Vandal resistant switch

Vandal resistant switches (sometimes referred to as vandal proof switches) are electrical switches designed to be installed in a location and application where they may be subject to vandalism, harsh environmental conditions or simply operated very frequently and expected to survive. Pushbutton vandal resistant switches are manufactured by several companies. They are frequently constructed of stainless steel because of its durability and modern appearance. Such switches are often designed into panels that are also made of stainless steel, making them blend into the overall aesthetic design. The height of the button above/in front of the panel is often minimized to make it blend in better and more difficult to pry out. Most, but not all vandal resistant switches are momentary types; that is to say they only open or close a circuit while being depressed and revert to their inactive state when the button is released. Piezoelectric vandal resistant switches usually fall into this category, but generally provide a pulse signal rather than staying continuously activated during the time pressure is applied, unlike their mechanical contact-based counterparts.