Not A body related, but electrical advice needed (Del) :)

there is probably a normally open and normally closed terminal on the switch. one pole will be common, one will be shorted, one will be open with the switch at rest. when pushed the normally open will close, and the normally closed will open. use a meter or a continuity tester to determine which two wires you will need.

You talking about the original foot switch? They are using "motor braking?"