A Guide to Switch Mounting

A typical switch mounting solution consists of four components:

• A switch
• A mounting plate
• A mounting arm
• A clamp

In an ideal world, every switch would fit a single, universal mounting plate, which would connect seamlessly to any mounting arm, which would then fit neatly into any clamp.

However, with so many specialist switches available from different manufacturers, we need to stock several types of mounting plates to ensure compatibility with the many different arms we supply. 

While this wide range allows us to provide a solution for almost any setup, no matter how complex your requirements - the downside is that the ordering process can feel overwhelming for those new to switch mounting.

The aim of this guide is to simplify switch mounting - helping you choose (and understand) the best mounting system for your particular needs.

Where do I start?

1. The Switch

The switch is the starting point of any mounting solution. It acts as the user’s access method - a simple press, touch, or squeeze can trigger communication software, control a device, or operate toys and environmental controls.

Different switches are suitable for different users:

• Large surface switches (e.g. Big Red or Large Smoothie) are ideal for users with limited accuracy but good motor control.
• Small or micro switches (e.g. Specs Switch) suit users who can make precise movements with a finger, chin, or other body part.
• Specialist switches (such as the Leaf Switch or Candy Corn Proximity Switch) are designed for those with very limited movement or strength, requiring minimal effort.

Because switches come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and activation methods, they must be securely mounted in exactly the right position for each individual.

2. The Mounting Plate

The mounting plate provides the physical connection between the switch and the rest of the mounting system. Each switch requires a specific plate, as sizes, shapes, and fixing points vary between manufacturers.

The mounting plate ensures the switch is firmly attached to the arm and won’t move during use. Without the correct plate, it’s almost impossible to securely position the switch for reliable use.

3. The Mounting Arm

The arm gives the mounting solution its flexibility. Attached to the clamp at one end and the mounting plate at the other, the arm allows the switch to be positioned exactly where the user needs it.

Arms come in a variety of types:

• Rigid arms hold their position firmly, ideal when the switch must remain completely stable (e.g. Inclusive Mounting Single Tube).
• Articulating arms provide multiple points of adjustment, enabling fine-tuned positioning (e.g. Inclusive Mounting Triple Tube).
• Flexible arms allow quick repositioning but may not be as stable under pressure (e.g. Gooseneck Switch Mounting, Flexzi 1 and 2).

Choosing the right arm depends on how precise and stable the switch needs to be, the user’s positioning needs, and the environment where the solution will be used.

4. The Clamp

Finally, the clamp anchors the entire solution. It attaches the arm to a solid surface such as a wheelchair frame, table edge, or bed rail. The clamp must be strong enough to hold the system securely, yet versatile enough to fit onto the chosen surface. Most of our arms are supplied with the Manfrotto Super Clamp - a versatile clamp suitable for all the surfaces mentioned previously.

The right clamp ensures the whole solution is safe, stable, and adaptable to the user’s environment.

How do I know which mounting plate I need for my switch?

The support pages for all our switches include comprehensive information on which plates, arms and clamps are compatible with that particular switch. You can browse the Switch Access category, or search for your specific switch using the search bar at the top of each page:

Choosing the right arm

With so many options available, how do you decide which arm is best suited to your needs? Do you need to mount anything heavier than a simple switch? The following section section explains the the strengths of each arm to help you make the right choice.

Gooseneck (Flexible) Arm

What it is: A lightweight, bendable arm often made from gooseneck tubing.

Best for: Simple setups where flexibility and frequent repositioning are needed.

Strengths:

• Easy to adjust on the fly.
• Low cost compared to heavier-duty arms.
• Ideal for lighter devices (e.g. switches, small cameras, microphones).

Limitations:

• Not designed to hold heavier loads, if you're looking beyond switch mounting.
• Can sag over time if repositioned frequently or carrying weight near its maximum capacity.

Lightweight Switch Mounting Arm

What it is: A two-section articulated aluminium arm with knob-tightened joints.

Best for: Medium-weight devices, photo/video gear, or heavier AAC devices.

Strengths:

• Supports up to 1.5 kg at full extension.
• Aluminium construction offers durability.
• Good balance between reach and rigidity.

Limitations:

• Requires loosening/tightening for adjustment.

