Why choose SSC?

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Our focus is on providing you with first-rate customer service and top-level design and manufacturing right here in the United States.  We source everything we can domestically and are proud to be a "Made in USA" company.  We also love to provide our customers with awesome customer service.

I don’t know anything about foot switches. Where do I start?

Check out our foot switch selection guide, which will cover some of the basics.  And, feel free to give us a call if you need more help.

Do you have any advice about wiring my foot switch?

YES!  First, and most importantly, you MUST cut power to your machine before you perform any work on your foot switch or control pedal.  Unplug the machine.  You can be seriously injured or even killed by electricity, and it's not worth the risk.  Also, you might damage your machine through improper wiring.  Second, if you are unsure how to properly wire your pedal, ask a qualified electrician.  It's worth it to get it right for the first time around!

What do these terms mean – amperage rating, normally open, momentary or maintained action, etc?

You can review the basic terms by looking at our glossary page.  Each application may be specific, so if you’re not sure, consult an electrician for installation assistance and product selection.

How do I wire my foot switch?

We offer some valuable information to help on our Foot Switch Selection Guide under the "Foot Switch Wiring and Installation" section.  But if you're still unsure after reading this, consult an electrician.  There is no way that we can answer your specific question if we are not physically there to see the setup, and the electrician has the knowledge and training to get it right for you.

Can I hook a potentiometer foot pedal directly to my motor?

No.  A motor needs a variable-speed motor control (also called a VRD or variable resistance drive), which is a separate device, to control its speed.  The potentiometer foot pedal just provides a signal to the drive to tell it how to set the speed (depending on how far your foot is pressed down on the pedal).  The motor controller should have a potentiometer input which will specify a resistance value (ohms) and power (watts).  So, for example, it may have been designed to work with a -ohm potentiometer, and you will have to use a 1k ohm pot value, or it may ask for a range like 2k to 10k, where you can then choose a 5k or 10k.  But simply increasing the pot value will not make it go faster or slower – in fact, it may not work at all, or it may even damage the circuit.  So it's important to use a pot that meets the requirements of your system.

I have a welder that doesn't show up on your TIG Welding Foot Pedals Page.  Can you make a pedal for it?

If you don't see your welder on our Cross-Reference Guide, which also includes models we cannot make at the bottom of the page, it's still possible that we can make a pedal for your machine, if we have all of the following details. We need to know which plug it takes, and we need to be able to get one for you at a reasonable cost.  Components required may include capacitors, resistors, but definitely will include a control potentiometer, for which we need the resistance value.  Finally, we need to know how it's wired.

My welder's pedal has a control knob on it.  Can you make a pedal with one?

Our pedal does not have a spot for a second potentiometer, which is typically used to set max amps.  Look at the wiring diagram of your pedal, or, only after unplugging it from the machine, open it up and take a look at that second potentiometer attached to the knob.  If that second potentiometer on your pedal has 2 wires running to it, it can be eliminated entirely, but our pedal will always run as if that knob is set to max.  If that potentiometer has 3 wires running to it, it cannot be eliminated (no matter what!) and the pedal will not work correctly without it.

Foot Switch Selection Guide

Foot switches can be used to turn electrical equipment on and off with the foot, freeing the hands to perform other operations or providing ergonomic improvement to a workstation.  Foot switch and foot pedal applications often require specific electrical ratings, enclosures, pedal actions, cables, and other variations.  When you're ready to order, click on our products home page.  We also offer customization for manufacturers — contact us today with your specifications.

Choose the Foot Switch That’s Right for Your Application

• Size and Shape — Large or Small
• Foot Switch Pedal Action — Momentary or Maintained
• Proper Electrical Rating — Current, Voltage, Horsepower
• Pre-Wired or Do-It-Yourself Cabling
• Enclosure Rating — Indoor, Outdoor, Hosedown, Etc.
• Single or Multiple Pedal
• Guard or No Guard
• Appearance and Color

Safety and Selection WARNING: Before selecting or using any foot switch, read the foot switch safety warning.  Only the user can be aware of all conditions and factors present during the installation, operation, and maintenance of a foot switch and the surrounding work area.  Therefore, only the user can determine which foot switch(es) and which point-of-operation safeguards are required for a particular application or work station.  Review OSHA and other regulations before selecting or installing any foot switch.  Safety options can include guards to protect against accidental activation, anti-trip safety latches (G-Series only), enclosures ratings, and front access gates.

Model Overview

The shape (form factor) and function required by a foot switch pedal application will help determine which model will be needed (in addition to electrical requirements). Some considerations include size, weight, material, shape, enclosure rating, guarding options, and other factors.

