Foot Switches

Foot switches are different types of switches that can be operated by feet. These switches are foot actuated with the help of a pedal or air bulb. These switches are manufactured and are available in different configurations, including multi-pedal, snap action switch, slow action switch, potentiometer, variable speed control, waterproof. Operating temperature is another important parameter that must be considered.

Footswitch Specifications
There are certain general, physical and electrical specifications that must be considered when selecting foot switches. These are:

• General specifications
  • Actuation method: This can be either snap action, slow action, air switch, and potentiometer.
    
    
  • Function: This can be maintained contact, momentary contact, single stage, two stage, three stage, mechanical interlock, and variable.
    
    
  • Pedals: These switches can have one, two or three pedals.
    
    
• Electrical specifications
  • Configuration: This can be normally open or normally closed.
    
    
  • Contact style: This can be single break, double break, shorting, or non-shorting.
    
    
  • Maximum current: This is the nameplate current capacity of the switch.
    
    
  • Maximum AC voltage:
    
    
  • Maximum DC voltage:
    
    
  • Pole and throw specifications: This includes single pole, single throw (SPST), single pole, double throw (SPDT), double pole, single throw (DPST), and double pole, double throw (DPDT).
    
    
• Physical specifications
  • Switch base material: The materials can be plastic, thermoplastic, metal or PVC.
  • Actuator or pedal material: The materials can be plastic or thermoplastic, metal or PVC.
  • Terminal type: These can be wire leads or cords without plugs, wire leads or cords with plugs, solder terminals, quick connects or blades and screw terminals.

Features
There are certain protective features offered by the switch manufacturers. These are:

• Anti-trip mechanism
• Dustproof
• Explosion proof
• Full guard
• No guard
• Weather resistant
• Waterproof

Approvals and Certifications
Footswitch manufacturers need the following certifications:

• CE certification
• CSA certification
• UL listing or registration The operating temperature is an important environmental parameter to consider.