What is Selector Switch : Working & Its Applications

We know that an electrical switch is used to control the electrical current flow in a circuit and it can also be used to both initiate and inhibit the current flow. There are different types of switches available in the market which are used based on the requirement. Toggle, pushbutton, limit, joystick, proximity, speed, pressure, temperature, liquid level, and selector switch. So this article discusses one of the types of electric switch like a selector switch – working with applications.

What is Selector Switch?

A mechanical switch that can be rotated right, left, or center to open or close the electrical contacts is known as a selector switch. The main function of this switch is to control devices and also to switch between a minimum of two or above electrical circuits. This switch is applicable where more than one control option is required; for instance, it needs to be activated for a fixed time, or once activated it needs to be set on a particular option. These switches provide flexible control options in less space to perform various functions. The selector switch symbol is shown below.

The selector switch working principle is to control different currents circuits by turning the knob. These switches include a simple selector switch on the front of the panel, and also combinations of potential contacts inside of the switch.

Construction

The construction of a selector switch can be done by using different parts like a contact block, holder, operator, and lamp block. Each part of this switch is discussed below.

Contact block

The contact block of this switch encapsulates the contact.

Holder

The contact block holder is used to connect the contact blocks to the backside of a device.

Operator

Here the operator is the knob of a switch, used to operate the circuit or any device by rotating the knob.

LED Block

The LED block is the part of the device that activates once it gets a suitable signal.

These switches are mainly used to choose one of the different circuit possibilities like low or high speed, manual or automatic operation, stop or run, right or left, or up or down. These switches must be ordered within parts & connected in an enclosure.

Selector Switch Types

There are different types of selector switches available in the market-wide variety of shapes, colors, and materials which are used based on the requirement. These switches can be made of either metal or plastic but their mounting diameter could differ from 16 mm to 30mm. Each type of switch is discussed below.

Short Handle

This selector switch has a short handle, so its operating is somewhat difficult. These switches are available at a reasonable price.

Long Handle

This switch has a long handle so it can be operated easily. As compared to the short handle type, these switches are very expensive.

Key Operated

This type of selector switch is mainly used for security-related issues. In this switch, the knob can be removed from different positions. So once it is removed then any action cannot be done. These switches are built-in with a lock to increase operating safety, The switching operation can be activated only when a person carries the corresponding key.

Illuminated

As the name suggests, this switch includes a lamp element for lighting. These switches are not expensive and save space by merging two functions into a single operator. These switches are used to control equipment at various settings. So, they are applicable in low-light conditions to assist workers in identifying if the equipment is on or off.

Non-illuminated

These switches don’t include a lamp element. As compared to the illuminated switch, the operator of this switch is stronger. These types of switches mainly to control machinery at various settings & approach with a contact block, thus they are ready to install. These switches are applicable where multiple setting options are preferred.

2 Position

This type of switch switches in between two electric circuits. So it can be momentary or maintained.

3 Position

This kind of switch switches in between three electric circuits. So this switch can be mainly used to choose any of two sets of contacts otherwise to separate both sets of contacts. So, it can be momentary or maintained.

Selector Switch Circuit Diagram

The main difference between a selector switch and a push-button is the operator mechanism. The operator of a switch can be turned rather than pushed to open & close the connected contact block’s contacts. The three-position selector switch circuit diagram is shown below.

The positions of the switch can be established by rotating the operator knob to the right side or left side. These switches mainly include a minimum of two or above selector positions. The momentary contact operation can be provided to this switch by either maintaining contact position otherwise spring return.

The above three-position selector switch circuit is mainly used to choose three special operating modes to control a pump motor. So, the circuit operation can be done as follows.

When the switch is in the Hand position, the pump motor can be started by closing the manual control switch. The pump motor can be stopped in two ways by opening the manual control switch otherwise by choosing the OFF position of the switch.

Here, the liquid level switch in the circuit doesn’t have any effect in either the OFF or HAND position.
When the AUTO option is selected, then the liquid-level switch can control the pump motor. At a fixed level, the liquid level switch will be closed then the motor pump will start. Similarly, at another fixed level, the liquid level switch will be opened then the motor pump will be stopped.

Here, the contact position of the switch and the resultant condition is identified in the table given above. The contacts in the circuit are represented with A & B, whereas positions are marked with 1, 2, & 3. An ‘X’ within the above table specifies the contact is closed at that particular position.

HSN Code of Selector Switch

The HS or harmonized system codes are allowed by the majority of nations around the globe. The HS codes are recognition codes that are assigned to goods to utilize in global trade. These codes are managed by the WCO or World Customs Organization & are accepted globally for utilize by customs authorities as well as different companies to recognize goods. The main features of these codes are;

• The goods can be classified by using the 6-digit code and defined rules.
• Perform like a uniform standard for goods classification universally.
• It covers 95% of goods in worldwide trade & above 5000 commodities.

HS Code for Import

Some of the imported selector switches with HS codes are listed below.

HSN Code for Export

Some of the exported selector switches with HS codes are listed below.

Applications

The applications of a selector switch include the following.

• These switches are applicable in handling materials like moving, packaging, warehousing, distribution, etc.
• Used in medical devices.
• Huge commercial kitchen appliances.
• These are used in UPS & Genset.
• Lighting controls in public spaces.
• Gas and oil mining or refining, extracting, and processing metals.
• Control system panel designs.
• Used in HVAC and also Food & beverage.
• Industrial controls.
• Used in manufacturing of heavy equipment, automotive, marine, machining, plastics, and glass.
• Domestic appliances like heaters, kitchen aids, toys, ovens, and beauty devices.
• Home Automation devices
• Interior controls in public and building work.

Thus, this is all about an overview of a selector switch working with applications. These switches are available in different styles like illuminated, non-illuminated & non-illuminated with key operated. These types of switches are accessible in different position versions like 2, 3, or 4 and are frequently used when the above one control option is required. Here is a question for you, what is a rotary switch?