presair

Industrial Pneumatic Foot Controls Designed for Reliable Equipment Operation

PresAir manufactures pneumatic foot pedals and complete foot switch kits designed to provide reliable, hands-free control for industrial equipment, machinery and specialized OEM applications.

Our pneumatic foot pedals use air pressure to remotely activate an electrical air switch, allowing operators to control equipment without placing electrical switching components at the point of foot actuation. When the pedal is pressed, an air signal travels through pneumatic tubing to the connected air switch, which operates the equipment.

Whether you need an individual pneumatic foot pedal, a complete foot switch kit or a custom-engineered foot control assembly, PresAir offers flexible solutions to meet your application requirements.

Why Choose PresAir Pneumatic Foot Controls?

  • Pneumatic actuation with electrical switching located remotely from the pedal.
  • Hard and soft pedal designs for different operating environments.
  • Momentary and alternate-action switching configurations.
  • Custom tubing lengths, colors and product configurations.
  • OEM customization and private labeling options.
  • Designed and manufactured in the USA.

Looking for a custom foot pedal solution? Contact PresAir to discuss your application.

Talk to a product specialist today!

Pneumatic Foot Pedal Solutions

PresAir offers a variety of pneumatic foot pedal actuators designed to provide convenient, hands-free equipment control. Our pedals connect to pneumatic air switches through flexible tubing, allowing the electrical switching component to be positioned separately from the operator.

Choose from two primary pneumatic pedal designs.

Hard Foot Pedals
pneumatic foot pedal for soft serve and slushie machines
Electric Foot Pedals
Pneumatic Foot Pedal for Tree Shaker
Hard Foot Pedal Air Actuator

Hard Pneumatic Foot Pedals

PresAir hard foot pedals feature a durable outer shell that protects an internal air bellow. When the pedal is pressed, the bellow generates an air pulse that travels through the connected tubing to activate an air switch.

Constructed from glass-filled polypropylene, hard foot pedals are designed for demanding applications requiring a durable pedal structure and repeated operation.

Features:

  • Durable hard-shell construction.
  • Protected internal air bellow.
  • Rectangular and clam-shell pedal configurations.
  • Standard 10-foot tubing with custom lengths available.
  • Standard black color with additional color options.
  • Private branding options for OEM applications.

Common applications:

  • Industrial machinery.
  • Manufacturing equipment.
  • Medical equipment.
  • Industrial cleaning equipment.
  • Custom OEM equipment.


Soft Pneumatic Foot Pedals

PresAir soft foot pedals utilize a flexible PVC air bellow that generates a pneumatic signal when compressed. These pedals provide a versatile foot-operated control solution and can also be activated by hand in certain applications.

Available in multiple designs and sizes, soft pneumatic foot pedals accommodate a variety of equipment configurations and operating environments.

Features:

  • Flexible PVC construction.
  • Low-profile and heavy-duty designs.
  • Multiple bellow sizes.
  • Standard 10-foot tubing with custom lengths available.
  • Optional tubing and fitting configurations.
  • Private branding options.
  • IPX8-rated B350BA Series option.

Common applications:

  • Medical and laboratory equipment.
  • Industrial machinery.
  • Water-related equipment.
  • Specialized OEM equipment.
  • Applications requiring compact or flexible foot controls.


B415BA Foot Bellow
workshop foot pedal air switch

Complete Pneumatic Foot Switch Kits

Looking for a complete foot-operated switching solution rather than an individual pedal?

PresAir offers pneumatic foot switch kits that combine a foot pedal, pneumatic tubing and an electrical air switch converter box into one convenient control system.

The operator presses the foot pedal, sending an air signal through the tubing to the converter box. The air switch then operates the connected electrical equipment.

This configuration allows equipment to be controlled by foot while keeping the operator’s interaction with the pedal pneumatically actuated.

Complete Foot Switch Kit Features:

  • Pneumatic foot pedal.
  • Electrical air switch converter box.
  • Connecting pneumatic tubing.
  • Momentary or alternate-action operation options.
  • Plug-in equipment control configuration.
  • Electrical isolation between the foot pedal and switching components.

PresAir’s plug-in foot switch configuration is rated up to 15A at 125 VAC. Always verify the converter box rating and equipment requirements before selecting a configuration.

Typical applications:

  • Router tables.
  • Scroll saws.
  • Benchtop sanders.
  • Grinding equipment.
  • Outdoor electrical equipment.
  • Specialty machinery and tools.


Momentary vs. Alternate-Action Foot Switches

Selecting the correct switching function is important when designing a pneumatic foot control system.

PresAir offers configurations to accommodate different equipment operating requirements.

Momentary Foot Switch

A momentary foot switch remains activated only while the pedal is pressed. When the operator releases the pedal, the switch returns to its normal state.

Common applications include:

  • Equipment requiring continuous operator activation.
  • Industrial machinery.
  • Power tools.
  • Equipment requiring hands-free momentary operation.

Alternate-Action Foot Switch

An alternate-action foot switch changes its state with each pedal press. The first press activates the equipment, and the next press deactivates it.

Common applications include:

  • Equipment requiring hands-free on/off operation.
  • Workstations.
  • Specialty machinery.
  • Applications where maintained switching is preferred.

The appropriate switching configuration depends on the connected equipment and the intended control sequence.

How Does a Pneumatic Foot Pedal Work?

A pneumatic foot pedal uses air pressure instead of electrical contacts at the pedal itself to activate connected equipment.

When the operator presses the pedal, an internal air bellow compresses and generates an air pulse. This pulse travels through pneumatic tubing to an air switch, which changes its electrical contact state and controls the connected equipment.

