Foot Switches Information
Description
Foot switches are switches that are foot actuated by a pedal or air bulb (bellows). Foot switches are available in many configurations including:
- Multi-pedal
- Snap action switch
- Slow action switch
- Potentiometer
- Variable speed control
- Explosion proof
- Waterproof
- Fully-guarded
Specifications
Switch Specifications
Switch specifications to consider when searching for foot switches include:
-
Pedals - Foot switches can have one, two, or three pedals.
-
Switch or Actuation Method - Choices for switch or actuation method include:
- Snap action - In a snap action switch the action speed of the switch contact is independent of the actuator speed.
- Slow action - In a slow action switch the contact points move at a speed proportional to the activating motion and are typically used for lower voltage applications.
- Air switch - An air switch uses a foot actuated air bulb for actuation to a remote switch.
- Potentiometer - Some switches contain an integral potentiometer.
-
Function - Choices for switch function include:
- Maintained contact
- Momentary contact
- Single stage
- Two stage
- Three stage
- Mechanical interlock
- Variable
Electrical Switch Specifications
Electrical switch specifications to consider when searching for foot switches include:
- Pole and Throw - Pole and throw specification choices include:
- Single pole, single throw (SPST)
- Single pole, double throw (SPDT)
- Double pole, single throw (DPST)
- Double pole, double throw (DPDT)
- Configuration - Switch configuration can be normally open or normally closed.
- Contact Style - The contact style can be single break, double break, shorting, or non-shorting.
- Maximum Current - The maximum current is the maximum nominal, or nameplate current capacity of a device.
- Maximum AC & DC Voltage - The maximum AC and DC voltage capabilities are also important to consider.
Physical Specifications
Important physical specifications to consider when searching for foot switches include:
-
Construction Material - The switch base material can be thermoplastic or plastic, PVC, or metal. Choices for actuator or pedal material include thermoplastic or plastic, PVC or metal.
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Terminal Type - The terminal type on foot switches can be wire leads or cords without plugs, wire leads or cords with plugs, solder terminals, screw terminals, and quick connects or blades.
Features
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Protection Features - Common protection features found on foot switches include no guard, full guard, anti-trip mechanism, dustproof, explosion proof, and weather resistant or waterproof.
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Certifications - Certifications granted include CE certification, CSA certification, and UL listing or registration.
Environment
The operating temperature is an important environmental parameter to consider.
Standards
FORD ES15 - Foot switches
References
Image Credit:
- Air Switch
- Anti-trip Mechanism
- CE Certified
- CSA Certified
- Double Break
- Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
- Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Dustproof
- Full Guard
- Maintained Contact
- Metal
- Metal
- Momentary Contact
- No Guard (or Separate Guard)
- Normally Closed (NC)
- Normally Open (NO)
- One
- PVC
- PVC
- Potentiometer
- Quick Connect / Blade
- Screw Terminals
- Single Break
- Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Single Stage
- Slow Action
- Snap Action
- Solder Terminals
- Thermoplastic / Plastic
- Thermoplastic / Plastic
- Three
- Three Stage
- Two
- Two Stage
- UL Listed or Registered
- Weather Resistant or Waterproof
- Wire Leads / Cord with Plug
- Wire Leads / Cord without Plug
- Wireless
- air foot switch
- pneumatic foot pedal
- industrial foot pedal
- rheostat foot pedal switch
- air actuated switch
- pneumatic foot switches
- potentiometer foot control
- AC/DC footswitch
- mechanical foot pedal
- pneumatic foot pedal switch
- 3 pedal foot switches
- air bulb foot switches
- air horn foot switches
- compact foot switches
- compressed air foot switches
- drum machine foot switches
- dual momentary foot switches
- electric on off foot switches
- electrical symbol foot switches
- emergency stop foot switches
- explosion proof foot switches
- heavy duty foot switches
- industrial foot pedal switches
- maintained foot switches
- momentary contact foot switches
- pressure sensitive foot switches
- safety foot switches
- strobe light with foot switches
- two way pneumatic foot switches
- variable speed foot switches