What is a push-button switch?

A push-button switch is a switch that you press to operate something opposed to other types which involve moving (or flicking) the switch from one side to the other. A good example of a push-button switch is the bell that you would press on a bus to request it to stop.

Push-button switches are used a lot by modellers, but there can often be some confusion surrounding them because there are numerous types available.

Different push-button switches perform different functions, some are designed to momentarily connect an electrical circuit (known as a push to make switch) and some are designed to momentarily disconnect a circuit (known as a push to break switch). Both of these types are referred to as non-latching switches because an electrical contact (or break in contact) is only made for as long as the button is pressed.

The opposite to a non-latching push-button switch is called a latching push-button switch, it still operates by pressing not flicking, but, once pressed the button will continuously make or break the electrical circuit until it is pressed a second time, so operationally they have the same effect as a regular on/off switch.

In model railways, the most common use for push-button switches is to control solenoid point motors because they only require a short burst of power to perform their function, in this scenario, you would use two non-latching, momentary, push-button switches; one switch to set the points left and the other switch to set the points right.

Although point operation is the most common use for push-button switches they can be used pretty much anywhere on a layout as long as you choose the correct type for the job in hand. They come in different colours too enabling you to add authenticity to your control panel at the same time as adding visual appeal.