Pushnappulat

Pushnappulat are a class of electrical switches operated by pressing a button. In Finnish terminology the term refers to the general concept of push buttons, which are used to initiate, control, or terminate electrical circuits in a wide range of equipment. Pushnappulat can be designed as momentary devices, which return to their resting state when released, or as latching devices, which stay engaged until pressed again. They may be normally open or normally closed, depending on the circuit design.

Construction and variants vary, but most pushnappulat consist of a housing, an actuating button or plunger, a spring, and electrical contacts. When the button is pressed, the internal mechanism moves to close or open a contact, changing the circuit state. Momentary types are common in control panels and user interfaces, while latching types are used for on/off operations. Many pushnappulat are available as panel-mounted, through-hole, or surface-mmount devices, and some include illumination (LEDs) for visibility in low light. Industrial versions often feature higher IP ratings to resist dust and water ingress.

Applications span consumer electronics, household appliances, automotive dashboards, industrial control systems, and arcade or gaming devices. Key specifications to consider include electrical ratings (current and voltage), actuation force and travel, mechanical life (cycle count), and environmental protection.

Historically, push buttons emerged as practical switches in electromechanical systems and have evolved into a diverse family of tactile and non-tactile devices used across industries. See also: toggle switch, momentary switch, tactile switch.