OK i have no clue what any of this circuit mumbo jumbo is but i need to build a spring loaded foot pedal that when i press down on it it completes the circuit so i can have the flood lights all connected to it via single extension cord and off but when i push the button down it completes the circuit and turns them on! how would i build on of these?
Just get one big high current momentary switch and wire it to a foot pedal and add a spring if necessary. It shouldn't be any different from building a normal button.
Yes, that circuit would be a "light switch". Operate the switch and all the lights on that circuit will go off. For normal 120v operation (US), you'd have to operate them from two circuits and use a contactor or heavy relay to switch them.
Wear rubber boots when you use this switch,
8 times 500 = 4000 watts of power, a toaster of waffle iron is about 1200
4000 watts / 120 volt is 33.33 amps, your #16 wire extension cord is good for 10 to 15 amps
Have a fire extinguisher handy also. Maybe even an EMT
The OP has found a solution in chat. From what I understand there will be 2 relays operated by one "foot switch" and 2 power cords so as to separate the Amperage draw.
I'd personally work on something that would switch the 8 floodlights on in a sequence.
Halogen bulbs (assuming thats what you're using) have a very very high inrush current so maybe turn them on with a second or two between each floodlight