Which choice best describes the two types of pushbutton operators typically used in motor controls

• A. Toggle and push
• B. Momentary and maintained
• C. On and off
• D. Rotary and spring

Answer: (B)

Pushbuttons in motor controls are defined by how they behave after you press them. One type is momentary—it's active only while you’re holding the button down, returning to its resting position as soon as you release it. This is ideal for actions that should happen briefly or require a follow-up mechanism to stay energized, such as using a separate holding contact to keep a circuit energized after the button is released.

The other type is maintained—once you press it, it stays in the pressed state until you press it again or reset it. This is useful for actions you want to persist without continuous pressure, like turning a device on or off until you decide to change it.

So, the two main pushbutton operator types are momentary and maintained. The other options describe different aspects (shape or a non-operational concept) and don’t capture how the button behaves mechanically and electrically.