What is the purpose of a push-to-test pilot light?

The purpose of a push-to-test pilot light is fundamentally to ensure that the indicator bulb itself is functioning correctly. When the push-to-test feature is activated, it allows operators to quickly verify the integrity of the light without needing to operate the entire system. This is particularly important in maintenance practices and troubleshooting, as it helps to confirm that the indication system is operational before relying on it to communicate other system statuses.

This functionality provides confidence that operators will be alerted if an actual issue arises, as the pilot light's operation reflects the performance of the indicator mechanism itself.