What is a Pushbutton Switch?​

Definition

What is a Pushbutton Switch?

pushbutton switches

Pushbutton Switches operate via a pushing or pulling action that moves the operating part in the direction of the force required to open or close the contacts.
The operating part is generally equipped with an incandescent lamp or LED to provide illumination and status indication.

Features

Features of Pushbutton Switches

Status IndicationBy adding illumination and status indication to the switch, the user can get visual feedback on the operation input they make.
Rich Product VariationsPushbutton Switches are used in a wide variety of applications from miniature devices to large-scale equipment, and therefore come in a rich selection of sizes, specifications and functions.

Pushbutton Switches are used in a wide variety of devices, and therefore our product lineup includes an extremely large number of different items to meet those needs.

Models

Types of Pushbutton Switch Models

Pushbutton Switches come in round and rectangular bodies.
Round Pushbuttons are inserted into a circular hole on the mounting surface. The product series are categorized by the diameter of that mounting hole.
Each product series includes a variety of products based on the color, illumination and shape of the operating part.
We can also provide other items that might be mounted on the same panel, such as Indicators, Selectors and Buzzers.

Round Pushbutton Switch Variations

Round Pushbutton Switch Variations map

Rectangular Pushbutton series are categorized by their external size.
Each product series includes a variety of products based on the color, illumination and illumination method of the operating part.
We have also added indicator lamps commonly mounted on the same panel to our lineup.

Square Pushbutton Switch Variations

Square Pushbutton Switch Variations map

Select the best configuration for your applications from a wide variety of external sizes and specifications.

Structures

Pushbutton Switch Structures

Pushbutton Switches generally consist of an operating part, mounting part, switch unit and case part.

pushbutton switch structures

1  Operating Part

The operating part relays the external operating force to the switch unit.

2  Mounting Part

This is the part that secures the switch to the panel.

3  Switch Unit

This part opens and closes the electrical circuit.

4  Case Part

The case protects the internal mechanisms of the switch.

5  Light Source

The case protects the internal mechanisms of the switch.

1 Operating Part

The operating part relays the external operating force or movement to the switch unit.
The surface of the operating part on Illuminated Switches is illuminated from the light source.
There are two different types of Pushbutton Switches: Momentary Operation (self-resetting) Switches that are ON only while they are being pressed, and Alternate Operation (self-holding) Switches that stay ON when pressed and released and only turn OFF when they are pressed again.

operating parts of a pushbutton switch

2 Mounting Part

Round Pushbuttons use a mounting nut to secure them into place, while Rectangular Pushbuttons can be snapped into a panel by simply pushing it into the appropriate mounting hole.

mounting parts of a pushbutton switch

3 Switch Unit

The external force or movement received by the operating part is relayed to the pushbutton inside the switch, and it moves the moving armature to open or close the contacts.

switch unit

4 Case Part

The case protects the internal switch mechanisms.
Wiring is soldered to the terminals protruding from the bottom of the case.
On some switches, the switch unit can be separated from the case to improve wiring efficiency.

Lineup

Push Button Switch Products at Omron

Round TypesRectangular Types
A3D
Illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ8 A3D
M2D
Indicator Φ8 M2D
A3A
Miniature Pushbutton Switch 11.5 × 11.5 A3A
 
A3C
Illuminated or Non-illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ12 A3C
M2C
Indicator Φ12 M2C
A3S
Illuminated Pushbutton Switch 16.2 × 22.4 A3S
M2S
Indicator 16.2 × 22.4 M2S
A16
Illuminated or Non-illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ16 M16
M16
Indicator Φ16 M16
A3K
Illuminated Pushbutton Switch 16.2 × 22.4 A3K
M2K
Indicator 16.2 × 22.4 M2K
A165S/W
Knob-type Selector Switch Φ16 A165S/W
A165K
Key-type Selector Switch Φ16 A165K
A3P
Illuminated Pushbutton Switch 23.5 × 30.5 A3P
M2P
Indicator 23.5 × 30.5 M2P
M2BJ
Buzzer Φ16 M2BJ
   
A22
Illuminated or Non-illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ22/25 A22
M22
Indicator Φ22/25 M22
  
A22
Knob-type Selector Switch Φ22/25 A22
A22K
Key-type Selector Switch Φ22/25 A22K
  
VAQ
Non-illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ10.5 VAQ
A2A
Non-illuminated Subminiature Pushbutton Switch Φ10.5 A2A
  
VAP
Non-illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ16.5 VAP
   
ZAP
Non-illuminated Pushbutton Switch Φ30 ZAP
   

Applications

Applications of a Pushbutton Switch

There are several uses for pushbutton switches that are unique to them. Thanks to their wide product line, they’re a very versatile switch. Below, you can see several examples of applications for pushbutton switches.

Operation Input, Setting Condition Input, and Operation Status Confirmation for Production Lines

  • Mounted on control panels for large-scale assembly or processing lines and plants

Operation Input for Industrial Equipment

  • Mounted on control panels for machine tools or semi-conductor manufacturing equipment

Plant Control Panels

Plant Control Panels

Machine Tools

Machine Tools

Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment