FOOT SWITCH SELECTION GUIDE

Foot switches can be used to turn electrical equipment on and off with the foot, freeing the hands to perform other operations or providing ergonomic improvement to a workstation. Foot switch applications often require different sizes and shapes, electrical ratings, pedal actions, cables, labels, and other variations. Contact us today with your requirements. Only the user can be aware of all conditions and factors present during installation, operation, and maintenance of a foot switch and surrounding work area. Therefore, only the user can determine which foot switches and which point-of-operation safeguards can properly be used in a particular application or work station. Read the foot switch safety warning and review OSHA and other regulations before selecting or installing any foot switch. Model Overview

Light-Duty Foot Switches (S-Series) Small, low-profile design Durabl e steel case Momen tary or maintained action Comes with cable 4.5"L x 3.4"W x 1.5"H 10 or 15 amps @ 125/250 VAC IP21 E nclosure (NEMA Type 1) UL Listed and CSA certified

Medium-Duty Foot Switches (E-Series) Large top surface area Formed steel case Fits whole foot Momentary action Comes with cable Also available as a potentiometer control 9"L x 5.5"W x 4"H 15 amps @ 125/250 VAC IP21 Enclos ure (NEMA Type 1)

Heavy-Duty Foot Switches (G-Series) Heavyduty construction Caseiron base with cast-aluminum cover Moment ary, maintained, or anti-trip action 9.2"L x 6.2"W x 5.5"H 20 amps @ 125/250 VAC IP 56 Enclosure Rating (NEMA Type 2, 4, and 13) -- has high degree of dust/water protection UL Listed and CSA certified

Foot Switches with Guards (S-Series with Guards) Tough, durable steel guards Fits S-Series foot switches Rubber bumper feet Various cable options Available in single and dual versions Also available in dual version with single cable (click here for image) UL Listed and CSA certified

Also see: Potentiometer Foot Pedals or TIG Welding Foot Control Pedals Foot Switch Pedal Action

There are three main types of pedal action: momentary, maintained, and anti-trip. 1) Momentary Action - Press and hold to turn on, release to turn off (like a car horn). The user must continue to hold the pedal down to keep it on. As soon as the user lifts his or her foot, the unit will turn off. 2) Maintained Action - Press once to turn on, press again to turn off (like a light switch). The unit will stay on until the user presses forward a latch inside the hood on the G-Series "-MA" models or presses the other end of the pedal on the S420-Series to release it back to the "off" position. 3) Anti-Trip Safety Feature (G-Series only) - The user must press forward a safety latch inside the hood before pressing down on the lever to turn it on. These units then have a momentary action; the user must keep the pedal pressed down in order to keep it on. Electrical Contacts Typically, foot switches contain SPDT (single-pole double-throw) contacts that are wired "normally open." That is, the switch is open, or "off," when not pressed down. Additional notes: S-Series foot switches and E-Series foot switches are shipped with cables attached and have SPDT contacts that are wired normally open. G-Series foot switches can have a variety of electrical contacts (see below), but are typically either SPDT or DPDT. They are not typically shipped with cables. You can adjust the switch activation point for all G-Series models. They can be adjusted to activate at any point as the pedal is pressed down. Other options are available; contact us with your requirements. Circuit Wiring Diagram Notes Type S-Series Foot Switches (comes pre-wired with cable)

SPDT-NO (normally open) Comes prewired normally open (in "off" position until pressed).

Shown in "at-rest" (off) position -- switch is off until pedal is pressed. Print or save in PDF format: wiring diagram.

G-Series Foot Switches (does not come with cable)

SPDT (single-pole doublethrow) Typically called "Form C" contacts Example: G500-MO

View of inside of G-Series Foot Switch (from front). Note: G-Series foot switches have three terminals that can be wired either normally open (N.O.) or normally closed (N.C.) to the common (COM) terminal.

DPDT (double-pole doublethrow) Example: G502-MO

TPDT (triple-pole doublethrow) Example: G503-MO Dual DPDT (two DPDT switches in each unit) Example: G504-MO Ideal for controlling up to four independent circuits.

SPDT-DB (single-pole doublethrow doublebreak) Typically called "Form Z" contacts Example: G500-MODB Amperage Rating The amount of electrical current that will flow through the circuit will determine the amperage rating required for the foot switch. The amperage rating is important so the switch and wiring can handle the current that will flow through the circuit. Consult a certified electrician to determine amperage, voltage, or other requirements for your application. Follow all local and national electrical safety regulations. G-Series Foot Switches - Features and Variations G-Series foot switches include either one or two SPDT switches. G500 models have one switch, and G502 models have two switches. The switch activation points are adjustable for G-Series foot switches. To increase pedal travel before the switch is activated, turn the Adjustment Screw clockwise. To decrease travel before the switch is activated, turn the Adjustment Screw counter-clockwise. For models with two switches (G502 models), both switches can be independently adjusted. If both switches are set to go off at the same time, the unit will have DPDT circuitry. The switches can also be set so one goes off before the other. Two-stage models (models ending in "-2S") have an additional spring mechanism that provides a distinct tactile feel between the activation of each switch. The user will feel an additional force after activating the first switch when pressing the pedal down halfway; the user can then either hold at that position or continue pressing the pedal down to activate the second switch.