Metal Foot Switches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Metal foot switches are devices designed to be activated by foot pressure. They are typically constructed from durable metal materials, making them suitable for heavy-duty use. These switches can come with or without a protective cover or hood, which helps prevent accidental activation and provides additional protection against damage.
Working Principle
Metal foot switches operate by completing or breaking an electrical circuit when pressure is applied to the switch. The foot pressure activates a mechanism inside the switch that either connects or disconnects the electrical contacts, allowing or interrupting the flow of electricity. This hands-free operation is particularly useful in environments where manual operation is impractical or unsafe, as it allows operators to control machinery or equipment while keeping their hands free for other tasks.
Applications
Metal foot switches are commonly used in industrial settings, such as metalworking and woodworking applications. They are ideal for environments where operators need to control machinery without using their hands, such as in assembly lines or when operating heavy machinery. The rugged construction of metal foot switches makes them suitable for harsh environments where durability and reliability are critical.
Advantages over other Foot Switches
Metal foot switches offer several advantages over their plastic counterparts. Their metal construction provides enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. Additionally, the option to include a protective cover or hood offers further protection against accidental activation and environmental damage, which is particularly beneficial in industrial settings.
Limitations
One limitation of metal foot switches is their weight and lack of mobility, as they are often mounted in a fixed position. This can be a disadvantage in applications where portability is required. Additionally, the metal construction, while durable, may not be suitable for environments where electrical insulation is a concern.
Considerations
When selecting a metal foot switch, it is important to consider the initial cost, which may be higher than plastic alternatives due to the durable materials used. However, the long-term operating expenses may be lower due to their durability and reduced need for frequent replacements. Maintenance costs should also be considered, as metal foot switches may require periodic inspection and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Durability and accuracy are key factors, as these switches are designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable operation over time.
from Altech Corp.
The virtually indestructible steel housing meets even more challenging demands of every day applications. The steel guard comes standard in red or orange and provides an affordable “safeguarding ” of the foot switch. The guard is interchangeable with the FM1 series foot switch which... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Snap Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The virtually indestructible steel housing meets even more challenging demands of every day applications. The steel guard comes standard in red or orange and provides an affordable “safeguarding ” of the foot switch. The guard is interchangeable with the FM1 series foot switch which... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Snap Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Maintained
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Three
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Snap Action Switch
- Pedals: Three
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Three
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Two
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Two
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Two
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The heavy duty, medium size FS series foot switches are primarily used in industrial and medical applications. Due to the sturdy design of the die cast aluminum housing, the foot switch is an exceptional value for strict environments. This compact design offers a lot of versatility: Every... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Two
- Function: Momentary
from Altech Corp.
The FL series foot switches are appropriate for heavy duty applications in hazardous and demanding environments. The foot switch with the Polyamide 6.6 housing shows the same sturdy body as the FS series, but with the advantage of resistance against water, oil, and certain acids and chemicals, which... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Maintained
from Altech Corp.
The FL series foot switches are appropriate for heavy duty applications in hazardous and demanding environments. The foot switch with the Polyamide 6.6 housing shows the same sturdy body as the FS series, but with the advantage of resistance against water, oil, and certain acids and chemicals, which... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Function: Momentary
from Cablecraft Motion Controls
The 165-574-001 and -002 throttle pedals are intended for medium and heavy-duty trucks, construction and farm equipment, and buses. The -001 configuration is a foot throttle only design. The -002 configuration adds hardware allowing for a manual remote hand operated throttle control. A torsion... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Base Material: Metal
- Pedals: One
- Protection: No Guard (or Separate Guard)
from steute
Features/Options. High mechanical stability. Easy-to-clean. Digital or analogue output signals. Additional push-buttons. Protective bracket. Class AP. Plug-in connector. Pressure point. Special labels. Different RAL colours [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: One
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
from steute
Features/Options. High mechanical stability. Easy-to-clean. Digital or analogue output signals. Additional push-buttons. Hinged stainless steel protective bracket. Wireless signal transmission. Class AP. Plug-in connector. Pressure point. Special labels. Different RAL colours [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Pedals: Two
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
from steute
