How to Choose the Right Electric Projection Screen Switch

A switch is a standard part of the package when you buy an electric projection screen. Sometimes, you just need to plug in the screen, because the switch has been pre-fitted. This is great, because it makes your life easier and there’s no need for a contractor.

On other screens, the switch is an accessory that’s in the box. That does mean you need to wire it yourself, but it also gives you the option to extend the power cord easily.

Whether or not the switch is wired, there are 2 different types of switches. They both do the same thing, which is to lower, raise or stop your projection screen, but they operate differently.

Did you know there are 2 different types of switches?

Manufacturers often don’t indicate which type of switch they include, so knowing which types there are can save you a surprise once the screen is installed.

The first type of switch is the type that needs only one push on it to raise or lower the screen completely. So as soon as the switch is in the up position, the screen rolls up completely. When the switch is in the down position, the screen rolls down completely.

The big advantage is that you don’t need to stand by the switch when the screen rolls down. You just press the button and sit down so the movie can start.

But if you want to make sure your screen is safe, always, you need a different type of switch. This is the type that stops the screen as soon as there is no more pressure. This means that if you stop holding or push the up button, the screen will stop rolling up. In the same way, the screen will stop rolling down when you no longer hold or push the down button.

With this type of switch, you need to stand next to it and hold it until the screen has reached its final position. It’s more tedious to do that every time, but it does keep your screen safe.

Here’s how.

When you don’t have a dedicated room, you can have your kids play with their bikes or with boxes inside. If they happen to leave them where the screen rolls down and they lower it, the screen will hit it while rolling down. The result are creases that are difficult and sometimes even impossible to get rid of.

Even when you don’t have kids, but work in a building with multi-purpose rooms, it easy to forget a trolley is placed where the screen is supposed to come down.

If you have to hold the switch to lower the screen, you can release the button and the screen will stop, preventing it from getting damaged. With the other type of switch, you are likely no longer close to the switch and probably too late to prevent damage.

So it’s important for you to choose the right switch.

Conclusion

There are 2 different switch types. One offers convenience, the other one safety. Make your choice before you buy your screen. Then check with the manufacturer or reseller which switch comes as standard. Then, order the screen with the switch type that meets your needs.