P5 , LATCHING , PUSH BUTTON , RED

P5 Red Latching Push Button — Motorsport Panel Maintained-State Switch

The P5-311121 is a P5 series red latching (maintained-action) push button switch for motorsport switch panel construction. Unlike momentary push buttons that spring back to open when released, the P5 latching button toggles between open and closed states on successive presses — one press closes the circuit and it remains closed until the button is pressed again. The red actuator colour is conventionally used for ignition kill, fire suppression arming, fuel cutoff, and high-priority safety system activation where the red colour immediately identifies the switch function to the driver and marshals.

P5 Series — Latching Push Button for Maintained Circuit States

The P5 latching push button is used for circuit functions that must remain active without the driver holding the switch: fuel pump enable, fan override, data logger start, map selection, and auxiliary system enable circuits where a maintained ON state is required. The latching action provides a clear tactile state change on each press, and the actuator position (depressed = on, extended = off) provides a visual indication of the current circuit state.

Latching vs Momentary — Choosing the Correct Action

The key distinction between latching and momentary push buttons is whether the circuit should remain active when the driver is not pressing the button. For circuits that must stay on until deliberately switched off (fuel pump, cooling fan, data logger), a latching button is the correct choice. For circuits that must only be active during active driver engagement (starter motor, horn, push-to-pass), a momentary button is required. Using a latching button for a starter motor circuit, for example, creates a serious risk of the starter remaining engaged after the engine fires — a common cause of starter ring gear and starter motor damage.

Red Colour — Application

The red P5 latching button is suited to ignition kill, fire suppression arming, fuel cutoff, and high-priority safety system activation where the red colour immediately identifies the switch function to the driver and marshals in a professional colour-coded motorsport switch panel.

Available from Arctic Performance Parts

Arctic Performance Parts stocks P5 latching push buttons in the full colour range to support professional motorsport switch panel builds across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Lead time 1–2 weeks for quantities beyond current stock.