An electrical switch is a device that opens or closes a circuit, and a foot switch is a device that operates when someone steps on the actuator. It is also known as a stomp switch, typically a pushbutton or pedal. The primary advantage of using a foot switch is obvious that it frees up a person's hands for other work while they can still operate the switch with their foot. They are used for various applications where hands-free switching would be more convenient. For example, include guitar amplifiers, wireless page-turners for sheet music, woodworking equipment such as saws, sanders, or routers, and dental chairs.
What Do Foot Switches Do?
Footswitches are utilized to operate machines or gadgets. Compressing this switch will frequently switch a gadget or machine off or depending on the application and situation. They are a kind of switch utilized to make or break a circuit.
Footswitches can be either latching or momentary. Momentary implies that the switch should stay compacted to do its work; for instance, sewing machines will require constant pressure for the machine to remain turned on. Latching implies that the footswitch can be squeezed once; the client can then eliminate the tension on the switch, yet the gadget or machine will stay on until the switch is compressed in the future. Frequently utilized for tattoo machines or lathes.
Applications of Foot Switches
Foot switches are used in various industries, including medical, health and beauty, industrial processes, and other common applications. Within such industries, these switches can be used to operate many devices such as:
- Medical beds
- Tattoo machines
- Industrial machinery
- Machinery controls
- Stapling machines
- Packaging machines
- Cutting machines
- Soldering machines
- Sewing machines
- Press iron machines
- Lipo suction devices
- Patient hoists
- Medical equipment
- Hair removal applications
- Optical instruments
- Dentist chair controls
Specifications of Foot Switches
There are some switch specifications that you must consider while choosing foot switches:
These switches can have from one to three pedals. So, choose according to your requirements.
Switch or Actuations Method
There are multiple choices for switch or actuation methods that include:
In this, the action speed of the switch contact is always independent of the actuator speed.
The contact points move at a speed proportional to activating motion and are commonly utilized for lower voltage applications.
This switch commonly utilizes a food-actuated air bulb that is further used for actuation to a remote switch.
Some switches feature an integral potentiometer.
