Thread: Latching footswitch

It is extremely dangerous to operate a power tool with an unprotected footswitch. The danger is that you will accidentally drop something onto, or step on, the switch while you are in an exposed position such as when changing cutters.

There are many protected switches available that will carry the load but expect to pay several times the cost of the router to get them.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=h...ety+footswitch

Presumably you have the sense to turn the mains power off at the plug before you change the bits.

And you will retain the switch on the router ?

The way I would do it is mount the foot switch inside a sturdy narrow entrance box which prevents things falling on it or accidentally treading on it and switching it on and get the foot switch to activate a latching relay.

MY DP has a VFD on it and I installed a pedal that starts and stops the motor using the low V VFD controls, but the DP motor only runs on as long as I have a foot on the pedal. I can understand why this does not suit you.
I should put a box over that as well.

I plan to make my own protective cover,and I do not wish to use a switch that has to have pressure maintained.
When using that type of switch the user can not move either of his feet.
They suck on drill presses where the user is stationary.
A drill press dose not exert sideways torque like a router which makes it desirable to brace primarily by moving your feet.
I also intend to position the switch so it is activated with a side-step hence the custom protective cover.
That said I was hoping one of members could suggest a suitable switch or switch/relay arrangement.
Since Worksafe WA has given up worrying about life and death matters, I'm glad you guys are on the job.
Please do not take offence I know you have my best interest in mind.
Mark

As you are making your own housing have a look at

Clipsal - 360 - Foot Switch, 10A, Double Pole

Bohdan I had a look at that switch, but I think a more industrial switch would handle the wood dust better.
I spent my time in the workshop today making a new rear wheel for Paris and Nicole's Barbi car.
Mark

Industrial dustproof switches are about $400-$600 readily available but do you want to spend that much.

I'm looking into this one.
However it doesn't mention Voltage and amperage ratings.
ZLKG047 1pc LT4 latching foot switch foot switch Silver Point Machine Parts NEW | eBay

I have seen that one as well.

The specifications state

• Contact resistance: 50mO or less (first)
• Insulation resistance: 100MO above, 500VDC test
• Dielectric Strength: 2000V AC, 1 minute
• Mechanical life: 1 million times
• Electrical life: 100,000 times
• Humidity: 45% ~ 85% RH

The insulation resistance and dielectric strength are indicative that it can handle 250V but what we don't know is the current rating..

A lot of these pedals have standard switches inside them. It might be possible to replace the momentary switch with a latching one.

That one looks like a bargain even if you have to add a contactor to handle the current.

I would have thought a simple off the shelf protected foot switch like this one would be all you need...
ELECTRICAL MACHINE FOOT SWITCH , PEDAL SWITCH , GILLOTINE , BRAKE PRESS , PUNCH
One tap to turn it on, another tap to turn it off.

Stewie

Originally Posted by Stewie D

I would have thought a simple off the shelf protected foot switch like this one would be all you need...
ELECTRICAL MACHINE FOOT SWITCH , PEDAL SWITCH , GILLOTINE , BRAKE PRESS , PUNCH
One tap to turn it on, another tap to turn it off.

I think you will find that one has a switch that is a normally open and it's a "press and hold " to close, so you have to keep your foot on the pedal.

I emailed the E-bay seller in Shanghai about the switch I was interested in.
He replied that the switch was AC380V and 15A.
I have purchased the switch and will receive it in June.
If I still have two feet I will post a short review once It's operational.
Mark

That main body and pedal of that switch looks like the one I have..
footswitches.jpg


The specs for the one I have are

• Contact resistance: 25mΩ
• Insulation resistance: 100MΩ DC500V
• Dielectric strength: ≥2000V ac

While the one on eBay has

• Contact resistance: 50mO or less (first)
  
  
• Insulation resistance: 100MO above, 500VDC test
• Dielectric Strength: 2000V AC, 1 minute

So it sounds like they use the same switch and I hope your is actually a latching switch.

The one I have is only rated by Altrsonics for 5A @ 12-48V dc and it is also a momentary switch

The reason for the low rating by Altrsonics is probably because that switch does not have an Australian certifiable rating and 48V is the highest that can be used without such a rating.
So while the bay probably is OK for mains Voltages we still have no idea what the actual Australian current rating is.

This is just a update.
The switch I ordered from China arrived, however it was non-latching so I chose to return it.
Return economy postage to China was $28.45 that is $3 less than purchase price.
I think most people would have kept it but I want the switch I payed for, and I know E-bay will refund return postage if I follow their rules.
Another exercise in patience.
Mark