Low-voltage push buttons are simple yet effective electrical circuits that control several electrical devices. A standard push button comprises a movable contact that opens or closes on pressing the button and is a switch that usually activates when the button is manually pressed. 

Ideally, a low voltage (push) button is a standard electrical switch using a power supply that is relatively lower than normal. The power supply is often below 20 volts AC, meaning that it finds applications where less than 20 volts is necessary.

The switch is an apparatus that can usually be sealed in plastic housing to safeguard it from dust, water, and other contaminants hence its widespread use in controlling electric flow for security purposes and large systems. Also, its unique design allows it to work in applications where space is limited, like toys and portable electronic devices such as remote controls and keypads in boats and vehicles. 

Here is what you should know about low-voltage push buttons. 

What is a low-voltage push button switch?

An LVPBS (low-voltage push button) represents a distinct electrical switch that applies a low voltage to function. The switch operates on a similar principle as standard pushbuttons, the only difference being that rather than using electricity to 'push' its button, it utilizes a unique mechanical level. 

As aforementioned, a low-voltage button switch is designed to work in applications where the line's voltage is below the minimum for the switch's operation. 'low voltage' usually refers to the power line's voltage level and not necessarily the type or amount of current transmitted through the line. 

The electrical current flows through the button switch to the appliance controlling it. This switch comprises a standard 'on/off' terminal and a 'voltage' terminal. LVPBS are usually used to control electrical devices like motors, light bulbs, fans, and appliances attached to power cords. 

The most common types of push buttons are momentary and toggle switches, but there are many other types. 

1. Momentary switch: This is a push button made to operate once before automatically turning off. Its operating contact closure allows the internal coil to complete a current path, leading to the device turning off and remaining so until the contacts are reopened by another (input) signal. 

Toggle Switch: this type of switch utilizes an electromagnet to open and close contacts within its distinct housing, allowing continuous control through a mechanical off/on button.

How does it work?

Low-voltage switches are electronic units that convert high-voltage AC into low-voltage DC power. In low button switches, power is usually applied to its two legs, with one supplying power to its actuator (a movable contact within the switch) and the other supplying power to a relay coil (electrically actuated). 

On pressing the button, the relay coil activates and closes one side of the contacts, allowing current to flow from the neutral terminal to one coil end and through the wires back to the device/main line. 

Alternatively, the other coil's side is left open; hence, no current flows into it once you release your press button. The electric current flows back through all the relay coil sides and out through the contacts to your premise's main line. 

Difference between Low voltage push & standard switch

The primary difference between the standard keypad and the low-voltage push button switches is that the former needs an external power supply (AC). 

Low voltage buttons operate like standard push buttons, with the main difference being they are designed from metal rather than plastic. Ideally, the primary role of a low-voltage button switch is an application where you want to avoid damaging circuits with superfluous voltage, like when connecting battery packs to power circuits. 

Applications of Low voltage push button switch

Push buttons to find applications in various provisions, primarily those that need energy-effective switches to operate large electrical power. Low voltage switches are usually applied in provisions with no AC power, like offices and homes without central electrical supply systems. 

Low voltage switches work where users are likely to wear clothes and not be exposed, like in industrial control applications like industrial robots and personal devices like PDAs and cell phones. 

Due to their low ratings, the LVPBS are usually utilized with several other devices that need external power, like relays or solenoids.

These buttons can also activate systems that need high voltage but don't necessarily need control signals or continuous power like magnetic reed switches. 

Conclusion

LVPB switches apply the same operating concept as typical high-voltage switches, with the biggest difference being their minimized power requirements due to low voltage requirements. Low-voltage switches are less expensive than high-voltage, hence their common use in consumer electronic devices and better reliability capacity.