What is the use of foot switch?

Author: Ada

Jan. 13, 2025

How does a Footswitch Work? - Herga Technology

A Footswitch is a switching device which is operated by the user's foot. They are used throughout a whole host of industries to operate machines or devices giving the user full use of their hands.

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Footswitches can be either momentary or latching. And can use various operating principles.

How Does A Footswitch Work ' Electric Footswitches

An electric footswitch works like any other electric switch. Inside the footswitch there are contact points, the wires of the footswitch are connected to the electric circuit of a device.

When wired Normally Open the contacts within the footswitch are not touching, the electric circuit is not connected, and the device is 'off'. When the footswitch is compressed the contacts will be closed, connecting the electric circuit and switching the machine to 'on'.

When wired Normally Closed, the contacts remain closed, with the electric circuit connected until the footswitch is compressed which breaks the circuit switching the device 'off'.

How Does a Footswitch Work ' Pneumatic Footswitches

Pneumatic footswitches work in the same way as pneumatic push button switches but are operated by the foot. Rather than an electrical connection, when a pneumatic footswitch is compressed, a puff of air is sent down a length of PVC tubing. This actuates an air switch which is connected to an electric circuit.

Pneumatic footswitches are often selected for use in wet environments as they do not contain electrics making them a perfect solution for user safety.

How Does a Footswitch Work ' Wireless Footswitches

There are various technologies used which can be classed aswireless footswitches. At Herga, the wireless connection we use is a Bluetooth connection.

Bluetooth footswitches use a wireless receiver which is connected to the device. When the wireless footswitch is actuated, the receiver will recognise this change and activate the device.

Our Bluetooth footswitch operates over a range of 10 meters and have UL -1 approval for use in medical applications.

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Why use a Footswitch?


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Footswitches are often just one option for switching devices. A hand switch or push button are other options, however, in many circumstances, footswitches are selected because:

  • They offer hands free operation ' the user still has full use of both hands.
  • For hygiene reasons ' if multiple users are using the switch there is less risk of contamination.
  • Save space on work areas ' as they are operated from the floor.·

Footswitches from Herga Technology

We have a wide range of footswitches and footswitch accessories for you to view on our website. Some of our switches have multipedal designs and others have guard options for added user safety.

  • Foot Air Valve Switches
  • Foot Potentiometers
  • Footswitch Bellows
  • General Purpose Footswitches
  • Joystick Footswitches
  • Heavy Duty Footswitches
  • Light Industrial Footswitches
  • Puck Switches
  • Multi-Pedal Footswitches
  • Footswitch Bases
  • USB Footswitches

For easy comparison take a look at our Footswitch Line Card.

For more information on our footswitches or to discuss your application, please contact us.

What is a footswitch?

A footswitch is a switch which is operated with the user's foot. Footswitches are also known as foot pedals. They are part of our vast range of switches here at Herga Technology.

Footswitches have many uses and come in different shapes and styles to suit these applications.

Benefits of using a footswitch

Space saving ' footswitches are kept on the floor, in some applications ' such as production lines or call centres desk space can be tight so using a footswitch instead of a hand control means that there is more space at the work station for the user.

Ability to multitask ' using the feet to operate switches means that the user still has two hands free. This is useful for applications such as tattoo parlours where the tattooist needs both hands to be able to complete the work effectively. Using a footswitch gives the user complete use of both hands and therefore the ability to multitask.  Image capture is also a very common application especially with USB footswitches.

Applications and industries for footswitches  

Our footswitches have been used throughout many industries;

  • Medical
  • Industrial
  • Health and beauty
  • Automation
  • Agriculture
  • Some of the applications we have solved using our footswitches in the past include;
  • Press iron machines
  • Wood terminator equipment
  • Optical instruments
  • Medical beds
  • Call centres
  • Hair removal equipment
  •        Laser machines

Footswitches from Herga technology

Our range of footswitches is available to view on our website. Many of our footswitches have a stock model available for fast delivery. We also offer custom options on many of our designs.

For more information, please visit Industrial Foot Switch.

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