FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Foot Switch Differences
The only real difference between these two models is the placement of the cover hinge. On the Series 892 foot switch, the hinge point is located near the back of the switch. On the Series 862 foot switch, the hinge point is located near the front of the switch. The pricing is the same.
The Series 862, with its hinge-position near the front of the switch, offers an ergonomic enhancement over the more traditional design of the Series 892 foot switch. In many cases, it's merely a matter of taste.
The Series 863 has a Cast Iron base and cover while the Series 893 has a Die Cast Zinc cover with a Steel base. Cast Iron is the most durable of these materials. We introduced the Series 893 foot switch as an economical alternative to the 863 where the Cast Iron housing wasn't required.
Both models have the same electrical ratings and overall dimensions.
We have established some conformity to our part numbers, but not all the values within a part number are significant. The most significant values are the first 3 numeric characters, underlined in red in the example below.
F / S X X X - X X X X - X X
The first three numbers represent the Series number of a foot switch. A Series is a family of foot switches that offer a similar housing design or special component.
The remaining numbers are primarily for internal use and tell us about a particular model's action, electrical rating and cord assembly.
If you have any questions about a particular foot switch you've acquired, please have the part number handy.
If you see a reference to a cord with a description of "18/3 SJT", the "18" refers to the gauge of a cord (thickness), the "3" refers to the number of conductors available on the cord, and the "SJT" refers to the cable jacket material.
Some of the more common jacket types approved by UL for use with a foot switch are SJT, SJO, SO, and SOW.
The electrical rating that gets printed on the Conntrol nameplate is that of the lowest rated component within the foot switch. The internal snap switch, the cord and the plug are all components that have a maximum electrical rating. If the switch on the inside has a maximum electrical rating of 15 Amps but the cable on the foot switch is only good for 10 Amps, the nameplate will reflect the 10 Amp rating. That is why a foot switch without cord may hold a higher electrical rating than a foot switch with a cord.
Installation, Repair, Returns, Shipping and Delivery Policies
For Series 862, 892, 863, & 893
Access to the foot switch for field wiring is made possible by removing one of the hinge screws that hold the cover to the base (Allen wrench required).
- Series 862 = 7/64" Allen wrench
- Series 892 = 7/64" Allen wrench
- Series 863 = 9/64" Allen wrench
- Series 893 = 9/64" Allen wrench
Note: Only one hinge screw needs to be removed for the cover to slide off.
For Series 210, 220, & 211
Access to the foot switch for field wiring is made possible by removing the cover plate from the casting. On the Series 210 and 220 foot switches, the cover plate is located on the bottom of the foot switch. On the 211 Series, the cover plate is located in the front of the foot switch.
- Series 210 = Phillips Head Screw Driver
- Series 220 = Phillips Head Screw Driver
- Series 211 = 9/64" Allen wrench
REFERENCE: 862 Series
The maintained foot switch requires more force to operate than the momentary foot switch. The back (toe-side) of the switch needs to be firmly pressed until it snaps into the "ON" position. A maintained clip, located on the back of the foot switch above the cord, holds the cover down. The foot switch will remain "ON" until the user presses firmly near the front (heel-side) of the switch, bringing it back to the "OFF" position.
If you don't hear the foot switch SNAP into the ON position, you are most likely not putting enough pressure on the foot switch.
We do not offer a standard Return Policy or a Warranty on our products due to the fact that we sell many varying products both standard and custom. In the event that you have an item you believe is defective or not working properly, please contact us directly to resolve the problem. All returns, replacements or refunds will be handled on a case by case basis. All orders are shipped FOB Putnam, CT 06260 via UPS, Fed-Ex or USPS. Products are shipped within one to two weeks depending on stock. Customer may request expedited shipping at an additional cost.
Many of our standard foot switches (including Series 862, 892, 863, 893, 210, 220, and 211) are tested for a mechanical life of 2 million + cycles.
The life of an electrical component varies according to electrical switch being used and to it's application. In the long term, the cable and the snap switch components are likely to wear faster than the foot switch housing and assembly components. We offer replacement kits and cords for most standard items.
Rating Systems
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. For more information, visit their web site at www.ul.com.
NEMA is an acronym for National Electrical Manufacturers Association, which promotes safety in the manufacture and use of electrical products and represents industry interests in new and developing technologies. For more information on NEMA, go to www.nema.org.
To reference the NEMA ratings that have been applied to some of our foot switches, refer to the NEMA Standards Publication 250-1997 on their website.
IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission - Website: www.iec.ch
IP = Ingress Protection
The International Electrotechnical Commission is the international standards and conformity assessment body for all fields of electrotechnology. The IP rating corresponds to degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code). For specific information on what these ratings mean, please refer to the IP Code reference page (Link needs to be provided.) on the UL web site.
Use of the phrase "Made in U.S.A" indicates that "all or virtually all" of a given product is made in the United States of America according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
For more information visit their website, www.ftc.gov.