Everything You Need to Know About Buying Pushbuttons

Your Guide to buying the best Pushbuttons

Overview

Pushbuttons are an essential component of many electronic systems and devices. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be used for a variety of different applications. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of pushbuttons available, the different features they may have, and the best ways to choose the right pushbutton for your application. With this guide, you'll have the knowledge and information necessary to make an informed decision when purchasing pushbuttons for your system.

Key features

  1. Area of application - What is the intended use of the Pushbutton (e.g. indoors, outdoors, hazardous areas, etc.)?
  2. Type of Pushbutton - Is the Pushbutton momentary or maintained contact?
  3. Circuitry - What type of circuitry is required for the Pushbutton (e.g. AC, DC, etc.)?
  4. Mounting Options - What is the mounting option for the Pushbutton (e.g. panel mount, flush mount, etc.)?
  5. Rating/Voltage - What is the voltage rating and control circuit voltage for the Pushbutton?
  6. Environmental Specifications - Are there any environmental considerations that should be taken into account when selecting a Pushbutton (e.g. temperature, humidity, etc.)?
  7. Design - What is the design of the Pushbutton (e.g. waterproof, illuminated, etc.)?
  8. Actuator/Button type - What type of actuator/button is used for the Pushbutton (e.g. plunger, mushroom, rocker, etc.)?

See the most popular Pushbuttons on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Pushbuttons are highly durable and can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature, moisture, and physical impacts.
  • Wide Range of Styles: Pushbuttons are available in a variety of styles, from momentary switches and illuminated switches to vandal-proof switches and specialty switches.
  • Easy to Install: Pushbuttons are designed to be easy to install and require minimal wiring.
  • Cost-Effective: Pushbuttons are very cost-effective and can be purchased in both small and large quantities at competitive prices.
  • Low Maintenance: Pushbuttons are designed to be low maintenance and require minimal upkeep.

Cons

  • Durability – Pushbuttons may not be as durable as other types of buttons, and can be prone to mechanical or electrical failure.
  • Size – Pushbuttons may be too large or too small for a given application, depending on the type of switch selected.
  • Cost – Pushbuttons may be more expensive than other types of buttons.
  • Visual Clarity – Pushbuttons may not be as visually clear as other types of buttons, as they often require labeling to be legible.
  • Activation Force – Pushbuttons may require the user to press with a greater level of force than other types of buttons, which can be undesirable for certain applications.

Best alternatives

  1. Keypads - An input device with several keys, a keypad allows users to enter numeric or alphanumeric data.
  2. Membrane Switches - A type of switch made from two sheets of plastic (or other material) that are separated by a spacer.
  3. Joysticks - A device used to control a character or object in a computer program, often used in video games.
  4. Rotary Switches - A device used to select one of a number of positions or settings, commonly used to select a radio frequency.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Screwdrivers - Tools used to secure Pushbutton components with screws.
  • Nut Drivers - Tools used to secure Pushbutton components with nuts.
  • Wire Strippers - Tools used to strip insulation from Pushbutton wiring.
  • Knockout Punches - Tools used to cut holes in panels for Pushbutton installation.
  • Wrenches - Tools used to tighten Pushbutton components.
  • Enclosures - Boxes used to enclose Pushbuttons.
  • Mounting Hardware - Fasteners used to secure Pushbutton components.
  • Labels - Markers used to identify Pushbuttons on panels.
  • Switch Guards - Protective covers used to prevent inadvertent activation of Pushbuttons.

Common questions

  1. What types of Pushbuttons are available? Pushbuttons come in many different types, including industrial push buttons, illuminated push buttons, and other specialty push buttons.
  2. What factors should I consider when choosing a Pushbutton? When selecting a Pushbutton, you should take into account the application, environmental conditions, mounting requirements, and any other special features or requirements.
  3. What is the difference between a Pushbutton and a Switch? Pushbuttons are typically used to give a momentary input, while switches are used to give a continuous input. Pushbuttons often require a physical push to activate, while switches may be activated remotely.
  4. What is the difference between a Pushbutton and a Keypad? Pushbuttons are typically large, physical buttons that are manually pressed to trigger an action. Keypads are typically used for more complex operations, such as entering passwords and other data. Keypads typically contain multiple buttons and/or a display.
  5. What safety features should I look for in a Pushbutton? When selecting a Pushbutton, you should consider features such as ingress protection against dust and liquids, emergency stop functions, and any other safety features that your application may require.

Trivia

Pushbuttons have been around for centuries. The first pushbutton was invented in 1745 by John Shepherd-Barron, an English engineer and inventor. He created the first mechanical pushbutton device to be used as a banknote dispenser. This device was the first of its kind and is considered to be the precursor to the modern ATM. Since then, pushbuttons have been used for a variety of purposes, from controlling industrial machinery to operating electronic devices. One of the more interesting uses of pushbuttons is in a game called "Simon" which was released in 1978. In this game, players had to press the four colored pushbuttons in the correct order to win the game. As a result of its popularity, the game has become a household name and the pushbuttons it uses have become iconic symbols of the game. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push-button

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.