How Does a Push Button Switch Operate?

A push button switch operates by using physical pressure to make or break an electrical circuit. Here's how it works:

1. Internal Mechanism: Inside a push button switch, there is a mechanism that consists of one or more contacts, a plunger, and a spring. These components are typically housed within a metal or plastic casing.

2. Normally Open or Normally Closed: Push button switches can be of two types: normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC). In a normally open switch, the circuit is open (not conducting electricity) when the switch is not pressed. When the button is pressed, it closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow. In a normally closed switch, the circuit is closed by default, and pressing the button opens the circuit.

3. Plunger Activation: When you press the button of a push button switch, it pushes down on the plunger, causing it to move inside the switch casing.

4. Contact Closure: As the plunger moves, it pushes or pulls on the contacts inside the switch. In a normally open switch, pressing the button brings the contacts together, closing the circuit and allowing current to flow through. In a normally closed switch, pressing the button causes the contacts to move apart, breaking the circuit and interrupting the flow of current.

5. Spring Action: The spring inside the switch provides resistance against the pressure applied by the button. When you release the button, the spring returns the plunger to its original position, causing the contacts to return to their default state (either open or closed).

6. Electrical Functionality: Once the circuit is closed (or opened) by pressing the button, the electrical current can flow through (or be interrupted) as required for the specific application of the switch.

Push button switches are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including control panels, machinery, electronic devices, and automotive systems, where a simple and reliable method of manually activating electrical circuits is required.