You know those switches?
The tall ones... with a tiny red button on top?

Yeah.

What entity is used to make that switch work?

Are you using a prefab?

Dunno

I'm using an entity

I think you need to use a prop_dynamic with the apropriate world model (id est, of the pedestal button), and use inputs from a func_button to trigger its up and down animations.

I'm just guessing though...

If you aren't sure about the answer to a question, don't post saying you think. Make some bullshit thread in the Off Topic board if you want to increase your post count so I can warn/ban with impunity.