For their electric rewind hose reels, carpet cleaning and remediation professionals typically go with the type of control switch and location for it included by the hose reel manufacturer. But there are more options. One option in particular, a “hands- free switch”, affords a much more ergonomic approach to reel operation, as well as allows an often stated – but largely unfulfilled – need to be addressed.
Keeping One Hand on the Switch Is Literally Limiting What You Can Do
All powered reeling devices require an ON / OFF switch for convenient operation. The switch is, “momentary”, which means that it is in the position to send power to the drive motor, only when the operator has their hand on the switch.
We’ve all seen operators tie up one hand holding a switch while the reel winds — often unable to guide hoses properly and always preventing a convenient way to wipe down soils as they come in on the hose. The result: dirtier hoses, a messier truck, and a hose that’s not actually ready for the next job.
When both hands stay free, you can guide the hose onto the reel and clean it, as it winds. That’s a real value of going hands-free.
What Most People Get Wrong About Hands-Free Switches
Most people assume hands-free means foot-operated. That leads them straight to a ground- positioned switch, which creates its own problems, because a switch located on the ground, outside your vehicle, is exposed to rain, mud, and oils.
Positioning a switch on the ground creates a new maintenance problem, or rather, 2 new maintenance issues, related to the switch itself.
- The switch must be constantly cleaned, or it contributes to the uncleanliness of the truck environment
- The wiring of the switch is constantly flexed, due to its being removed and replaced at every job
Where the switch is positioned, matters just as much as how it activates, and most buyers don’t think about that until they have first- hand experience with “foot pedal” switches.
How Our Patent-Pending Design Solves the Foot-Switch Problem
Our patent-pending hands-free switch isn’t foot-operated and isn’t placed on the ground. It’s actually mounted to the van floor and activated by touching it with your leg.
No stepping. No bending. No exposure to weather or contaminants.
You simply stand as you always do, and shift your leg slightly, to activate it.
Mounting and Positioning: No One Else Considered It - But We Did
Where you mount the switch changes everything about how useful it actually is. We considered that topic during the design of the HFS-1 and HFS-3 models.
You want both hands free to guide and clean hoses during rewind, which means the switch needs to be within easy reach from your natural working position outside the vehicle.
But you don’t want to have to bend over, to position it and to put it back in your van.
This is especially true in incement weather, like rain, snow, high winds, etc.
How Our Patent-Pending Design Works in a Multi- Powered Reel Installation
Our design offers multi-circuit capability (Part of the pending patent.).
This means that one switch (our HFS-3) can operate more than one circuit, independently. It’s something truly unique and truly appreciated by operators who have more than one powered hose reel in their truck.
If you’re running a complex powered hose reel system, that flexibility matters. Our guide on how and why to wire your electric rewind hose reel correctly covers how these systems are wired.
Are Our Hands- Free Switches Compatible With Your Hose Reel?
Hands-free switches only work with powered hose reels. They will not work with manual reels.
A powered reel uses an electric motor to drive the rewind — that’s what the switch controls. If you’re unsure whether upgrading makes sense, our overview of why to choose an electric rewind hose reel is a good starting point.
Which Setup Is Right for Your Operation?
The switch shouldn’t be an afterthought — it’s a core component of your powered reel system.
Evaluate three things from day one:
- Switch location
- Convenience during rewind
- Whether both hands stay free.
Get those right and the whole system works so much better, that you’ll wonder why everyone doesn’t have one. Browse our Hands Free Switches to find the right one to pair with your powered hose reel.
Ready to Work Smarter? Contact Us Today.
Hands-free switches for powered hose reels mean cleaner hoses, a cleaner truck, and a setup that’s job-ready after every rewind.
Don’t keep tying up one hand every time your reel winds. Contact Reel Innovations.