Inclusive Mounting Solution Arm

What it is: A one, two or three-tube mounting system with swivel and QuickShift joints.

Best for: Situations in which quick adjustments or positional fine-tuning is required.

Strengths:

• QuickShift joints make repositioning easier without tools.
• Modular, designed for switches, joysticks and AAC devices.
• Decent reach with multiple sections.

Limitations:

• Long tubes can increase leverage, reducing stability.

VFA (Variable Friction Arm) Arm

What it is: A variable friction arm with adjustable tension, usually controlled by a single knob.

Best for: Medium-weight devices where a balance of flexibility and stability is needed.

Strengths:

• More rigid than a flexible arm.
• Single knob adjustment tightens or loosens joints for quick repositioning.
• Supports heavier loads than the arms listed above.

Limitations:

• Slightly bulkier than a flexible arm.
• More expensive.
• Requires tightening for stability, so not as instantly adjustable as a flexible arm.

MAG (Magic) Arm

What it is: A professional-grade articulated arm, highly regarded in photography, film, and assistive technology setups.

Best for: Heavy-duty applications where absolute stability and precise positioning are essential.

Strengths:

• Extremely strong and stable – supports heavier equipment securely.
• Precise, lockable positioning.
• Suitable for very heavy-handed users.
• Built to last, with durable professional engineering.

Limitations:

• Heavier and less portable.
• Overkill for most switches and lightweight setups.

Flexzi Arm

What it is: A flexible, modular plastic-segment arm available in different lengths.

Best for: Lightweight devices such as switches, phones, or small tablets.

Strengths:

• Very light and easy to position.
• Affordable and simple to use.
• Works well in tight spaces.
• Universal mounting plate allows any 'button' switch to be attached using Vecro.
• Perfect for switches that don't have mounting points incorporated (e.g. Small Smoothie Switch, Access Switch)

Limitations:

• Not suitable for heavy-handed switch users.
• Limited weight capacity (sags with heavier devices).
• Less precise than jointed arms.
• Plastic segments may loosen over time.

Which arm should I choose?

The specific needs of the user will dictate which arm would be most suitable, but the following guidance may prove useful. If you have any doubts or questions, you can always email out Information team:  [email protected]

Choose the Gooseneck Arm if… you need a flexible, budget-friendly, lightweight option for switch and smaller, lightweight devices.

Choose the VFA Arm if… you want a stable but versatile solution for medium-weight devices (e.g. large joysticks and communication devices).

Choose the Magic Arm if… you need top-tier stability for very heavy devices. In the context of switch mounting, this would be suitable for heavy-handed users, using robust switches.

Choose the Inclusive Mounting Solution if… you’re mounting a switch with a REHAdapt compatible mounting plate (or lightweight AAC) devices to a wheelchair  bed, or desk, and require frequent positional fine-tuning. 

Choose the Lightweight Switch Mounting if… you’re mounting a switch with a Manfrotto compatible mounting plate (or lightweight AAC devices) to a wheelchair bed, or desk.

Choose the Flexzi 1 if… you’re working with switches or small devices in tight spaces, with frequent repositioning. 

Bundles - making switch mounting simple

To take the stress out of assembling a switch mounting solution, we have created two bundles consisting of an arm, a clamp and mounting plate.

Inclusive Mounting Solution - this bundle can be purchased in Single, Double and Triple tube configurations - each additional tube extends the length of the arm and adds pivot points for added flexibility. It includes the Manfrotto Super Clamp and can be specified with one of the following three mounting plates - enabling these popular switches to be mounted:

1. Buddy Button Mounting Plate

• Buddy Button
• Big Buddy Button
• Specs Switch
• LITTLE Candy Corn (discontinued)

2. Large Triangular Mounting Plate

• Big Red Switch
• Large itSwitch

3. Small Triangular Mounting Plate

• Jelly Bean Switch
• Large Smoothie Switch

REHAdapt Universal Switch Mounting Kit - this kit contains everything you need to mount switches to tubular surfaces (e.g. wheelchair or bed rail) up to 35mm in diameter. It includes two 10mm tubes, three QuickShift joints and three REHAdapt mounting plates, which support the same selection of switches mentioned above.