Holdfiturn Foot Pedal Switch TFS-402 AC 250V 15A Industrial Momentary Foot Pedal Nonslip Aluminum Power Foot Switch Controller for Welding Device Lathe Grinder

This feels like a solid and robust pice of kit and bigger than I imagined from the photo. I haven't used it yet but it feels good. The pedal action is positive with a strong return spring which stays on with light foot pressure. This is good as it is to be a remote switch for a TIG welder. The switch inside operates only while the pedal is pressed down (it does not latch on) has a common connection and two other terminals, one make (on) and one break (off).

Very good quality and rugged can recommend this switch this is the second one I’ve used

To be honest for the price paid, I didn't expect much so was pleasantly surprised at the external build quality of this footswitch. Unfortunately, on looking inside it thats where it is obvious that it showed its Chinese origins!! Clearly there are some significant safety concerns and without adaption given that it is supposed to be used on 230V voltages it leaves a lot to be desired. As others have said the terminal connections and screws are extremely close to the metal top cover and are only protected by a thin piece of paper as a barrier against contact with the cover. With no provided earth connection this is a very real electrocution issue. As a qualified electrical engineer, I have modified it to make it safe for mains voltage and compliance with the BS 7671 wiring regulations, but I would strongly suggest if you are not adequately competent to modify it then do not purchase, or at the very least employ the services of someone who is.

Mine was set so that it barely engaged the switch when i trod on the foot pedal and therefore sometimes failed to start machinery. This was easily rectified by disconnecting electric supply, slackening screws on either side of foot pedal rod taking lid off and turning rod slightly so that it engaged a little before pedal reached floor. Then retighten screws. Do not overly adjust to put excessive strain on switch mechanism. Seems fine when adjusted properly and cheap. I trust it will work as long as advertised.

A robust and good value product. The microswitch is of substantial size with change over contacts (NO and NC). However, it does have potential safety issues as supplied. As mentioned in another review, the contacts on the microswitch are very close to the cover, and I’m not impressed by the provided insulation paper. There is no obvious provision for an earth connection. In particular the NC connection is very close to the cover. If you wire the live side of the cable to the Common terminal on the switch the NC connection will also be live all the time the switch is in the off position. You could reduce this hazard by removing the screw on the NC connection if you are not using it, and by wiring the live wire to the NO connection and use the COM terminal for the switched live wire. I was not really happy with this, so I drilled and tapped two extra holes in the microswitch support bracket so the microswitch was further from the top cover. I also had to bend the actuation plate a bit, so the switch turned on and off at suitable pedal positions. I did not use the cable clamp supplied: the gland provided sufficient strain relief, so I used the screw position to connect an earth wire: essential if you have live wires in metal boxes. As additional earthing I also connected an earth wire to one of the screws holding the actuation plate, and put star washers under the cover screws so the cover is more likely to be earthed too. One other comment. There is only provision for one cable gland: fine is connecting to a machine with terminal blocks. I wanted to use the switch on an extension lead, so had to buy a separated connection box to join the incoming and outgoing cables. Apart from having to make these changes to improve safety I’m happy that the switch does the job for me!

The on iff switch broke on my log splitter, after rewiring to bypass it and putting this inline to the plug I've found the whole system so much easier to use than having to bend down and swith it on and off. The functionality is excellent. Realistically it is so much easier to get to even than the emergency button, when i get a new log splitter i will be putting this inline to the plug in a similar way for ease and safety

A well constructed item excellent for a reasonable cost. Good ergonomic design.

Well constructed, works well and good value. This is the fifth one I’ve purchased for our wood craft club (used on scrollsaws)