What’s the difference between an Alternate action and a Momentary?

The method that keeps the ON state of a switch only when its button is pressed and held is referred to as the “momentary” method, while the method that keeps the ON state of a switch even after the button is pressed and then released is referred to as the “alternate” method.

There are two types of operation methods for operation switches (a push type switch is described this time), namely, momentary and alternate methods. Now, the following descriptions explain each operation method.

Alternate(Latching and Maintained) Action

An operation in which an internal mechanical lock mechanism holds the pushbutton in the operated state the first time when the pushbutton is pressed. And then the lock is released and the pushbutton returns to its original position the second time when it is pressed.

Momentary Action

An operation in which a self-resetting Switch returns to its original position after being pressed and then released.