What is an air switch for garbage disposal? 

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air switch for garbage disposal

Most garbage disposals are equipped with a wall switch that you can use to turn the device on and off. Unfortunately, a wall-mounted garbage disposal switch poses a risk of electrical shock since most people flip them with wet hands. However, you can avoid this problem by installing an air switch for garbage disposal instead of using a wall switch. 

Typically, an air switch is installed on the kitchen sink deck to allow users to activate their disposal with a touch of a button. Moreover, an air switch offers several other benefits that we’ll be looking at in this blog post.

 In the meantime, let’s start by looking at what exactly a garbage disposal air switch is! 

What is an air switch for garbage disposal? 

Basically, an air switch is a small push-button device installed on the sink deck or countertop. The main role of an air switch is to allow you to activate the disposal with the touch of a button, instead of a wall switch. 

An air switch consists of 2 parts; the actuator box (power control unit) that is installed under the kitchen sink, and the sink top button. Interestingly, although the button is the part that the user sees and interacts with, it doesn’t have electricity. Instead, the push button sends a burst of air to the actuator box through an airtight hose, which then kicks on to activate the garbage disposal. More importantly, this mechanism offers a layer of security and reduces the risk of electrical shock since the switch (power control unit) does not come into contact with water, either from sink splashes or wet hands. 

Standard air switches usually come as colored plastic buttons that are either white, brushed nickel, or polished chrome. However, there are many other decorative options on the market that are crafted from more durable metal with custom finishes. 

Benefits of using a garbage disposal air switch 

  • Safety 

As mentioned earlier, an air switch does not carry any electrical switch, thus providing an added layer of safety against electrical shock. With a wall-mounted switch, there is a risk of electrical shock if water from the kitchen sink splashes onto the sink or users touch it with wet hands. However, with an air switch, the possibility of that happening is out of the question. 

  • Convenience & Ease of Use 

Generally, an air switch is installed at the countertop right next to the kitchen faucet. For that reason, it’s more accessible and easier to use than a wall switch, which is mostly installed further down on a wall or behind the backlash. In addition, this offers an easy and convenient way to operate your garbage disposal. 

  • Ideal for island sink installations

An electrical switch is best mounted off the kitchen sink or countertop. Unfortunately, the switch can sometimes be installed out of arm’s reach or even across the room. 

However, an air switch can be installed on a horizontal surface, without creating the risk of electrical shock. This versatility works well with island sinks as you can install the air switch in the most convenient place on the countertop. 

  • Aesthetics 

Another benefit of the disposal air switch is that it offers a much cleaner kitchen look than a wall switch. For instance, a wall switch is likely to leave an unsightly hole behind the backlash where the power cords are poking through. However, an air switch for food disposal unit eliminates this eyesore. Even better, the air switch is much easier to keep clean since it does not get dirty like a regular white switch. 

Drawbacks of using a garbage disposal air switch 

  • Air switches are not compatible with all garbage disposals 

Installing a disposal air switch will make your unit easier and safer to use. Unfortunately, not all types of garbage disposals, especially older and heavy-duty models, are compatible with air switches.

For instance, if you have a batch-feed disposal, you don’t need an air switch since these units don’t use a switch in the first place. Instead, batch feed disposals only operate when you insert the included magnetic stopper at the top. This safety feature helps to prevent it from entering the garbage disposal while it is running. 

 The bottom line, it’s important to check if your disposal will work with an air switch before buying the best garbage disposal air switch. 

  • Installing a garbage disposal air switch can be costly 

An air switch can increase the cost of installing a garbage disposal by up to 30%. This is because air switch installation requires a specialized installation process instead of being hard-wired to the kitchen’s circuit. 

For instance, you might need to drill out a hole in the kitchen sink or countertop. More importantly, the cost of buying an air switch kit with a standard chrome button can be around $60, while more decorative air switches from luxury brands can cost up to $500 for the entire kit with a custom finish. In comparison, the cost of buying a standard wall switch for your garbage disposal will be less than $20. 

  • A garbage disposal air switch doesn’t get rid of electrical power completely 

An air switch sends a gush of air down an airtight hose to a micro-switch connected to a power outlet. Moreover, you have to plug the air switch kit into a receptacle under the kitchen sink. While the push button is not connected to electricity, the air switch still requires electrical power to operate the garbage disposal. Therefore, you will need to install a GFCI for the air switch if one is not in place already. 

On top of that, these units will run into some garbage disposal air switch problems, just like every other kitchen appliance. 

Alternatives to a garbage disposal air switch 

  • Wireless switch 

Similar to an air switch, a wireless switch consists of 2 parts; a push button and a wireless power module. The power model is plugged into a power supply outlet the same way you connect an adapter plug. In addition, the module has a socket where you can connect your garbage disposal. That way, the push button activates the power module, which in turn activates the garbage disposal. 

One notable benefit of a wireless switch is that it’s much easier to install than a garbage disposal air switch. Plus, it eliminates the need for wires and allows you to operate the garbage disposal from a distance. After all, you can install the push button virtually anywhere in the kitchen. 

  • Toe Kick Switch 

Basically, a toe kick switch is a foot switch that is specifically designed for garbage disposals. Also, this switch works like an air switch, only that it doesn’t use air. Instead, a toe kick switch is connected to an electrical circuit, so there is a risk of electrical shock. However, the switch has a neat design to prevent accidental operations. 

Conclusion 

Overall, an air switch is a simple on-off device that is installed on the sink or countertop to control the operation of a disposal. The device uses an air tube to activate the on/ off switch of the garbage disposal, preventing the unit’s electronics from coming into contact with water. Best of all, this makes a garbage disposal air switch safe to use with wet hands. 

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