In applications where electrical actuation presents a risk due to moisture, vapor, or explosive atmospheres, wet environment air switches offer a safe and effective alternative. Presair’s pneumatic air switching systems provide complete electrical isolation at the point of actuation, eliminating the risk of electric shock or spark. These systems serve industries including healthcare, residential, industrial automation, and hazardous environment control.
View full product line of wet environment air switches.
How Wet Environment Air Switches Eliminate Voltage at the Point of Contact
Presair air switches operate by sending a pulse of air through flexible tubing to a remotely located air switch. This mechanical action replaces direct electrical contact, making it suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, spas, and explosion-prone environments. The system consists of air bellows (hand-operated, foot-operated, or panel-mounted) connected to switches that detect air pressure changes, enabling momentary or latching actions.
By separating the actuation point from the electrical switch, these systems eliminate voltage exposure where users interact with controls. This design significantly reduces the risk of electrical shock, particularly in wet or hazardous environments. Additionally, Presair switches detect air pressures as low as 0.25 inches of water, making them suitable for long tubing runs and remote installations.
Control Modes: Momentary, Latching, and Relay-Based Switching Options
Presair offers multiple configurations for both air switches and actuators:
- Momentary Air Switches: Equipment operates only while the actuator is pressed. Once the user releases the foot pedal or hand bellows, the system shuts off.
- Alternate Latching Air Switches: A single press activates the equipment; a second press deactivates it. This configuration is ideal for hands-free or remote operation.
- Alternate Latching with Relay: Adds a fail-safe function. In the event of a power outage, the equipment will remain off until manually reactivated, thereby enhancing operational safety.
- Multi-Function Sequencing Switches: Enable control of multiple devices through sequential actuator presses. These are available in SPDT, DPDT, three-, or four-function models.
Moisture-Safe Control Solutions for Residential and Medical Environments
In residential environments, air switches offer a safe way to control lights, garbage disposals, and exhaust fans around sinks, showers, or bathtubs. The Presair PBA-01/PBM-01 electrical box integrates an air switch with a plug-in outlet, enabling quick retrofit installations. As a result, users can connect a bellow actuator via air tubing to power their appliances safely without exposing themselves to moisture-based electrical hazards.
In healthcare and patient handling, air switches and actuators provide hygienic, waterproof control interfaces that reduce contamination risks. Their ease of use and tactile feedback suit both patient and caregiver environments, allowing for sanitary and safe operation.
OEM Integration and Customization for Industrial Applications
Presair supports OEMs with air switches priced competitively against traditional electrical controls. Products are available in various colors, tubing lengths, and actuator styles to match application aesthetics and functionality. Furthermore, custom branding and specialized configurations are also available upon request to accommodate unique system requirements.
Pneumatic Switching for Hazardous Locations with Explosion Risk
In high-risk industrial environments where electrical devices near ignition sources are prohibited, Presair’s pneumatic switching systems provide an effective and compliant control alternative. For instance, one customer required a solution for operating an air-powered door leading to an explosion-sensitive room. Electrical actuation at the point of access posed a critical safety hazard.
Presair provided a system using an alternate latching air switch, allowing the actuator to be located outside the danger zone. When the user presses the actuator, it sends a pulse of air through the tubing, triggering the switch and opening the door. Pressing the actuator again after exiting the room sends another pulse, closing the door—all without exposing any electrical current inside the hazardous area.
See how Presair’s air pressure switches provided a safe and effective solution in the video demonstration below.
