Disposal Swicthes

Status
Not open for further replies.
FionaZuppa

FionaZuppa

Senior Member
Location
AZ
Occupation
Part Time Electrician (semi retired, old) - EE retired.
I am looking for in-countertop remote push button sink disposal switch (usually air operated), but one that can operate in momentary mode. Do they make them like this?
 
FionaZuppa said:
I am looking for in-countertop remote push button sink disposal switch (usually air operated), but one that can operate in momentary mode. Do they make them like this?
Click to expand...


Plumbers always supply those switches and they buy them at the plumbing supply place. I can't imagine an air switch that is not momentary

This is what we see

https://www.grainger.com/product/IN...wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!319497170601!b!!g!!


IN-SINK-ERATOR-Plastic-Air-Actuated-On-Off-4FE91
4FE91_AS01
 
I get it you want a momentary relay not really a momentary switch. All the switches are momentary as they just push the relay in and out with air. You want one that stays on as long as you have your hand on the button--

Sorry for the confsion
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I get it you want a momentary relay not really a momentary switch. All the switches are momentary as they just push the relay in and out with air. You want one that stays on as long as you have your hand on the button--

Sorry for the confsion
Click to expand...

I guess yes, but the air button itself is not a switch, it's just a button.
 
I've never used one of these-- but I can imagine why they're all push on-push off. The button and air tubing have to be 'air tight.' If there's any leakage, a hold-to-grind switch will eventually lose enough air to stop the disposal.

Are these sealed systems? Or when you release the button do they suck air back in, ready for the next push?
 
PaulMmn said:
I've never used one of these-- but I can imagine why they're all push on-push off. The button and air tubing have to be 'air tight.' If there's any leakage, a hold-to-grind switch will eventually lose enough air to stop the disposal.

Are these sealed systems? Or when you release the button do they suck air back in, ready for the next push?
Click to expand...

They are "sealed" but not like hermetically sealed. The air tube is just 1/8" push-on to each end, but they will not back off due to the low pressure created by the button plunger. And even if it did lose PSI while holding the button I am sure it would take much longer than the short 'on' time needed to use it.

I too am baffled as to why momentary is not the norm, it's much safer in momentary fashion.
 
"Momentary" action OP wants is to hold the button while the output is "on" and to turn output "off" when you let off the button.

Since these are a pretty low pressure actuated item, you need very well sealed pneumatic system, or it will shut off on you after pressure leaks out of the system even if you still are holding the button in. My guess is it is not that practical to make such an item and be able to guarantee how long it will work.

Some sort of low voltage control system might be more reliable, don't know what may be available.
 
kwired said:
"Momentary" action OP wants is to hold the button while the output is "on" and to turn output "off" when you let off the button.

Since these are a pretty low pressure actuated item, you need very well sealed pneumatic system, or it will shut off on you after pressure leaks out of the system even if you still are holding the button in. My guess is it is not that practical to make such an item and be able to guarantee how long it will work.

Some sort of low voltage control system might be more reliable, don't know what may be available.
Click to expand...

Simple o-ring plungers take a long time to leak back to zero, it's just 1-2psi.
I made dual o-ring piston for 1" PVC for air actuated TV lift. It lifts and holds just fine.
If it comes down to it, i'll make the control box, but wanted a COTS item, I always seek COTS 1st.
 
FionaZuppa said:
Simple o-ring plungers take a long time to leak back to zero, it's just 1-2psi.
I made dual o-ring piston for 1" PVC for air actuated TV lift. It lifts and holds just fine.
If it comes down to it, i'll make the control box, but wanted a COTS item, I always seek COTS 1st.
Click to expand...

I could be wrong but 1-2 PSI seems it could be a little high for this kind of thing.
 
A momentary switch for a disposer would drive me batty.

Sure, it is somewhat safer, demanding one hand not be in the sink while running, but I turn mine on, use one hand to direct the water spray and the other hand to move what the spray does not! Now you want me to operate with one hand tied behind my back. I don't think so!:thumbsup:

That oil tight air switch shown just switches already compressed air. The OP wanted a button that produced air pressure to operate a switch.

Lots of air pressure switches out there, buttons to make the air that are kitchen décor friendly are fewer. Spas use them also.
 
With kids around they like to press stuff. If you are not right there then the disposal can just stay on. If a spoon is in there a quick yell "DONT TOUCH THAT" from across the room should be enough to stop the disposal.

Me operating it in momentary fashion is not an issue. I'll likely just use one of the Tinytrol air operated switches and put it in one of the other kits.
 
Many of the pushbutton air switch kits are alternate action instead of momentary. The leakage issue does not arise.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
K8MHZ said:
One concern I would see about such a design is that in order to work, the air button and it's tubing, etc., would have to be air tight and not leak one bit, or else the switch would disengage after a while.
Click to expand...

GoldDigger said:
Many of the pushbutton air switch kits are alternate action instead of momentary. The leakage issue does not arise.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Exactly what I was trying to say earlier.
 
kwired said:
Exactly what I was trying to say earlier.
Click to expand...

I think the plungers on each end are fairly air tight, good enough to hold it 'on' long enough for use. I don't think I ever used a disposal for more than 30sec.

I'll soon know how long the momentary can stay on.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top