Toe Kick Waste Disposal Switch!!

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melanconelectric

melanconelectric

Member
Location
West Monroe, LA
I have a customer who has requested that I get a "toe kick switch" for her disposal. Obviously a standard toggle or rocker type switch would not be durable enough for this application. I have found an air switch, like the ones on a jacuzzi tub, and offered to put it on the sink itself. The customer asked if I could put that in the kick plate instead of on the sink, but I dont know if it will work ( using your foot is completely different than using your hand, especially with a boot or shoe on). I am afraid to put an electrical switch that is intended to be kicked at because if damage occurs, then you could have exposed live parts. Does anybody know what to do here?
 
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alfiesauce

Senior Member
I've been trying to come up with an easy motion style that would be easy to use with your foot while you are not looking but yet small enough and tucked away enough to not get set off accidentally. The accidental startings would be my biggest worry.
Can't think of anything yet.

The airswitch won't work as the amount of travel needed to activate it is quite large and your foot is to big. Also- it requires a push for on and a push for off. I think a better option would be something that would be momentary, push on and auto off.
 
quogueelectric

quogueelectric

Senior Member
Location
new york
melanconelectric said:
I have a customer who has requested that I get a "toe kick switch" for her disposal. Obviously a standard toggle or rocker type switch would not be durable enough for this application. I have found an air switch, like the ones on a jacuzzi tub, and offered to put it on the sink itself. The customer asked if I could put that in the kick plate instead of on the sink, but I dont know if it will work ( using your foot is completely different than using your hand, especially with a boot or shoe on). I am afraid to put an electrical switch that is intended to be kicked at because if damage occurs, then you could have exposed live parts. Does anybody know what to do here?
Click to expand...

I would go to0 a guitar shop if it was a good customer and set up some sort of relay.
 
Mule

Mule

Senior Member
Location
Oklahoma
Would the toe switch have to be HP rated for a disposal? I know that toggle switch installed by everyone isnt....:D
 
brantmacga

brantmacga

Señor Member
Location
Georgia
Occupation
Former Child
nafis said:
i am sure Marc will come up with solution for you
Click to expand...

is he back? last i heard he was banned, and i haven't seen him on here in quite awhile.




anyhow, i haven't seen one of these toe-kick switches either, but i'm sure something exists and is most likely air controlled.


i like the countertop air switches myself, and that's what i always recommend on a peninsular cabinet or island. the toe-kick idea, while interesting, doesn't sound like something i'd want. toss the countertop switch idea around with the customer again, and you could also mention either a toggle or momentary contact switch underneath the countertop installed in the face of the cabinet.
 
N

Nate Edmonds

Member
weatherproof switch

weatherproof switch

How about using a momentary weatherproof switch. There are a few different momentary on/off swithes. Wire it to a normally open rib relay. One that is isolated from the 120 volt disposal. Push the switch with your foot and it closes the switch. The switches are durable and can be free wired. Just a thought.
 
iwire

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
I don't think I would provide this switch for them. Especially a maintained contact switch. I don't see any code that prohibits it, I just could not feel good about it.

If you do provide the switch and the machine is hard wired make sure that you also provide a service switch as the toe kick switch will not meet the code for a disconnecting means.
 
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