Factors To Consider While Operating A Safety Switch

Factors To Consider While Operating A Safety Switch

Electrical switches

A safety switch is nothing but a switch that is basically used for disconnecting the manufacturing equipment and heavy machinery from its power sources. Safety switches are required when you need to disconnect your equipment from their electrical sources. This can be due to the need for repair, maintenance and potentially in times of emergency stoppage. Safety switches are also known as disconnect switches or load brake switches. It is a must to have safety switches, especially if you have a factory or industry. Safety switches are National Electrical Code requirements in all factories and industries, this is done for safety purposes.

Why should we use safety switches? 

Electrician checking switches

There are various reasons why using a safety switch is absolutely a must, but protection is involved with all of them. This includes protection against:

  • Over current.
  • Heat generated damage.
  • Short-circuiting.
  • Circuit overloads.

Types of safety switches you can find

Electrical testing

There are primarily two types of safety switches that you will find. One is Fusible Safety switches and the other is Non-Fusible Safety Switches.

Now let’s talk about the factors that we have to keep in mind while operating a safety switch 

Electrical equipment’s

  • The first and the most important point is when you are mounting, dismounting, wiring or even inspecting a switch. Always remember to turn off the main supply before starting, otherwise, this could lead to electrical emergencies like shocks and the switch may also get burnt.
  • Using switches in an atmosphere consisting of combustible or explosive gases is like inviting death. Using switches when combustible gases and explosive gases are around results in making the switch heated which leads to explosions or horrifying fires.
  • Never drop safety switches. Also, make sure to never disassemble them. Dropping or disassembling switches not only cause a change in their characteristics but also causes damage, electrical shock or even burning.
  • Always keep in mind to select suitable switch ratings after you have confirmed the contact load. The contact load is a huge factor that you need to keep in mind while operating a safety switch. If the contact load is too excessive then the contacts might get welded or shifted. This will further result in short circuits, or burnings after the power supply are turned on.
  • The durability of a switch plays a very important factor. The durability of a switch varies greatly with switching conditions. Always make a point of using the switch in actual conditions before you start using the switch. Using a deteriorated switch continuously might result in insulation failures, switch damage or switch burnouts also. To avoid these electrical hazards, always make sure to use the functioning switch.
  • Before you start using a switch, do all the possible tests because once it is done, there is hardly anything you can do to avoid accidents or electrical emergencies.

Electrical emergencies

  • Selecting the correct switch plays probably the most important role. You have to select the correct type of switch to avoid accidents. The Selection Guide helps you choose a suitable switch for the rated current, operating load, actuator types, and the operating environment. Never forget to use sealed switches for the room having leakages for water to pass easily. We all know what horrific electric hazards water can cause if it comes in contact with switches. To prevent these accidents, make sure those rooms have sealed switches.
  • Haptics have recently become very important in the automotive industry and play a very crucial factor here. Now, what are haptics? Haptics are the feel of switches when you operate them. Haptics play an important role in letting the customer know if the switch has correctly been operated or not.