Latching and Momentary Switches

Here at Herga we can offer switches which can be used as both Latching and Momentary switches. Latching and Momentary refer to the way they are operated and how they work.

The difference between Latching and Momentary Switches

A Momentary switch remains in its “on” state only as long as it is being compressed. Once the user removes the compression of the switch the device is no longer on. An everyday example of a momentary switch is an electric drill. Once the compression of the switch is removed the drill will stop rotating.

A latching switch needs to be pressed once for ON and again for OFF, for example a light switch. Once the lights are on, the switch can be left until they need to be turned off.

Latching and Momentary Switches at Herga

Here are some examples of latching and momentary switches that we can offer here at Herga.

Footswitches

Our footswitches have been used for both Momentary and Latching applications. Some of the momentary applications which use Herga footswitches include; moving a hospital bed up and down – the operator will have to keep the pressure on the switch for the bed to move and remove the pressure once they are in the position they want it to be. They can also be used for capturing an image on software and Press-To-Talk applications.

Latching applications which use a Herga footswitch include operating a lathe as well as tattoo machines. The tattoo machine is switched on and the artist can complete their design without having to keep pressure on the switch the whole time.

Air Switches

Our air switches are also used in both latching and momentary applications. Here are a few examples of momentary applications which use our air switches; medical suction pumps, rotating kebab machine, moving patients in hoists.

Latching applications which our air switches are commonly used for are; switching lighting on and off, switching on bubbles in a spa bath and switching a waste disposer on and off.

If you have any questions about latching or momentary switches please contact us using the details above, we will be happy to discuss applications and options.