If there is a need to disconnect equipment and circuits from the power source, safety switches are a safe, prompt and efficient means of doing so. Safety or disconnect switches have several applications in both the industrial and commercial sectors. Safety and disconnect switches are utilized for safe service entrance, disconnecting from the power source safely, disconnecting to perform maintenance and testing, offering motorized equipment against malfunctions and faults and providing an emergency stoppage when a technical complication arises.
Types of Switches Offered By Spike Electric
General Duty Safety Switches
These safety switches are employed in a broad range of applications. They are used for residential, commercial and small-scale industrial purposes. These switches are load-break rated and are also built for usage in light-duty motor circuits. These switches are utilized in service entrance applications as well.
Heavy-Duty Safety Switches
Heavy-duty safety switches are often employed in applications from the commercial and industrial sectors. Just like the general duty safety switches, these too are load-break rated, offer reliable functioning, and work efficiently for crucial functions.
Elevator Control Switches
These switches are known to provide reliable operations and comprehensive control. They are a package of solutions as they provide efficient solutions in line with NFPA regulations and other related building codes. They are also easy to install.
Double Door Safety Switches
Being exposed to line-side power brings potential risks and dangers. If you need to have protection against line-side power, double door safety switches are an ideal choice because these switches provide significant protection against line-side power. These switches have an effective compartmentalized design. Internal barriers are built within these switches that separate both the switching compartments and the fuse compartments. How does this help? This eliminates potential contact with line-side power.
Line Isolation Safety Switches
Line isolation safety switches are also another effective way to reduce exposure to line-side voltage. These switches also have a compartmentalized design and can offer an effective way to disconnect industrial control panels. As a result, you will be able to access the controls without exposure to line-side voltage.
Service Entrance Safety Switches
Designed to disconnect on the utility power side, the service entrance safety switches consist of lesser components. The main advantage of these switches is that they provide cost-effective solutions for the electrical needs of several industrial and commercial spaces. To provide increased protection, an additional disconnect breaker can be integrated with these switches.
4-Pole and 6-Pole Disconnect Switches
What are 4-pole and 6-pole disconnect switches used for? They are employed to cut off two-speed and two-winding motors. A major advantage of these switches is that they provide the ultimate protection for overcurrents and short-circuits.
If you wish to know more information about safety switches that we manufacture and offer, contact Spike Electric via phone or contact us online. We would be delighted to assist you in selecting the switch that will perfectly fill your business needs.
What Is a Safety Switch Or A Disconnect Switch?
A safety switch is also referred to as a “load break switch” or “disconnect switch”. It serves a wide array of applications. However, the primary purpose of this switch is to operate as a means for disconnect for a service entrance and to enable fault protection for heavy machinery including motors.
What does this suggest? Safety switches or disconnect switches are mainly employed for disconnecting heavy-scale machinery and other equipment used for manufacturing purposes from their power source. A variety of factors and reasons may cause you to disconnect the equipment in the facility for the main electrical supply. The following are a few of those reasons:
- Repairs
- Maintenance
- Emergency Stoppage
For all industrial, commercial, and manufacturing facilities established by the National Fire Protection Association, the usage of Safety switches is a basic NEC or The National Electric Code requirement. The NEC article 430.102B states: “a safety switch should be in plain sight from all motors or manufacturing equipment.” What does “plain sight” mean? According to the NEC, it means that the safety switch should be visible and should not be more than 50 feet away from the equipment that is under it’s control.
Depending on the electrical requirements in your facility and the working conditions within, there are several types of disconnect switches available to suit the specific needs. At Spike Electric, we manufacture and provide fusible safety switches and disconnects that come with NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures. We also provide non-fusible safety switches or disconnects with NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures. For further queries, get in touch with us soon.
Written by: Cole Attaway
Cole Attaway is the founder and CEO of Spike Electric Controls. Spike's mission is to improve the accessibility and delivery of industrial electrical gear for clients nationwide. Spike solutions result in reduced unplanned downtime, less overtime, and greater operational efficiencies.
