just connect the positive LED terminal with NO/NC on either side. Finally, connect the LED negative with the negative terminal of the power.
iii) How to wire a push button switch having 5 pins
5-pin push switch buttons are the most common ones and they allow various connection methods. First, take a look at the 5 types of pins involved;
- LED positive pin
- LED negative pin
- Com pin ( Public pin)
- NO pin (Normally Open)
- NC pin (Normally Closed)
Figure no 7 5-pin push button
Let’s discuss wiring a push button switch having 5 pins. This switch allows more than one connection types; take a look at all of them one by one;
- Method: 1
In this case, the light will be turned on only when the button is pressed.
Button position | Device | LED lights |
Original (normal) | OFF | OFF |
Pressed | ON | ON |
Step 1) Connect the common pin of the push button with the positive terminal of the power.
Step 2) Now connect the LED(+) pin with the Normally Open pin > then connect the NO pin with one wire of the load.
Step 3) Now, connect the negative terminal of the power with the LED (-) and also with the remaining wire of the load. Just look at 5 wire push button switch wiring diagram below;
Figure no 8 5-pin push button connection Method 1
- Method: 2
Button position | Device | LED lights |
Original (normal) | ON | ON |
Pressed | OFF | OFF |
Step 1) First, connect the positive terminal of the power with the Com pin.
Step 2) Now connect LED(+) with the Normally closed pin of the push button pinout.
Step 3) Connect the same NC pin with the positive terminal of the load.
Step 4) Lastly, connect the negative terminal of the power with the LED(-) and also with the negative terminal of the load.
Figure no 9 5-pin push button connection Method 2
- Method: 3
In this connection, the light stays on all the time until you press the button. The device becomes active only when you press the button.
Button position | Device | LED lights |
Original (normal) | OFF | ON |
Pressed | ON | ON |
Step 1) Connect the positive terminal of the power with the com pin (Common pin) and connect the same com pin to the LED(+) pin.
Step 2) Now, connect the Normally Open pin of the switch with the positive terminal of the load.
Step 3)Well! Just connect the negative terminal of the power with the LED(-) of the switch as well as with the negative terminal of the load.
Figure no 10 5-pin push button connection Method 3
- Method: 4
Button position | Device | LED lights |
Original (normal) | ON | ON |
Pressed | OFF | ON |
Step 1) Connect the positive terminal of the power with the Com pin and connect the Com pin with the LED(+) pin.
Step 2) Connect the NC pin with the positive terminal of the load.
Step 3) Now, connect the negative terminal of the power with LED(-) as well as the negative terminal of the load.
Figure no11 5-pin push button switch connection
3) How do you wire a double colour push button switch?
A push button switch may light up in more than one colour, it all depends upon the wiring connection. Let’s discuss a push button wiring that can illuminate in green and red colour.
First, consider the colour of the wires with the corresponding pins;
- Red wire: NC terminal
- Green wire: NO terminal
- White wire: LED (+)
- Yellow+ Green wire: C terminal
- Black wire: LED (-)
- Blue wire: for bi-colour connection
Step 1) Start by connecting the green wire ( N0 ) with the white wire ( LED+ ).
Step 2) Now, connect the yellow+green wire ( C terminal ) to the positive terminal of the power.
Step 3) Connect the black wire ( LED – ) with one wire of the load.
Step 4) Connect the other wire of the load with the negative terminal of the power. Finally, if you have a bi-color, connect the blue wire with the negative terminal of power.
Figure no 12 Double light push button
4) Conclusion
Wiring a switch is one of the easiest things but is of great importance to any individual dealing with electronics. Fret not, as this guide will make you more than capable of wiring a push-button switch and will do so safely and effectively.
Always remember to adhere to safety precautions, and inspect the joints you have made before completing any installation. However, with some little practice, you are going to have no problems wiring a push button switch restoring your confidence to advance to more challenging tasks.
You can avail reliable push-button switch from CDOE. CDOE is a trustworthy push button switch manufacturer in China. You can buy these buttons from us according to your preference ( budget and type of application). If you want to learn more about wiring a push-button switch, then you can watch videos available on our website that will surely make you more skilled and safe.