Foot Switches Potentiometer Foot Pedals

Light-Duty Foot Switch (S-Series)

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• Good balance of size and function
• Steel case offers toughness
• Comes with cable
• Home and shop tools, tattoo, office, medical

Medium-Duty Foot Switch (F-Series)

• Medium size with tough die-cast housing
• Added weight is secure under your foot
• Cable or terminals
• Home and shop tools, lighting, indoor factory

Heavy-Duty Foot Switch (G-Series)

• Heavy-duty industrial foot switch for your toughest environments
• Rugged housing won't rust or break if dropped
• Water, dust, oil, splash resistant enclosure
• Factory, metalworking, construction equipment, industrial, wet or dry

Potentiometer Controls (L- & M-Series)

• Variable resistance output in pedal-style housing
• Momentary or maintained action
• Comes with cable
• Motor speed control when used with a drive

Light-Duty Foot Switch (B-Series)

• Compact size with small footprint
• Available with traction pad or mounting bracket
• Home and shop tools, emergency vehicles, pushbutton

Dual Foot Switches (DS100)

• Consists of two foot switches side by side
• Can be fitted with a guard
• Dual models are available for all product lines

Heavy-Duty Foot Switch (GX-Series)

• Same as G-Series, but without the guard
• Heavy-duty industrial foot switch
• Water, dust, oil, splash resistant enclosure

Potentiometer Controls (G700)

• Variable-resistance output in heavy-duty housing
• Water, dust, oil, splash resistant enclosure
• User attaches the cable
• Motor speed control when used with a drive

Note: Click here for TIG Welding Foot Pedal Controls.

Foot Switch Pedal Action

There are two main types of pedal action: momentary and maintained.

1) Momentary Action: Press and hold to turn on, release to turn off (like a car horn).  The user must continue to hold the pedal down to keep it on.  As soon as the user lifts his or her foot, the unit will turn off.  This is the most common type of foot switch pedal action.

2) Maintained Action: Press pedal once to turn on, press again to turn off (like a light switch).  The foot switch will stay on and the user can remove his or her foot from the pedal until the user presses the pedal again to turn it off.  Examples include: G-Series -MA models (press down on pedal to turn it on, then press forward a latch inside the hood to return the pedal back to the off position); S420-Series models (press opposite ends of the pedal to toggle it on and off); and F300-Series models (has push on / push off maintained action, like a ball-point pen).

Additionally, the Anti-Trip Safety Latch is available on the G-Series models.  For this action, you have to press forward a latch inside the guard before you can press down on the pedal.

Electrical Circuitry and Contacts

Choosing the proper current and voltage rating for a foot switch application will depend on the electrical circuit of the equipment that the foot switch is attached to.  The amount of electrical current that will flow through the circuit will determine the amperage rating required for the foot switch.  The voltage and horsepower ratings (if applicable) also must be selected appropriately for the application.  Consult a certified electrician with any questions to determine the amperage, voltage, grounding, and power requirements for your application.  Follow all local and national electrical safety regulations.

Typically, foot switches contain SPDT contacts that are wired "normally open."  That is, the switch is open, or "off," when not in use, and not activated until pressed.  However, other circuit variations are available and it will depend on the requirements for your application.  See our glossary for more description about foot switch terms and concepts: foot switch glossary page

Foot Switch Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Images

Many SSC Controls foot switches come with cables already attached. Two of the most common cable examples are listed below: cables with a piggyback plug, and cables with leads. Each of these cable configurations can be included on the S-Series, B-Series, and F-Series foot switch product lines. The circuits below are shown in the "off" or at-rest position, with the pedal fully up.

Danger: Disconnect input power before performing any installation or maintenance. Only a qualified electrician should install any foot switch, including proper grounding and installation per local and national electrical codes.   Examples Model Switch Circuit Foot Switch Wiring Diagrams and Notes Examples:

• S100-
• S400-
• B800-
• F200-

Models with Piggyback Plug — Has piggyback (series) plug on the end of the cable.  Comes pre-wired normally open (in "off" position until pressed).  

• SPDT wired normally open

• Simply plug into any standard 3-pronged North American wall outlet, and then plug your device into the back end of the foot switch's piggyback plug.
• When you press the foot switch, the device will turn on.
• Inside the piggyback plug, the hot or "live" wire is interrupted and passes through the cable to the foot switch.  The "neutral" prong and the ground prong each pass straight through the plug.

Examples:

• S100-
• S400-
• B800-
• F200-

Models with Leads — Has leads on the end of the cable.  Comes pre-wired normally open (in "off" position until pressed).  

• SPDT wired normally open

Foot Switch Wiring Diagram (for models with leads)

• Warning: Disconnect input power before installing or servicing any foot switch.
• You have to attach the wires directly to your application with these models.
• The switch is typically wired into one side of the electrical circuit (normally the "hot" side, if applicable), so when you press on the pedal, it will allow current to flow to the device you are controlling (motor, tool, light, etc.).
• When you press on the pedal, the device will turn on.
• Shown in "at-rest" (or "off") position -- the switch is off until you press the pedal.
• Follow all applicable electrical codes and consult an electrician with questions.
• The white and black lead colors on the foot switch cable have no relation to household wiring.
• See "Foot Switch Wiring" section below for more information.
• Click to download a PDF version of the wiring diagram.

