[loupi01]

Air Switches are sold in stores to control garbage disposals in kitchen sinks.
Can I use an Air Switch to control lighting? Such as pendant lighting over a island kitchen counter?

Thanks

[tkrussell]

I never saw an air switch used for a disposal, does not mean they don't exist. But have seen them used for hot tubs, they work well for the person sitting in a tub of water that wants to activate something without having any wiring at the water's edge. These are only a control type switch, with contact ratings for small amounts of current for control circuits.

Any switch you want to use needs to be rated for the voltage and amperage of the circuit being controlled. So if your lighting circuit is 120 volt 15 amp, then the electrical portion of the switch will need to be rated to handle that voltage and load.

What would be the benefit of using an air switch?

[loupi01]

tkrussell,

Here is a link for an air switch:

http://www.efaucets.com/detail.asp?product_id=STS-00

A customer was asking if he could use an air switch to control a couple of pendant lights above an island countertop in a kitchen. He did not want to use a light switch on the side of his cabinet but rather an air switch.

[tkrussell]

Seems fine, there are no specs available thou. Since it can control a disposal the contacts should be rated at 120 volts, just need to confirm the amperage rating of the contacts.

Disposals can be about 1/2 HP, which is good for about 10 amps. Just need to be sure it will carry the load.

[loupi01]

Thanks tkrussel,

I doesn't make sense to me to put pendant lights on a this type of switch as you can not control the brightness of the lights.

loupi01

[tkrussell]

All depends on what the customer wants. This unit will turn them on and off, period. If they want to dim the lights, then they cannot use this unit. If they are your customer,then up to you to provide consultation, or do as they ask.