How does a push-to-test light differ from a regular indicator lamp?

A push-to-test light is specifically designed to assist in system diagnostics and immediate status checking. Unlike a regular indicator lamp that simply indicates the operational status through consistent illumination, a push-to-test light typically illuminates only when the button is pushed, allowing a user to verify its function. The color lens can serve different purposes—often, these lights use distinct colors to convey specific meanings or caution levels, which differentiates them from regular indicator lamps that may be more uniform in color based on their standard function.

The functional aspects of a push-to-test light emphasize its role in troubleshooting and testing circuits, rather than merely providing a visual alert like a standard indicator lamp. This unique characteristic of intermittent illumination when prompted and its use of specific lens colors for visibility greatly enhance its utility in control systems.