Disconnect Switches

Whether you are looking for a disconnect switch to isolate electrical equipment when it needs to be repaired, or you need to be able to stop the flow of electricity due to a scheduled inspection of your machinery, we can help you find the component you need.

As North America’s leading electrical and industrial supplier, with a whole host of disconnect switches from leading brands such as Schneider Electric and Siemens, we have everything you need to help you get the job done.

View our large collection of disconnect switches online today, and we will ensure that your goods are shipped to you as soon as possible.

What is a disconnect switch?

Disconnect switches – also known as disconnect switches – are safety devices that are used to guarantee that an electrical circuit is de-energized for emergency stoppage, maintenance, or service.

Once a circuit has been completely powered down using a disconnect switch, network operators are then able to safely get to work on any inspections, repairs, or maintenance, without having to worry about any electrical risks.

They must adhere to strict specifications and standards so that their design and function is guaranteed.

How do disconnect switches work?

Disconnect switches isolate a given part of the circuit by cutting off its electrical supply, making it safe to be serviced. They also very quickly disconnect circuits from the power supply in cases of an emergency.

If you need to disconnect your equipment from its power source, a disconnect switch from RS will allow protected entry for any emergencies or repair works.

Are there different types of disconnect switches?

There are two standard classifications of disconnect switches: fusible and non-fusible switches.

Fusible disconnect switches

Fusible disconnect switches comprise of a number of fuses inside the same enclosure, making it a lot easier to choose and separate one particular part of the circuit. Because these types of disconnect switches combine fuses with the switch in a single enclosure, they help to provide a simple way to manually open and close the circuit, while the fuses protect against overcurrent.

Not only do fusible disconnect switches prevent damage to a circuit, they also provide protection to workers performing necessary maintenance. When compared with non-fused disconnect switches, these components give a higher level of safety, because the fuse will blow in the event of a breach such as an overcurrent, ensuring that that specific circuit part will not have current flowing through it when it is being worked on.

Non-fused disconnect switches

The sole purpose of a non-fusible – or non-fused disconnect switch – is to provide an easy means to open and close the circuit. These types of disconnect switches do not incorporate any fuses into their enclosure and provide no circuit protection capability.

What are disconnect switches used for?

Disconnect switches are essential in electrical distribution and industrial applications as machinery often needs to be adjusted, therefore the power needs to be interrupted. Additionally, in power distribution, disconnect switches are used in emergency situations to shut down power or move it from one output to another.

They are vital components of modern electrical infrastructure for a number of different reasons:

• Flexibility: If there is a problem in a specific area of an industrial facility, disconnect switches allow for just that isolated area to be shut down. Meanwhile, the rest of the facility can continue operating, ensuring that there isn’t a decrease in productivity levels.
• Safety: Disconnect switches ensure that an electrical or motor circuit has been de-energized before service work is performed. This helps to guarantee the safety of the individuals carrying out the work.

Why choose RS for your disconnect switches?

Whether you need a premium-quality panel-mount disconnect switch, door-mount disconnect switch or enclosure disconnect switch, RS can supply you with the components you need. As the largest authorized distributor of industrial electronic components in North America, we offer a choice of components from the world’s leading manufacturers.

To find the perfect component for you, you can take advantage of our search function to narrow your search by manufacturer or category. Should you have any further questions, our team is on hand to help. Contact us today with any questions you have. You can also find advice in our expert content hub.