Toe Kick Waste Disposal Switch!!

Status
Not open for further replies.
I would think about using three way swithces for the application. Mount the toe switch horizontally so they could turn the switch on moving a foot side to side. Then they could turn the disposal off from above if they ever needed to.

JWC
 
iwire said:
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.
Click to expand...

I feel the same installing the switch in the cabinet under the sink. I can see a small child playing in the cabinet and turning on the switch, but when you voice your concerns they say "oh no that wont happen"
 
What's not safe about it, really? I mean, junior is more likely to be sitting on the counter, flip on a wall switch and fall in the sink than be harmed by a toe kick switch, IMO.

Would those who wouldn't do a toekick switch install a batch-feed disposal instead? :)

(Call me the pot stirrer.)
 
i would have no reservations installing as requested based on safety concerns; it just seems like an awkward setup that they wouldn't really like in the end. but if they are completely resistant to other ideas, by all means, give them what they want as long as its code compliant.
 
George Stolz said:
What's not safe about it, really? I mean, junior is more likely to be sitting on the counter, flip on a wall switch and fall in the sink than be harmed by a toe kick switch, IMO.
Click to expand...

You reaching in the disposal to clear a jam, your feet moving around on the floor then all of of sudden .... whoops ... we will call you stubby.

For those of us with a industrial background we just know that such an arraignment would never be allowed on the job.

Would those who wouldn't do a toe kick switch install a batch-feed disposal instead?
Click to expand...

Sure, you can not accidentaly start a batch feed unit with your hand in it.
 
iwire said:
You reaching in the disposal to clear a jam, your feet moving around on the floor then all of of sudden .... whoops ... we will call you stubby.

For those of us with a industrial background we just know that such an arraignment would never be allowed on the job.



Sure, you can not accidentaly start a batch feed unit with your hand in it.
Click to expand...

I remember a stamping machine we had a left and right hand button that had to be held down and a foot control to operate the machine. One machine had a cables that attached to two wrist straps one right and one left and the operator had to raise both arms before the foot feed would work
 
I would install it in a heartbeat as it is not a bit dangerous IMO. Who is going to put their hand down in there and then simultaneously hit the switch? Actually who in their right mind is going to even put their hand down their period. Some of you guys are so prude sometimes it amazes me. :)
 
steelersman said:
I would install it in a heartbeat as it is not a bit dangerous IMO. Who is going to put their hand down in there and then simultaneously hit the switch?
Click to expand...

Nothing there surprises me. :D


Some of you guys are so prude sometimes it amazes me. :)
Click to expand...

I wish I could give you a tour of the work I did for about a year at a factory. All machine guarding work, there is no way you could have a finger eating machine controlled by only a foot switch. We would either add a barrier with an interlock switch or we would have to have left and right finger buttons along with the foot switch.

Who in their right mind would stick their hands in a press? It does not matter, they where not given that as an option.


Actually who in their right mind is going to even put their hand down their period.
Click to expand...

When silverware slips in or when the unit jams the first thing that goes in the disposal is fingers.....
 
Do you have a disposal?
Have you never dropped anything in the sink?
I like to be looking directly at the switch if my hand is down in the thing.
 
iwire said:
I wish I could give you a tour of the work I did for about a year at a factory. All machine guarding work, there is no way you could have a finger eating machine controlled by only a foot switch. We would either add a barrier with an interlock switch or we would have to have left and right finger buttons along with the foot switch.
Click to expand...

Another case of commercial minded electricians trying to make their homes the same way. :)
 
walkerj said:
Do you have a disposal?
Have you never dropped anything in the sink?
I like to be looking directly at the switch if my hand is down in the thing.
Click to expand...
i had one in my last house and yes it got jammed a couple of times, but it wasn't that difficult to get unjammed with a butter knife. Hell I can't fit my fist down in there anyway so I don't have to worry about my fingers.
 
steelersman said:
Another case of commercial minded electricians trying to make their homes the same way. :)
Click to expand...

:D

I can see that .....:D

But I really would not want all that stuff, safety relay with light curtain, finger sensors etc.:D I think it is just safer with the switch up above the counter or in the cabinet.
 
steelersman said:
i had one in my last house and yes it got jammed a couple of times, but it wasn't that difficult to get unjammed with a butter knife. Hell I can't fit my fist down in there anyway so I don't have to worry about my fingers.
Click to expand...

Your fist may not fit there but what about all the stupid people on this planet, that wouldnt hesitate a moment to bring you to court because you installed that wasnt safe? Remember the person that spilled hot coffee in his/her lap that took a huge burger chain to court and won?

~Matt
 
The Marc thing... Sad to hear about. I'm sure he is elsewhere on the varied forums.

Foot switch - BAD! Foot controlled faucet valves should be mandatory! JMSO And yes I do want them in my own home. Think of the water savings, and ease of operation when washing dishes and pots.

Back to the switch - I once had an accident with a jammed hole hog that pulled my hand up into my other arm - pinching my hand on the trigger. The action of this knocked the ladder out from under me - which the natural reaction to falling is to grip tighter - on the switch/trigger. (Me - dangling from the framing until I kicked the cord out - go ahead and laugh it was funny.) No injury so I guess no harm done - but since then I choose the right angle that I can easily over power if necessary. But my point is that switches that will enhance the danger due to your natural reaction should be avoided.

I assume the natural reaction to some sort of danger at a sink is to push/up away from it with your feet which in this case could put you in more danger. Just a bad idea.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top