Electrical switches are usually underestimated among electronic components, but they are an integral part of any electronic system. Owing to their importance, this blog will cover momentary push button switches in complete detail covering their basics, features, working mechanisms, types, and many more. So, keep learning!

Figure no 1 Mometary push button switch

1) What Is a Momentary Push Button Switch?

“A momentary push-button switch remains active only as long as it is pressed. When the switch is released, it goes back into the position it was originally in and breaks the circuit.”

Mostly, the switch push button is used in applications such as doorbells, keyboards, and equipment reset switches. Means to say where they are meant to make a temporary contact.

Figure no 2 Momentary button

Such switches usually come in forms:

i) Normally Open momentary push button switch: In a normally open switch, the circuit remains open when the button is not pressed. And, the circuit closes up when pressed so that current may flow.

ii) Normally Closed momentary push button switch: With the push button switch that is actioned as normally closed it will remain closed when the button is not pressed ( current flowing continuously). And when pressed, the current flow will stop.

These switches are considered to be simple dependable and therefore flexible. Their sizes and shapes are not constant because they are used in several situations. They range from common children’s toys to advanced electric tools. There are many areas where momentary switches come in handy where only a limited and precise task has to be done. For example, a person needs to operate electronic equipment without having to turn it on or off but just push it once for action.

2) Essential Features of a Momentary Switch

There are many key features of momentary switches that make them very well-suited for use in environments which require momentary or limited action.

• Instantaneous operation: The switch only functions when it has been pressed, so work is minimized. Otherwise, it is neither functional nor allows the connection in the circuit until pressed down. So, it is suitable for items that require short bursts of control, like doorbells, computer power button, etc.

• Satisfactory feedback: Many momentary switch push buttons also provide a “click” feel. It can be important to the user as it gives assurance of the action being taken when the button is pressed. Such feedback improves the experience and accuracy.

• Variety of Uses: A wide distribution of momentary switches is also observed in many devices. For example, control panel switch and industrial mechanisms where the user does not lock the switch but submits a temporary input.

• Durable Materials: Due to the frequent and repetitive usage of these switches, they are built with sturdy material. It ensures that they serve their purposes for a longer time even in extreme conditions.

• Design Features: Different in design, size, shape and mounting position, momentary switches can be used in various ways. Because they can be tailored to meet the different designs and are thus suitable for a wide range of applications.

3) How Does a Momentary Push Button Switch Work?

By pressing the button, a momentary push button switch will either make or break a connection in an electrical circuit for a short time. To put it into perspective, let us look into its details of assembly and working mechanism:

• Components:

i) Actuator/Button: This is the part of the switch that performs a logical function and is touched by the finger. Depending on the type of button, it may contain plastic, metal, or rubber.

ii) Spring Mechanism: On the underside of the button, there is a small spring that provides a push to the button when pressed. It also pulls the button back to its initial position when released.

iii) Contacts: These are metallic elements located inside the switch, which enable a closed electrical circuit. Depending on the switch’s configuration, there are two or more contacts present, normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC).

iv) Housing: It is the external part which contains all the elements including wires and protects them from dust and other impact.

Figure no 3 Components of momentary push button

• Working Mechanism:

• Default State: Depending on the type of the switch, in the relaxed position, the switch can either be open which means there will be no conduction (no current flows). The contacts are separated in the NO switch so the circuit is open all the time and no current flows.

• Pressing the Button: Pressing the button makes the actuator go downwards. And, compresses the spring, making the internal contacts of the actuator touch each other. This makes the full circuit whereby the current is on.

• Electrical Connection: When the circuit becomes closed, the contacts effectively make a circuit for the flow of electric current from one terminal to another in the affected region. Thus, the circuitry is completed, and the functional action happens, say, ringing the bell or turning the light on.

• Releasing the Button: When you pull your finger off the button, the spring forces the actuator into the already set position. Now the contacts open, effectively interrupting the circuit and stopping the current from moving. Then, the device goes to the switch, which is off.

4) Types of Momentary Push Buttons

There are many types of Momentary push buttons; let’s discuss some of the most common ones;

i) Tactile Momentary Push Button Switch

A tactile momentary on-off switch encompasses the feature of a noticeable press. It is where a user is supposed to detect a faint soft click on the button. Such feedback lets the user know that the switch is in the ON position.

Figure no 4 Tactile swtiches

Their shell is mainly made of stainless steel have waterproof grading IP67. They have 0.5mm operation stock, so a small current can pass easily.  It mainly consists of the following components;

• Actuator: This is a button or cap that has to be pushed and is usually small in diameter and dimension. It is made of soft yet strong plastic or rubber material.

