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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Waste Disposals https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1211648253 Message started by sarahbell888 on May 24^th, 2008, 5:57pm

Title: Waste Disposals
Post by sarahbell888 on May 24^th, 2008, 5:57pm

Please could someone explain the difference between an air switch and a normal on/off switch for a waste disposal? Can an Air switch be wall mounted? For a family of five can anyone recommend a suitable product? I used to have one that had a switch on the wall as well as a switch under the sink, the tap needed to be running when the machine was working. This seemed to work well and I would like to replace it with something similar in my new kitchen but I can not find an explanation for the difference between an air switch and one with out except that an air switch is surface mounted (is this kitchen work top mounted?) However one person has said that it can be wall mounted but this is not made clear on the product web sites!!! Please advise!

Title: Re: Waste Disposals
Post by thescruff on May 24^th, 2008, 6:22pm

An air switch is what it say, it has a tube from the button to the switch on the unit.

It would be difficult to wall mount it, but I have seen them in the false front of the unit, which keeps the worktop clean.

Title: Re: Waste Disposals
Post by sarahbell888 on May 24^th, 2008, 6:48pm

So what does it do? Does it turn the machine on/off? Why is it different to a wall mounted electric on/off switch?

Title: Re: Waste Disposals
Post by sarahbell888 on May 24^th, 2008, 6:50pm

Is it preferable to an electric switch on the wall?

Title: Re: Waste Disposals
Post by thescruff on May 24^th, 2008, 8:39pm

It switches the unit on/off, and is considered safer in a wet environment.

Fixing it the wall would mean cutting a large/deep hole.

As I said the false front, in front of the bowl is a good place

You still need an isolating switch or plug and socket.

Title: Re: Waste Disposals
Post by sarahbell888 on May 25^th, 2008, 12:01pm

Got it! Thanks.