subject: Momentary Or Latching? The Push Button Safety Question [print this page] The wrong switch in right place can make all the difference in the world. This is especially true when it comes to push button switches in the automotive industry where the difference between latching and momentary switches can have a significant impact on resource consumption, safety, and overall performance. The operation of AutoLoc Flame Throwers and Smoke Screens are perfect examples of scenarios where momentary push button switchesare significantly better thanlatching switches.
To begin this literary demonstration you need to picture three things; your vehicle, a push button switch, and a Smoke Screen Kit hooked up to your exhaust pipe and ready to go at the touch of a button. Specifically a push button that when pressed starts pumping out a thick cloud of smoke rendering the road un-navigateable to those behind you, but then what? A big cloud of smoke capable of signaling rescuers from a deserted island is shooting out your pipe and your finger is stuck on the button and your next move depends on the button you bought. If you take your finger off a latching the smoke screen will continue going until you either push the button again, turn off your vehicle, or decide to wait it out hoping that the kit will run out of ammunition eventually which could take awhile. On the other hand if your finger is on a momentary Billet Button Push Button the smoke screen will stop instantly upon release as quickly as it started.
Now to get real sense of the urgency that could result from the wrong button swap your smoke screen for a flamethrower ready to fire at the touch of a button. Specifically a push button at when pressed shoots up to 20 feet of fire out the back of your vehicle, but then what? A big ass ball of fire is flaming out your tail pipe and your finger is stuck on the button. This is the point where your choice of push button becomes critical. If you take your finger off a latching your vehicle keeps spitting fire out the back until you push the button again, turn off your vehicle, or wait until your vehicle runs out of fuel which could take awhile if you spent the money you saved from investing in quality long lasting parts on a full tank of gas. On the other hand if your finger is on a momentary push button the flamethrower will stop instantly upon release and say ready to fire again at a moments notice.
The scenarios above demonstrate how a momentary push button switch will always give you greater control over a process designed to be short and sweet. Long term processes such as starting an engine for a long trip are obviously better candidates for latching buttons unless you like driving across the country with one hand on the wheel and the other on your switch. If you are still in a gray area as to what type of switch you need I recommend contacting a specialist at SmokeandFlames.com for live chat and phone support.
