This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Pushbutton Switches category on DigiKey.com
Pushbutton switches are mechanical devices that make or break an electrical connection by closing or opening electrical contacts or solid-state circuitry when actuated by human or mechanical interaction. Pushbutton switches are selected by mounting type, switching type, contact configuration, function, color, and current and voltage ratings. Some switches include built-in illumination.
SelectionCharacteristics
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Type: Refers to the various categories or classifications of switches available.
Circuit: Describes device function in terms of a number of poles and throws, as is typical for mechanical switches. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Switch Function: Refers to the specific operation or behavior of a switch, indicating the primary purpose or mode of operation. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Current Rating (Amps): Typically this represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Voltage Rating - AC: Typically this represents the maximum AC voltage to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage may damage the device and/or other system components.
Voltage Rating - DC: Typically this represents the maximum DC voltage to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage may damage the device and/or other system components.
Actuator Type: The specific design or style of the mechanism used to change the switch position.
Actuator Marking: The symbols on the switch indicate function or position to a user.
Color - Actuator/Cap: Refers to the specific color of the actuator or cap of a switch.
Illumination Type, Color: Refers to the method or technology used to provide illumination or backlighting to the switch and the color of that illumination.
Illumination Voltage (Nominal): Indicates the nominal operating voltage of a product’s illumination or backlighting feature, for products equipped therewith.
Termination Style: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as cable leads, PC pins, or wire leads.
Ingress Protection:
IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings (IP20, IP65, IP67, etc.) - Define how likely it is that water and dirt will get into the system. The first number is for dirt and solid contaminants and the second number is for water.
IP Ratings
| Protection Level | Solids | Liquids |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashing from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect the operation of equipment for 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Features: These are different capabilities of the device such as antistatic, safety lock, or strain relief.
Panel Cutout Dimensions: Refers to the measurements or dimensions of the opening or cutout in the panel.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | PBH4UOANAGX |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | EG2658-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | E-Switch |
| DESCRIPTION | Pushbutton Switch 4PDT Standard Through Hole, Right Angle |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | D6C40 F1 LFS |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 401-1966-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | C&K |
| DESCRIPTION | Pushbutton Switch SPST-NO Keyswitch Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | PS1024ALRED |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | EG2025-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | E-Switch |
| DESCRIPTION | Pushbutton Switch SPST-NO Standard Panel Mount, Rear |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 40-2390-00 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 506PB-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Judco Manufacturing Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Pushbutton Switch SPST-NO Standard Panel Mount, Rear |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 3430 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1528-2314-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Adafruit Industries LLC |
| DESCRIPTION | Pushbutton Switch SPST-NO Standard, Illuminated Panel Mount, Front |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | RP3502MARED |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | EG1938-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | E-Switch |
| DESCRIPTION | Pushbutton Switch SPST-NO Standard Panel Mount, Front |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
Videos
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Anti-Vandal Sealed Pushbutton Switches
Articles
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Switch Tutoria
Product Training Modules
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Sealed Switches - E-Switch
AP Series SPST Sealed IP67 Pushbutton Switch - C&K