Foot Activated Switch

Foot activated switch is another term for a footswitch. Footswitches are one of our most popular product categories here at Herga. We have been manufacturing footswitches for over seventy years

Many of our foot activated switches have a stock model which is available for fast delivery. To compare our different products take a look at our Footswitch line card.

What is a Foot Activated Switch?

A foot activated switch is a type of switch that is operated by the users foot. It is kept on the floor for easy actuation. 

Foot activated switches are available in many different shapes and sizes and with different add- ons and accessories. For example footswitch guards, handles, base plates etc. 

A foot activated switch is usually selected for an application because it means the user has full use of their hands giving them the ability to multitask. They also can save space on a busy workstation such as a production line. 

What is a Foot Activated Switch Used For?

Foot activated switches are well used throughout many industries, they are often selected for medical applications and industrial applications. This is because they are so diverse and adaptable. Some of our footswitches have different certifications meaning they are able to be used in these different industries. We also often supply to; automotive applications, agriculture and the health and beauty industry. 

Some applications which use footswitches are;

Medical beds - Footswitches are used to move the bed up and down for patient safety and comfort.

Call centres - Press to talk (PTT) is a popular application for our switches. The footswitch is used to answer the telephone giving the user full use of both hands to take notes and operate computers.  

Metal bending/ welding machines - our industrial footswitch range is well suited to a wide variety of heavy duty applications such as operating machinery like metal bending and welding machines. This range of footswitches has features such as footswitch guards and emergency stop functions to suit this industry.  

Optical instruments - foot activated switches are used for optical instruments and other medical devices so that the medical professional has full use of both hands during operation.  

Other applications;

• Tattoo machines
• Hair removal equipment 
• Wood terminator equipment 
• Laser machines
• Press iron machines
• Sewing machines
• Heavy duty machinery  

For more application stories take a look at our press release section on our website.   

Types of Foot Activated Switches 

We have a wide range of footswitches here at Herga. Many of them have the following features;

• Optional guards
• Stock models 
• Custom colours/ logos
• Various cable options 
• Single/multi-pedal
• IP ratings 
• Study and durable 
• Long life 

Take a look at the different areas of our website for more information. 

• Heavy duty footswitches – including our new 6256 range with added features making them suitable for use in industrial environments.
• Bluetooth Footswitches – Working on a smart closed Bluetooth network with long battery life - well suited to medical applications.
• Foot potentiometers – otherwise known as a “variable speed footswitch” suitable for drills, lathes, sewing machines etc. 
• Foot air valve switches – stylish and robust with a guard option
• General purpose footswitches – for more general applications, this range includes our light duty footswitches
• Light industrial footswitches – able to withstand rough environments for light industry use.
• Medical grade footswitches – with medical approvals for this industry.
• USB footswitches – compatible with windows and mac, these footswitches can emulate mouse or keyboard functions
• Footswitch bellows – suitable for harsh environments and medical applications.
• Multi pedal footswitches – up to 12 functionalities using our modular base system. Also more standed 2/3/4 switches. 
• Puck switches – Audible “click” when pressed

For more information on any of our products please contact us.