• Dome Contact: There is, in addition to the actuator, a small metallic dome which cannot be forgotten. This metallic dome is the one that forms a circuit when pressed and clicked with the actuator.

• Printed Circuit Board (PCB): This can describe specific parts of the instrument switch. This inside part of the switch has the circuit. The dome contact is the one making vertical movement, in this case, touches the PCB hence completing the circuit and current passes through.

• Return Mechanism: The push of the bottom will break the circuit and, therefore, turn off the function.

Tactile switches are widely employed on computer power buttons, remotes, and other electronic devices due to their compact size and touch responsiveness.

ii) Illuminated or LED Momentary Push Button Switch

Illuminated momentary push button switches, as the name suggests, come with an embedded light. It activates when the button is pressed and used as an aesthetic feature. useful in applications in the dark or when alerting a user visually.

Figure no 5 Illuminated switches

These are usually made of stainless steel with an IP67 waterproof protection grade. These buttons usually come in three different head designs: Ring illuminated, High head ring LED, and Ring LED power symbol. It mainly consists of the following components;

• Actuator: It is an operable switch like others but mostly transparent or translucent to facilitate the passage of LED light inside.

• Pin terminals: 1NO 1NC+ LED/ 2NO 2NC+ LED can optional

• LED Light: This is located inside the circuit where it can light upon the pressing of the button or a constant light.

• Contacts: Upon pressing the button, the actuator activates breaking the internal internal contacts thereby closing the circuit. This action links the LED to the power unit causing the light to go on.

These switches can be used for application in control panels and dashboards of vehicles as well as in any apparatus where there is a need to see an indication.

iii) Waterproof Momentary Push Button Switch

This type of momentary push button switch is waterproof and can endure water and moisture. Therefore, they can be used even in open or extreme conditions ( IP65 waterproof protection grade). They may have multi-colour LED lamp beads in yellow, green, blue, orange, and red.

Figure no 7 Waterproof switches

• Sealed Actuator: This press key is insulated with rubber or silicone material and does not allow moisture to come inside the switch.

• O-Ring Seal: There is a further rubber ring around the actuator which prevents the water from entering the internal components.

• Terminals: It is available in two types of terminals: Pin and screw terminals

• Encapsulated Contacts: The internal electrical contacts and even the contacts embedded within technological circuits are usually encased in potting compounds.

These switches find use in marine equipment, external controls, and industrial machinery which are subjected to moist environments.

iv) Touch Momentary Push Button Switch

Touch momentary push-button switches are easy to use, pleasant, and light action. These stainless steel switches do not require much to operate. They have an IP65 waterproof rating.

Figure no 8 Touch switch

• Contact configuration: 1NO

• Head type: Concave surface

• Switch value: 2A/9-24VDC

• Lead length: 180mm

• Mounting hole size: 16MM/19MM/ 22MM

• Momentary or latching

• Flame retardant and temperature-resistant

These switches are found mostly in consumer devices, tools for the medical field, and other applications where a common or long operation is necessary for convenience.

6) Selecting the Best Momentary Push Button for Your Business

In selecting a momentary buttons switch for your business, you should consider some key factors, like;

? Application Requirements: Inquire about what the switch is to be utilized for, be it indoors or outdoors and what level of endurance is needed from it.

? Material and Build: Use a switch that will have the appropriate materials. For example, plastic for lighter applications and stainless steel for heavier-duty applications.

? Waterproofing: Check that if the switch will be used outdoors or in marine circumstances, it is waterproof and can withstand adequate standards like IP67.

? Size and Mounting: Confirm that the switch is suitable for the set design specifications of your equipment.

? Feedback and Illumination: Choose whether to provide the user with tactile feedback or an LED indicator for user convenience.

In case you are looking for the best switches, CDOE produces high-quality push-button switches for commercial and industrial purposes. CDOE also assures the combination of durability, accurate functionality, and additional versatility features like illumination, water resistance (IP67 waterproof protection grade ) etc.

Figure no 9 CDOE momentary push button switches

CDOE’s product range of switches is also inclusive of metal and plastic illuminated switches of different IP ratings. Our switches are resistant to breakdown within automotive marine or machinery, ensuring efficient performance and customisation to meet individual needs. We do worldwide shipping. You can receive your order within 3-7 business days on payment received.

For more information, you can also visit: the CDOE Push Button.

7) Request a Quote

If you would like to get a push button switch quotation from CDOE you have to go on our website Request a Quote section and fill in all the required fields explaining the perks of the switch, its quantity and such information as you deem necessary. This will enable us to structure a quote aligned with your requirements. CDOE also has a customer service whose main aim is to assist you in case of any inquiries or even if you need extra assistance. CDOE will be glad to serve you!