Specifications

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
SERIES 24 AND 31 DETENT-ACTION SWITCHES
Electroswitch Detent Switches
Electroswitch Detent Switches are a heavy-duty design that is very versatile and enables
standard units to satisfy a great variety of complex switching applications. They are modular
in that several subassemblies are stacked together to form a rigid rugged device. Figure 1
shows a cut-away view exposing the basic components.
Overview
The mounting plate (1) connects a detent assembly (2) to one or more contact decks (3)
and finally a position limiting stop plate (4). These assemblies are bolted together along
with a steel shaft (5) and a handle (6).
The Electrical Design
The Detent Switch contacts operate on the time proven reliable principle of knife switches –
double-sided, double-wiping, spring-wiper blades closing on both sides of a ter
minal. This design
is shock-proof and virtually bounce-proof. Figure 2 shows a typical contacting arrangement.
The Detent Assembly
The detent assembly contains a specially designed star wheel and up to four spring-loaded
ball
bearings providing snappy positive indexing. Spring return switches use a coil spring in
place of the star wheel/spring/ball bearing arrangement.
The Pull-to-Lock Mechanism
Control switches generally have positions both 45˚ left and right of the normal vertical position.
The handle spring-returns to the normal position. The pull-to-lock mechanism enables an operator
to turn the handle beyond the left (normally TRIP) position to the 90˚ location, pull out the
handle and thereby lock the switch into this position. This precludes the possibility of someone
inadvertently closing a circuit-breaker when it is desired that it stay in the tripped position.
The Contact Deck Assembly
The electrical parts are contained within sturdy phenolic moldings that provide individual
insulated compar
tments where all switching takes place.
An insulating barrier completes the contact deck assembly. The barrier not only separates
one contact assembly from another but also
provides a tight insulating compartment. With
this construction there is no need to add a
dust cover.
Positive, reliable, maintenance-free operation
results from the double-sided, double-wiping,
self-cleaning knife-blade moveable contacts.
The barrier next to the stationary terminals is clearly marked with numerals for Series 24
and 31 that correspond with the wiring diagrams.
Terminal screws secure the external wiring to the terminals.
Jumpering may be done right on the switch
providing a simple and neat arrangement.
Silver plated brass strap jumpers are available
for adjacent contacts– either between adjacent
contacts on the same deck or the same terminal
location on adjacent decks. Wire and lug jumpers
are also available. Jumpers are already supplied
assembled on the typical instrument switches, illus-
trated in this catalog, simplifying field wiring.
All you need to do is connect the instrument
leads and the line wires.
The Stop Plate
The steel stop plate assembly includes a steel stop arm that is connected to the shaft and
a steel stop plate that contains tapped holes. Stop screws are inser
ted in the field to limit
the positions to the number and location desired. This externally adjustable position limiting
feature allows the use of standard switches for many customized applications. The limit
screws are supplied assembled for typical instrument switches.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Electroswitch • 180 King Avenue • Weymouth, MA 02188 • TEL: [phone] • FAX: [phone] • www.electroswitch.com
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