Foot Switch Selection Guide - Foot Switch and Foot Pedal Manufacturer

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)

Medium-Duty Foot Switches

(E-Series)

Heavy-Duty Foot Switches

(G-Series)

Foot Switches with Guards

(S-Series with Guards)

Small, low-profile design
Durable steel case
Momentary 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 Enclosure (NEMA Type 1)
UL Listed and CSA certified

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 Enclosure (NEMA Type 1)

Heavy-duty construction
Case-iron base with cast-aluminum cover
Momentary, 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

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 Type	Wiring Diagram	Notes	Product Image
S-Series Foot Switches (comes pre-wired with cable)
SPDT-NO (normally open) Comes pre-wired 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 double-throw) 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 double-throw) Example: G502-MO
TPDT (triple-pole double-throw) 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 double-throw double-break) Typically called "Form Z" contacts Example: G500-MO-DB

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.

Additional References and Safety Warnings

SSC Controls Co. - Foot Switch Safety Warning - www.ssccontrols.com/safety.htm
Machine guarding of presses (OSHA) - http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/machineguarding/presses/footcontrol.html
Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) - www.osha.gov
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) - www.nema.org
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - www.epa.gov
Additional switch circuit diagrams
General guide to circuit concepts: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/HBASE/electric/hsehldcn.html#c1

Cable and Connectors

Foot switches can be shipped with a variety of cable options (see examples below). Special connectors and modifications can be made for OEM applications. If you don't see the cable or connector that you require, please call us at 1-440-205-1600 or email your specifications.

Cable with Leads - User can connect these wires as required. Available in 10, 15, or 20 amp versions.
Cable with Series Plug (also called a "piggyback" connector) - Plugs into any standard US 120V electrical outlet with 3 prongs. The user can connect any 120V electrical device into the back end of the plug. Available in 10 or 15 amp versions.
Cable clamp for G-Series Foot Switches.
Cable with terminated leads. Cables can be terminated to your specifications.
Cable with connectors - Ideal for potentiometer and control applications.
Cable with 1/4" phone plugs - Ideal for low-voltage (50V max.) phone plug and audio applications.
Cable with RJ-45 plugs - For telecom and computer applications.

Customization

We can add decals, cables, connectors, labels, and many other features to meet your requirements. Please contact us at 1-440-205-1600 or email your specifications.

QUESTIONS?

*Name:**
*Telephone:**
Facsimile:
*Email:**
*Questions:**

	* indicates a required field

The SSC Controls Company
8909 East Avenue
Mentor, Ohio 44060
USA

Telephone:
1-440-205-1600

Facsimile:
1-440-205-1700

mail@ssccontrols.com

home