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What is an InSinkErator air switch

Author

Isabella Harris

Updated on April 07, 2026

A garbage disposal air switch is a type of pressure or plunger control knob that activates a garbage disposal by pushing a burst of air through a plastic or vinyl tube to a control unit mounted under a sink. These air switches do not rely upon electricity and thus permit mounting on counter or sink surfaces.

What is Garbage Disposal Air switch?

A garbage disposal air switch is a type of pressure or plunger control knob that activates a garbage disposal by pushing a burst of air through a plastic or vinyl tube to a control unit mounted under a sink. These air switches do not rely upon electricity and thus permit mounting on counter or sink surfaces.

Where does the air switch go on a garbage disposal?

The best location for the disposal switch is an airswitch on your counter, next to the faucet. It will not harm or crack your granite to have the air switch there.

What is a sink top air switch?

A convenient alternative to a wall switch, the stylish SinkTop Switch™ from InSinkErator® is air-activated and easily mounts to the sink or counter top. It is also ideal for island installations. The SinkTop Switch is for use with all disposers (must have AC power below sink.)

How does an air activated switch work?

As you may assume from the name, an Air Switch is a switch which is activated by air. A push button can be used to instigate a “puff” or “sip” of air which travels along a length of PVC tubing and activates the air switch. The air switch will turn a device on or off.

How do you bypass the air switch on a garbage disposal?

Make sure that the disposal switch is in the “OFF” position. Gently press the red button in to reset garbage disposal. If it does not stay in (retracted), wait ten minutes and try again. Turn on a cold stream of water and turn the disposal switch to “ON” position, the disposal should now run again.

Why is it called an air switch?

Air Switches are part of our product range at Herga, they are very useful devices and are often selected for use within wet environments. The term “air switch” can be used to refer to the push button switch or the actual air which is connected to the electrical circuit.

What is a InSinkErator garbage disposal?

InSinkErator® food waste disposer units use no blades whatsoever. Instead, impellers mounted on a spinning plate use centrifugal power to force food waste particles against a grind ring. That ring breaks down the food waste into very fine particles – virtually liquefying them.

Are garbage disposal Air switches safe?

Safety – First and foremost, air switches are very safe. Even though the control box/air switch is plugged into an electrical outlet under the sink, there’s no electricity at the point of contact with the countertop garbage disposal button. Thus, reducing the risk of electrical shock.

Is there a reset button on an InSinkErator?

Your InSinkErator garbage disposal is equipped with a device called an overload protector or reset button. This device will turn the garbage disposal off automatically if there is something wrong.

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Why do garbage disposals use air switch?

The air switches do not rely on electricity therefore they can be mounted on the counter or sink surfaces. … Using a disposal air switch you remove the risk of electrical shock because there is no current at the point of actuation. The garbage disposal air switch is a great solution for island sink installations.

Does Insinkerator 46 come with air switch?

This disposer is like the standard ISE 46 disposer, but comes with an air operated stop/start button that can be fitted in the work top.

How do you test an air switch?

With air applied to the pressure switch, place one lead of the ohm meter to one of the loose wires, and the second lead to the second loose wire. The air pressure switch should close when air is applied. If the switch closes, the ohm meter will read zero ohms, indicating the air pressure switch is good.

How does a hot tub air switch work?

Air switches for hot tub control systems that use air buttons and air hose to activate the air switch in the spa pack which turns the pulse of air into an electrical signal.

What is a air switch?

noun Electricity. a switch in which the interruption of the circuit occurs in air.

Can air switch get wet?

The air activated switch mounts to the sink or countertop; water can get into the power module, posing a fire hazard. … Water can get into the power module, posing a fire hazard.

How do you check a garbage disposal switch?

To do this, unplug the garbage disposal and plug something else into the outlet for a test. Try using a night light, lamp, radio or hair dryer. Make sure that the test device is turned on.

Why is my Insinkerator not working?

Make sure that the food waste disposer is switched ‘OFF’ at the socket. Gently press the red button in to reset the disposer. If it does not stay in (retracted), wait ten minutes and try again. Turn on a cold stream of water and turn the disposer switch to “ON” position, the disposer should now run again.

What's the difference between a garbage disposal and an InSinkErator?

On average, a Waste King garbage disposal reaches an RPM of 2,500 while an InSinkErator disposer only reaches a maximum of 1725 RPM, which is 30% less than the Waste King. Though InSinkErator offers some models with multiple grinding stages to make up for this disadvantage.

How do you use an InSinkErator garbage disposal?

  1. Run a medium stream of cold water.
  2. Turn on the food waste disposer using the air switch or wall switch.
  3. Gradually feed the food scraps into your food waste disposer and push it down the baffle.
  4. After feeding in food scraps, leave the cold water running for another 10 seconds.
  5. Turn off the tap and food waste disposer.

Are Insinkerators safe?

InSinkErator food waste disposers are perfectly safe and don’t have blades or knives. Instead, lugs are used to throw food waste against a stationary grind ring. The grind ring breaks food waste down into very fine particles, almost liquefying them, so they can flush down your plumbing.

Why did my garbage disposal suddenly stop working?

Locate the reset button beneath the garbage disposal – if the button has popped out, it is likely that the garbage disposal stopped working because it tripped its built-in circuit breaker, probably due to overloading. Press in the reset button – if it does not stay depressed, wait about 10 minutes and try again.

Can InSinkErator be repaired?

If the garbage disposal continues to jam, it may need service. If the problem with your garbage disposal is due to a quality issue, InSinkErator ma​y pay to have an authorized service center service the garbage disposal in your home at no charge to you.

How long do Badger garbage disposals last?

Generally speaking, the life expectancy of InSinkErator or Waste King garbage disposals is good. Their warranty coverage period is one of the longest in the industry. They are reliable brands you can expect to use for 10 to 15 years without replacing, needing only minor repairs and maintenance.

Do all garbage disposals need a switch?

Be aware that most types of disposals require a switch adjacent to the sink to control the outlet—the electrician should wire for this, too. Note: Batch-feed disposers don’t require a switch because they start when you insert and turn a special drain plug.

How much do Insinkerators cost?

BrandCost per Unit (Materials Only)Waste King$75 – $400Moen$80 – $300InSinkErator$100 – $200

How does the InSinkErator 46 work?

The InSinkErator M Series Model 46 waste disposal unit features 1 stage continuous grind technology powered by a high torque Dura Drive motor, which quickly and hygienically grinds all your waste food, reducing the amount that heads to landfill.

What happens if pressure switch goes bad?

It’s what senses when water pressure has dropped to the point where the pressure tank requires more water. The switch then powers up the well pump. If the switch is bad, it won’t start the well pump and you won’t have water, so testing the switch is your first step.

What causes pressure switch failure?

A pressure switch that fails to turn on could be caused by a number of problems, including: Failure of the draft inducer motor. Restricted intake air vent. Restricted combustion air vent.

What does an air pressure switch do on a boiler?

The air pressure switch in a boiler ensures that waste gases are being expelled, before allowing to fire up. The fan creates a draft which allows harmful gases to be released from the boiler via the flue. For your boiler to fire up, the pressure switch needs to have recognised that the fan is running first.