The pneumatic foot control system consists of three primary components:

  1. Foot Pedal: The operator presses the pedal to generate an air signal.
  2. Pneumatic Tubing: Carries the air signal from the pedal to the air switch.
  3. Air Switch: Responds to the air pressure and operates the connected electrical circuit.

This design allows the operator interface and electrical switching components to be located separately.

Pneumatic foot controls are particularly useful in applications where electrical isolation at the point of actuation is desirable.


Selecting the Right Pneumatic Foot Pedal

Choosing the appropriate foot pedal depends on the equipment, operating environment and switching requirements.

Selection consideration

Available options

Pedal construction

Hard or soft

Pedal operation

Foot or hand-operated where applicable

Switching function

Momentary or alternate action

Tubing length

Standard or custom

Tubing configuration

Multiple sizes and options

Pedal color

Standard black and custom options

Switching component

Compatible pneumatic air switch

Assembly configuration

Individual pedal or complete kit

Not sure which configuration is right for your application? Contact PresAir for assistance selecting a pneumatic foot pedal and air switch combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pneumatic foot pedal?

A pneumatic foot pedal is an air-operated control that generates a pulse of air when pressed. The air signal travels through tubing to a pneumatic air switch, which operates the connected equipment.

What is the difference between a pneumatic and electric foot pedal?

A pneumatic foot pedal uses air pressure to signal a remotely located air switch. An electric foot pedal uses an internal electrical switch that directly operates the connected circuit.

Pneumatic foot pedals are useful when electrical switching needs to be separated from the operator’s point of actuation.

What is the difference between hard and soft foot pedals?

Hard foot pedals feature a protective outer shell surrounding an internal air bellow. Soft foot pedals use a flexible PVC air bellow that compresses when pressed.

The appropriate design depends on the application, operating environment and desired pedal construction.

Are PresAir pneumatic foot pedals waterproof?

Certain PresAir pneumatic foot pedal models offer specific water-resistance capabilities. The B350BA Series low-profile pneumatic foot pedal is IPX8 rated.

Other pedal models have different specifications. Consult the applicable product documentation when selecting a pedal for wet or submerged applications.

How long can the pneumatic tubing be?

PresAir offers standard tubing configurations as well as custom lengths. Some foot pedal configurations can accommodate tubing lengths up to 100 feet, depending on the pedal, air switch and system requirements.

Contact PresAir to determine the appropriate configuration for your application.

Can PresAir provide a complete foot switch kit?

Yes. PresAir offers complete pneumatic foot switch configurations that combine a foot pedal, pneumatic tubing and an electrical air switch converter box.

These systems are available in different switching configurations depending on the application. Purchase one online today here.

Can I purchase just the pneumatic foot pedal?

Yes. PresAir offers individual pneumatic foot pedal actuators that can be paired with compatible pneumatic air switches. View our products online here.

Does PresAir offer custom OEM foot pedals?

Yes. PresAir offers customization options including tubing lengths, colors, fittings, switching configurations and private labeling.

Where are PresAir foot pedals manufactured?

PresAir pneumatic foot pedals and switching products are designed and manufactured in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA.

Industries & Applications

Pneumatic foot pedals provide a versatile method of hands-free equipment control across a variety of industries.

PresAir foot controls can be configured for applications requiring remote pneumatic actuation and electrical switching.

Pneumatic Switching Technology Food Equipment

Industrial Manufacturing

Foot-operated controls allow machine operators to activate equipment while keeping their hands available for material handling and positioning.

diaphragm switch for ventilator

Medical & Laboratory Equipment

Pneumatic foot controls can provide remote actuation for equipment requiring hands-free operation and separation between the operator interface and electrical switching components.

Foot Pedal for Pressure Washer

Industrial Cleaning Equipment

Pneumatic foot pedals can provide convenient equipment activation for pressure washing, sewer cleaning and other specialized cleaning applications.

Agricultural Pneumatic Switching Technology

Agricultural Equipment

Foot-operated pneumatic controls can be incorporated into specialized agricultural machinery and equipment requiring remote switching.

Food Processing Equipment

Pneumatic actuation can be considered for equipment operating in environments where separation of electrical switching from the operator interface is desirable.

Pneumatic Foot Pedal Air Switch Controls Robot

Custom OEM Equipment

PresAir works with equipment manufacturers to develop foot pedal configurations tailored to their specific product designs and operating requirements.

Custom Pneumatic Foot Pedals for OEM Applications

PresAir works with original equipment manufacturers to provide pneumatic foot control solutions that accommodate specific equipment and application requirements.

Whether you are developing new equipment or looking for an alternative to an existing foot switch assembly, our team can help identify an appropriate configuration.

Available customization options include:

  • Hard or soft pedal designs.
  • Custom pneumatic tubing lengths.
  • Tubing size and material options.
  • Custom pedal colors.
  • Fitting configurations.
  • Momentary or alternate-action switching.
  • Air switch selection.
  • Private labeling and branding.
  • Custom foot pedal and air switch assemblies.

PresAir products are designed and manufactured in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA.

Have an application requiring a custom foot pedal? Our team can help evaluate your requirements.

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    Find the Right Pneumatic Foot Pedal for Your Application

    Whether you need a durable industrial foot pedal, a flexible pneumatic actuator or a complete pneumatic foot switch kit, PresAir offers solutions for a wide range of equipment and OEM applications.

    Our team can help you identify the appropriate pedal design, pneumatic air switch and configuration for your equipment.

    Contact PresAir today to discuss your application or request a quote.

    Phone

    + 1 715 831 6353

    Address

    1435 International Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701, U.S.A.

    Call Now