A pushbutton is a mechanical or electrical switch designed to be activated by pressing it with moderate force. It typically consists of a button-shaped mechanism that protrudes from a control panel, device, or equipment and is connected to an electrical circuit. The button is made of a resilient material, such as plastic or metal, and is often colored or labeled to indicate its function or purpose.
When a pushbutton is pressed, it completes an electrical connection or disconnection within the circuit it is a part of. This action triggers a specific response or operation, such as turning a device on or off, activating an alarm, or initiating a particular function. Pushbuttons are commonly used in various applications, including consumer electronics, industrial control systems, telecommunications devices, and appliances.
Pushbuttons can be momentary or maintained. A momentary pushbutton returns to its original position once released, while a maintained pushbutton stays in the pressed state until pressed again or another action is performed to reset it.
Due to their simple design and ease of use, pushbuttons are highly versatile and widely used in everyday life. They provide a convenient and intuitive way for users to interact with and control various devices, ensuring reliable and efficient operations.
The word "pushbutton" is composed of two parts: "push" and "button". The etymology of "push" can be traced back to the Old French word "pousser", meaning "to push", which ultimately originated from the Latin "pulsare", meaning "to beat, push, or strike". On the other hand, "button" comes from the Old French word "boton", derived from the Latin word "bottō", meaning "a bud or protuberance". Over time, the combination of these two words resulted in the term "pushbutton", referring to a button or switch that is pressed or pushed to activate a mechanism or perform a function.