Heavy-duty industrial footswitch has AC15 utilisation category rating

Herga Technology says its 6256 series heavy-duty footswitch range is especially suited to switching the inductive loads typically required for low-voltage industrial motors and other electromechanical control apparatus. Its AC-15 utilisation category covers electromagnetic loads from 250 V AC at 6 A to 500 V AC at 1 A, and with CE/UL and CSA C22 60947-1 and 60947-5-1 standards approval, safe and long reliable working life is ensured.

The IP67 waterproof-rated 6256 footswitch is manufactured in injection moulded, high-impact ABS with a choice of open or safety-guarded models offering extreme levels of toughness and durability for switching tasks on industrial machinery. A comprehensive choice of accessories allow individually configured footswitches to perform as single-pedals or assembled as multi-pedal switching groups thanks to a modular and aesthetic interlocking design. A broad selection of electrical ratings, potentiometer options and switch operations ensure maximum working flexibility.

The flexibility for electrical switching on the 6256 series includes slow break and make and snap action options to AC-15 6A 250V / DC-12 6A 24V (UL) as well as a high-power model for 25A 125/250V AC. 1HP 125/250V AC (with double pole change over contacts over two switches). 5 k and 10 k potentiometer versions with double pole change over contacts are also available. The series has a rated insulation voltage of 500 VAC 600 VDC (300V UL Rating), and further protection via a short circuit current rating to 1 kA and a short-circuit protective device 10 A aM fuse. The footswitch has a specified mechanical working life of 2 million cycles and an electrical life of 10 million cycles.

For additional safety in especially hazardous environments the 6256 is available with a pressure point actuated cut-off feature where the switching contact is broken and the footswitch locks, preventing an unintended restart. This option is also available configured with a mechanical resistance that adds tactile feedback where the operator can sense the pressure change. A manual release can also be included after the footswitch locks.

Other safety related options include emergency stop equipped models with a conventional emergency stop switch either assembled on the footswitch housing – available on both the guarded and unguarded versions - or attached to an extended pole.

Other accessories include extended base plates for securing the footswitch directly to machine or floor surface as well as pole and handle attachments for increased portability and ease of operation.