G-Series heavy-duty foot switches (see below for wiring diagrams) can include from one to three switches, and up to four independent SPDT circuits. They do not come with cables. The user installs the appropriate cable and strain relief to the switch. G500 models have one switch, G502 models have two switches, and G503 models have three switches. For models with two or more switches (G502, G503, or G504), both switches can be independently adjusted, and can be set so one switch goes off before the other, or at the same time. If both switches are set to go off at the same time in the G502, the unit will have DPDT circuitry. Below are examples of the circuitry of different G-Series foot switches. The circuits below are shown in the "off" or at-rest position, with the pedal fully up.

Examples (G-Series) Model Examples of G-Series Foot Switches Switch Circuit (shown in "off" position) Inside Image

• See the G-Series Product Page for a complete list of options.

• Model Example: G500-MO
• Circuit: SPDT (single-pole double-throw)
• Includes one SPDT switch for simple on/off.

• Model Example: G502-MO
• Circuit: DPDT (double-pole double-throw)
• Includes two SPDT switches that can be set to activate separately or at the same time.

• Model Example: G503-MO
• Circuit: TPDT (triple-pole double-throw)
• Includes three SPDT switches that can be set to activate separately or at the same time.

• Model Example: G504-MO
• Circuit: Dual DPDT (two DPDT switches in each unit)
• Ideal for controlling up to four independent circuits.

• Model Example: G500-MO-DB
• Circuit: SPDT-DB (single-pole double-throw double-break)
• Double-break contacts make connection at two points on each line, enabling the switch to have improved performance and life in some DC circuits.
• Also called "Form Z" contacts.
• Order by selecting the "-DB" double-break option on the model page.

Additional notes:

• All foot switches should be properly grounded per local and national electrical codes.
• Two-stage models (models ending in "-2S", such as G502-MO-2S) have an additional spring mechanism that provides an extra force in between the activation of each switch. The user will feel the additional force after activating the first switch when pressing halfway down on the pedal; the user can then either hold at that position or continue pressing the pedal down to activate the second switch.
• G-Series foot switches are available with other options, such as the Front Gate (-GT models), the Anti-Trip Safety Latch (-AT), and Maintained Action (-MA). However, the switch circuitry shown above stays the same for these option

Foot Switch Wiring and Installation (For One SPDT Circuit Wired Normally Open)

Warning: Disconnect input power before installing or servicing any foot switch.  Please review the Foot Switch Safety and Selection WARNING before selecting, installing, servicing, or using any foot switch.  The buyer (and user) is responsible for proper foot switch selection, installation, safety, and application.  The following installation instructions are general guidelines, and each application may require steps or connections different from those listed below.

Foot Switches that come with the piggyback plug (3-pronged NEMA 5-15 series P/R):

• These models typically come pre-wired in the "normally open" (or off) position, so electricity is not supplied to the device until the pedal is pressed.
• Simply insert the plug into any standard 3-pronged North American wall outlet, and then plug your device into the back end of the foot switch's piggyback plug.
• When you press on the foot switch, the device will turn on.

Foot Switches that come with cable that have leads (wires) on the end of the cable:

• Warning: Turn off all power to the device before performing any installation or maintenance work.
• You will have to attach the wires on the end of the foot switch cable directly to your device with these models.
• Most foot switches are typically wired "normally open," meaning the switch is off until you press on the pedal.
• The switch is wired into one side of the electrical circuit (normally the "hot" side, if applicable).
• The function of the switch is simply to close the line on one side of the circuit, so once the pedal is pressed (for "normally open" circuits), the current will flow to the device.
• The white and black lead colors on the foot switch cable have no relation to household wiring colors.
• The foot switch wiring in effect become one wire leading to the device you are attaching it to once the switch is closed.
• The green ground lead must be connected to a properly-connected ground location per applicable electrical codes.
• We recommend you contact a certified electrician with any questions about wiring a foot switch, or to hire an electrician to perform your installation if you are not qualified.
• Follow all applicable electrical codes and safety practices.

Foot Switches that come with no wiring or cable:

• Similar to foot switches supplied with cable and leads (see above), but you will have to attach the cable to the switch terminals and ground location inside the foot switch, as well as ensure proper strain relief of the cable.

Enclosure Rating

In addition to electrical ratings and the size or shape of the foot switch, the enclosure rating is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a foot switch for a particular application. Foot switches typically require one of the following enclosure ratings (for non-hazardous locations), as defined by UL, CSA, and NEMA (see also www.ssccontrols.com/enclosures):

For more information, please visit Industrial Foot Switch.

• Type 1 Enclosure Rating — For indoor use only.  Protects against accidental contact with live parts.  All SSC Control foot switches have at least this rating.
• Type 2, 4, and 13 Enclosure Rating — Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use when properly connected.  Offers protection from water (rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, ice, and snow), dust, and oil. Can be used in hose-down environments.  Often called drip-tight, dust-tight, water-tight, and oil-tight.  The SSC Controls G-Series foot switches have this rating.