What is Garbage Disposal Air Switch, Installation and Complete Guide

Safety and convenience are at the heart of a modern kitchen. Yet, when it comes to efficiency and safety, people often forget about an essential item – the garbage disposal air switch. In this guide you will learn what a garbage disposal air switch is, why it is beneficial and how to install it.

By the end, you will be able to pick the right air switch for your kitchen and install it effortlessly. This article is a good explanation of why the air switch and the garbage disposal are essential and don’t require any switch board. Comparing against the traditional wall switch, the air switch is what makes your kitchen safer and more convenient.

What Is garbage disposal Air Switch ?

A garbage disposal air switch is a pneumatic switch typically installed on a kitchen countertop to operate the disposal. It allows the user to turn on and off the garbage disposal with a push of a button, acting as an intermediary between the disposal and the wall outlet.

Parts of an air switch

The air switch consists of three primary components: the push air button , the air tube, and the converter box.

1. Push Air Button: The push air button is located on the kitchen countertop and is visible to the user. When pressed, the button sends a rush of air through a tube to activate the disposal. The button contains a bellows that is airtight and connected to the air tube at the bottom. The button is mounted on the countertop by drilling a 1-3/8 inch hole, and it is secured with a lock nut. Silicone sealant is recommended to prevent water leaks. These buttons come in various finishes to match kitchen décor, and they can be easily replaced or customized if needed.

2. Air Tube: The air tube connects the push button to the converter box. It is flexible and can be routed to the converter box located under the sink. The air tube is available in different diameters depending on the model, but the standard size is typically 1/8 inches for the inner diameter and 5/16 inches for the outer diameter. Over time, the tube can develop leaks, so regular checks and replacements are recommended to ensure the switch remains functional.

3. Converter Box: The converter box is the core component of the air switch system. It receives air from the air tube and contains a micro-switch that turns on the garbage disposal when the air button is pressed. The converter box is plugged into the wall outlet and has a module where the garbage disposal’s power cord is connected. The micro-switch inside the box toggles the electricity flow from the outlet to the disposal. The converter box acts as the mediator, ensuring that the disposal operates safely without direct electrical contact.

How does Garbage Disposal Air Switch Work?

When the push button is pressed, air is forced through the tube into the converter box, activating the micro-switch. This switch allows electricity to flow from the wall outlet to the disposal, turning it on. Another press of the button stops the flow of electricity, turning the disposal off.

Why is an Air Switch Used In a Kitchen?

Kitchen air switches are popular because of their safety and convenience, especially when operating garbage disposals. Traditional wall switches require direct electrical contact, which can be risky in wet environments, such as a kitchen. An air switch, on the other hand, operates pneumatically, meaning it uses air pressure instead of electricity to control the garbage disposal. It is much safer to operate with wet hands with this design, since it eliminates the risk of electrical shocks.

Types of Air Switches and Their Uses

Let’s start with the difference in garbage disposal air switches. There are two types, and each is suitable for specific tasks. I will tell you about the features of these types and describe them specifically:

1. Single Outlet Air Switches

These air switches are the most basic, and they are most common. These are ideal if you have a stand-alone garbage disposal unit and only need an ordinary on/off switch. If you need an acquisition that is safe, user-friendly, straightforward, and efficient, this is your go-to!

Example:

2. Dual Outlet Air Switches

Two devices can be controlled simultaneously by these switches.
For example, one outlet can connect to your garbage disposal, and the other could be used for a second appliance, like an instant hot water dispenser. If you need to manage multiple kitchen appliances from one place, this type of switch is ideal.

Example:

Why Use an Air Switch?

For garbage disposals, air switches are an excellent option. The best thing about them is that air switches cannot conduct electricity, and they are impossible to touch with wet hands, which are typical for a kitchen environment. As a result, they are generally safer than traditional switches. Besides being required to move a finger, air switches are also installed on the countertop, meaning you don’t have to use them if the wall outlet is not in your vicinity.

How to Test an Air Switch

Before installing your air switch, it’s important to test it to make sure it works properly. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Unbox all the air switch parts: the push button, air tube, and converter box.
2. Place them on your kitchen countertop and connect the pieces. Insert one end of the air tube into the push button and the other end into the converter box.
3. Unplug your garbage disposal from the outlet.
4. Plug the converter box into the wall outlet.
5. Hold the push button in your hand, making sure not to stretch the air tube too much.
6. Press the button and see if the garbage disposal turns on. Press it again to turn it off. If it works, you’re good to go!

Common Problems with Air Switches

Air switches manifest several common issues. First, there may be an air leak, which might occur if the air tube is not sealed. Then, the switch does not work. In addition, water may enter the air switch, which is generally the result of the push button not sealing well in the countertop. If this occurs, the switch may not work.

How to Install an Air Switch to Garbage Disposals

Tools and Materials Required

• Screwdriver Set
• Adjustable Wrench
• Tape measure
• Drill with Drill Bits
• Pliers
• Utility Knife
• Measuring Tape

Step-by-Step Installation process

Here’s how to install an air switch in a simpler way:

1. First, drill a 1-3/8 inch hole in the countertop where you want to place the air switch button.
2. Push the air switch button through the hole and secure it with the locknut that comes with it. Be sure to seal any gaps to keep water from getting under the countertop.
3. Connect the air tube to the bottom inlet of the air button switch.
4. Attach the other end of the air tube to the inlet on the converter box.
5. Plug the converter box into an electrical outlet under the countertop.
6. Finally, plug the garbage disposal’s power cord into the converter box’s power inlet.

Pros and Cons of Garbage Disposal Air Switches

Further Reading:
Top 6 Garbage Disposal Air Switches for Safe and Convenient Use
3 Bolt vs EZ Mount: Which Garbage Disposal Mount is Best?
How to connect Dishwasher Drain to Garbage Disposal
A detailed guide on Garbage Disposal arts

Conclusion

In conclusion, the function of a garbage disposal air switch is to simplify our lives in the kitchen by allowing us to control the disposal system using air pressure instead of electricity to operate the disposal system. We have gone into depth about how air switch works, how it can be useful, and how to assemble it in your kitchen. Additionally, air switch is beneficial as it removes the chance of an electrical discharge while also making it simpler for you to operate your garbage disposal.

FAQ’s