Any process control microswitch should be fine.
Place it behind a hinged piece of wood.
Movement wil be about 1/8 inch.
Grainger should have something workable.
Be sure you get a switch rated for 120 VAC.

Thanks Brick.

Why should the switch be behind a hinged piece of wood?

Hi

I'm not an electrician so take this for what it's worth.
Perhaps a marine rated switch would work?
Might be water resistant in case it got hit with a
wet mop.

Here is a link that might be useful: Deck switch

Saltcedar:

I like the marine switch idea. It would probably be pretty sturdy and I also like that it is a "click on, click off" switch easy enough to operate with a toe.

Getting the switch wet didn't really occur to me as a consideration for two reasons. First, I often operate my current disposal switch with wet hands and haven't suffered any shocks and second, I don't mop much. (I should probably start after the new wood floors are put in, but then again I'm not really supposed to use water on those anyway.)

Great idea. Thanks.

I was thinking of ruining the switch not
shocking you, but that's a valid concern
if the floor is slab on grade.

HTH
Chris

There is not enough water from an occasional mopping to cause a problem with a decent process type switch, particularly if it was behind a panel.
Most of these switches have a rather small 'button'. It will be a pain to find it under the toe kick.
Placing it behind a section of toe kick hinged at one end and held lightly at the other will provide a nice wide target to push to operate the switch and meet the rule requiring it to remain accessible for service/repair.
Electric junction boxes and switches may not be permanently hidden.
Grainger should have a Carling brand switch like you need.
SPST pushbutton, maintained.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml

Here is a link that might be useful: Look for maintaind push button

A deck switch would have to wired to a relay as most marine switches are rated for DC in increments of 12 volts. Another other option may be an air switch, such as, those they use on disposals and spas.

Here is a link that might be useful: air switch

Great ideas everyone. I have a better idea of what my switch options are and some thoughtful alternatives to the basic light switches.

I am also very relieved that nobody said "You can't do that." My contractor didn't know of any glaring code violations with this type of set-up. Now let's hope it can pass an inspection.

Thanks so much!

Great ideas for DY thanks

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