Describing manually operated switches

In manufacturing, there is always the need for an operator to start or stop a machine and there could be needed to manually perform some other form of control aside from starting and stopping. These usually require switches that can be operated by hand. Switches that are operated by hand are referred to as manually operated switches. Some examples are as follows:

• Push button
• Rocker switch
• Toggle switch
• Selector switch
• Knife switch

We will explore each of these in the following sections.

Push button

A push button is a type of switch that closes or opens a circuit when a button is pressed or depressed. The button is designed to operate in two states (that is, ON or OFF). When it's in the ON position, an internal metal spring contacts the two terminals of the switch, allowing the current to flow. When ot#s in the OFF position, the internal switch retracts and the current will stop flowing.

Push buttons exist as normally open or normally closed...