Foot switches are used to control many industrial processes, while leaving the operator's hands free to perform other functions. The type or model of foot switch suitable for each application will vary depending on factors such as the control function required, degree of protection required, production methods, unusual conditions, government regulations, etc.

In some applications more than one foot switch may be required, as when two or more persons are operating a machine. In these cases, safe practice and regulations require that the foot switches be wired in series making it necessary that each operator's foot switch be actuated before the machine will cycle.

In some applications, such as power presses, additional operator protection such as point-of-operation guarding must be provided when a foot switch is used as an actuator. This is necessary since the operator's hands and other parts of the body are free to enter the pinch point area and serious injury can occur. The shielding provided on foot switches cannot protect an operator from injury. For this reason the foot switch cannot be substituted for or take the place of point-of-operation protection. A Trilingual Danger Sign regarding the need for point-of-operation protection is supplied with each foot switch.