Thread: New Foot Power Switch.

I agree - if you have to stand there with you foot poised over the top of a foot switch in case you want a fast stop then that's not a good idea. The way around that would be to use a manual emergency switch as well.

IN OHS terms, momentary pedals are considered as safe as or safer than a hand switch provided you can place your heel on the floor and the ball of the foot firmly on the pedal. Covered pedals are widely used in industry on machines like metal work guillotines, benders, hydraulic hammers and presses which can be incredibly dangerous. The main reason they are used is because lifting a foot that is already on the pedal will be faster at turning a machine off compared to lifting a hand up or sideways to reach for and turn off a switch. A well made HD pedal even allows you to put considerable weight on the pedal and does not feel that different from standing on the floor.

Pedals are not considered as safe as a manual switch if you have to push it to turn it on, and then remove you foot and push it again later to turn it off

The fastest way to turn off any machine would be to have one hand already on the "off switch" but that is not always possible if you need both hands to do something on a machine.

I can use my momentary pedal on my DP for many hours (I was doing that this morning) without discomfort.

Bit of a discussion about "foot switches" on the forum - how about this "head EMG OFF switch" for a DP cobbled together by my BIL.
Just nod in your forehead agains the foam pad.
It only turns the DP off you have to manually turn it on.


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Originally Posted by BobL

Just nod in your forehead agains the foam pad.
It only turns the DP off you have to manually turn it on.

Interesting idea... but maybe an improvement could be a head band attached to a pull cord for emergency stop Bob?
I think I tend to throw my head backwards when I injure myself...

You can see why he left his hat on the ladder. Nice hat, by the way