Features/Options. Ex zone 1 and 21. 1-pedal type. Metal enclosure. Without protective shield. Max. 2 contacts. Low pedal height. With pre-wired cable, cable length 3 m. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. Special version only for dust Ex zone 22 available. N.B.: Please... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Contact Style: Double Break
from steute
Features/Options. Ex zone 1 and 21. 1-pedal type. Metal enclosure. With protective shield. Max. 2 contacts. Low pedal height. With pre-wired cable, cable length 3 m. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. Special version only for dust Ex zone 22 available. N.B.: Please state... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
- Contact Style: Double Break
from steute
Features/Options. Ex zone 1 and 21. Metal enclosure. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. Output signal can be individually configurated at the receiver. EnOcean ® wireless technology. No power supply, no wiring and pipe laying required. Multi-network capable. Easy... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Wireless: Wireless
from steute
Features/Options. Corrosion-resistant aluminium enclosure. Salt-mist spray test to DIN EN ISO 9227. High degree of protection IP66, IP67 or IP69K depending on selected cable gland. Temperature resistant from -40 °C up to +90 °C. Screws and metal parts made of stainless steel. With protective... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Configuration: Normally Closed
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch
from steute
Features / Options. Metal enclosure. Without protective shield. Wiring compartment. 2-pedal type. Low pedal height. Version "D": with pressure point. Version "RE": with latching element. Version "HS": with Hall sensor. Version "POTI": with potentiometer. Different pedal functions possible. Available... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Snap Action Switch; Slow Action Switch; Potentiometer; Latching Element, Hall Sensor, Pressure Point
- Pedals: Two
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
from steute
Features / Options. Metal enclosure. With protective shield. Wiring compartment. Ergonomic pedal design and wide opening in protective shield. Version "D": with pressure point. Version "RE": with latching element. Version "HS": with Hall sensor. Version "POTI": with potentiometer. Degree of... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Snap Action Switch; Slow Action Switch; Potentiometer; Latching Element, Hall Sensor, Pressure Point
- Pedals: One
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
from steute
Features/Options. Rocker switch for fast change between two functions. High mechanical stability. Non-contact switching systems. Reed contacts for low currents. Digital or analogue output signals. Additional push-buttons. LEDs. Protective bracket. Class AP. Plug-in connector. Pressure point. Special... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Maximum Current: 1 to 5
- Configuration: Normally Open
- Maximum AC Voltage: 25
from steute
Features/Options. Rocker switch for fast change between two functions. High mechanical stability. Non-contact switching systems. Reed contacts for low currents. Digital or analogue output signals. Class AP. Plug-in connector. Pressure point. Special labels. Different RAL colours [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Maximum Current: 1 to 5
- Configuration: Normally Open
- Maximum AC Voltage: 25
from steute
Features/Options. Rocker switch for fast change between two functions. High mechanical stability. Non-contact switching systems. Reed contacts for low currents. Digital or analogue output signals. Additional push-buttons. LEDs. Class AP. Plug-in connector. Pressure point. Special labels. Different... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Maximum Current: 1 to 5
- Configuration: Normally Open
- Maximum AC Voltage: 25
from steute
Features/Options. Metal enclosure. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. EnOcean ® wireless technology. No power supply, no wiring and pipe laying required. Easy programming of receiver. Multi-network capable. Output signal can be individually configurated at the... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
from steute
Features/Options. Metal enclosure. Version "D": with pressure point. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. sWave ® wireless technology. Point-to-Point connection. Pairing via internal push-button. Frequency hopping: 32 frequencies (200 hops/s). Easy programming of... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
from steute
Features/Options. Metal enclosure. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. EnOcean ® wireless technology. No power supply, no wiring and pipe laying required. Easy programming of receiver. Multi-network capable. Output signal can be individually configurated at the... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Wireless: Wireless
from steute
Features/Options. Metal enclosure. Version "D": with pressure point. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. sWave ® wireless technology. Point-to-Point connection. Pairing via internal push-button. Frequency hopping: 32 frequencies (200 hops/s). Easy programming of... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Wireless: Wireless
from steute
Features / Options. GFSI VD: NC contact 15-16 in series with NO contact 23-24 (internal wiring). With impulse wiping contacts GFSI IK VD: without switching impulse when unlocking foot switch; NO contact 13-14 is converted into positive break NC contact by internal baffle after pressure point, Safety... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Switch / Action Method: Slow Action Switch; Impulse Wiping
- Pedals: One
- Configuration: Normally Open; Normally Closed
from steute
Features/Options. Metal enclosure. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. sWave ® wireless technology (SW2.4/SW868/SW915) or EnOcean ® wireless technology (EN868). No wiring and pipe laying required. Easy programming of receiver. Multi-network capable. Output signal... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Wireless: Wireless
from steute
Features/Options. Metal enclosure. Available on request with special finish in RAL colour tones. sWave ® wireless technology (SW2.4/SW868/SW915) or EnOcean ® wireless technology (EN868). No wiring and pipe laying required. Easy programming of receiver. Multi-network capable. Output signal... [See More]
- Pedal Material: Metal
- Wireless: Wireless