Electrical switches operate in an closed-open or on-off position that provides electric current flow. The electric current stops when opened or off, and operates whenever the switches are closed. Different electronic switch types include key lock, rotary, rocker, toggle, pushbutton and snap-action. Key lock electric switches require you to use a key to operate, while rotary switches operate in a circular motion to generate power. Rocker switches have on/off buttons that require you to press down to operate, then in the opposite direction to disconnect. Toggle switches operate mostly with AC/DC applications, and pushbutton electrical switches are activated by pushing down in a plunger-like motion. Snap-action electrical switches work best with appliance settings or mouse buttons.

Configurations for most types of electronic switches include single pole single throw, single pole double throw and double pole double throw. Single pole single throw electric switches rely on a single connection, while single pole double throw switches connect in three ways. Double pole double throw electrical switches use two conductors. Electrical switches basics include:

1. Finding industrial electrical switches with matching configurations.

2. Picking different types of electrical switches for industrial uses.

3. Ensuring that industrial electrical switches are certified for safe use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for electrical switches based on configurations or specifications

Industrial electrical switches come in different colors, sizes and circuit protection levels. Basic features, environmental conditions, terminal type and construction of electrical switches should be considered. Maximum current, power, AC and DC voltage ratings are other specifications to find in electrical switches.

I recommend: Garvin Industries distributes 15-amp single-pole, three-way and four-way decorative electrical switches. Depending on the electronic switch type, available colors include ivory or white, and features include slide boxes, covers, AC quiet switches with indicator lights and 120-volt power. GAMA Electronics manufactures electrical switches that rate from four to 20 amps. Electrical switches are available in white, red, black or amber. Electronic switches come with single-pole, double-pole and automatic five-wire configurations for appropriate operations.

Find electrical switch providers that manufacturer all types of industrial electrical switches

Depending on your electrical needs or preferences, pick from an inventory of electric switches.

I recommend: APEM Components features a product line of electric pushbutton, rocker and toggle switches for industrial electrical needs. Shallco produces detended, rotary and snap-action electric switches that have high-voltage, high-current and dry-circuit features. Omron Electronic Components manufactures electrical switches with service lives of up to 50,000 cycles.

Make sure electrical switches are certified and industry-compliant

Most electrical switches are ISO, RoHS or UL-certified. Electrical switch providers also have compliance testing facilities available.

I recommend: American Solenoid is an electrical switch provider that supplies RoHS-compliant, UL- and CSA-approved electrical switches. Testing and assembling services are also available. Water- and temperature-resistant electrical switches can be found at Microprecision Electronics. The ISO-certified manufacturer serves markets such as industrial, medical technology and food and beverage.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Other types of electrical switches include DIP and reed. DIP, or dual in-line packages, can be used with computer modems or circuit boards. Reed switches are commonly used in magnetic applications.

Small business owners – from the restaurateur whose electricity has gone out, leaving behind thousands of dollars in spoiled food, to the IT guru whose power just surged, taking out his multiple computer set-up – know that having a prescreened electrician just a phone call away is vital to your business’s ability to avoid or survive power problems. In fact, having the right electrician at your disposal can mean the difference – literally – between life and death. Poor wiring or shoddy electrical work leads to fires, loss of businesses, and loss of lives. How can you avoid this? Be proactive in finding the right electrician BEFORE you need him. The top three things a small business owner should know about hiring an electrician are:
1. Find a certified, insured electrician.
2. Always, always check references.
3. Put everything in writing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find licensed electricians from trade associations

Licensed electricians must follow all electrical codes, and only licensed electricians may obtain necessary permits. Check with your state to verify an electrician’s license status.

I recommend: Check out the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents approximately 750,000 members, and where members must serve one of the longest apprenticeships in the industry. The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC)’s mission is the development and standardization of training to educate the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association; insuring and providing the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and highly skilled workforce possible.

Go online to find prescreened professionals

Finding a prescreened electrician online is as easy as heading over to ServiceMagic or another referral site. Service Magic, a highly regarded company that has paired more than 6 MILLION homeowners with pros since 1999, is an organization that independently and objectively evaluates tens of thousands of contractors in the United States. (Keep in mind that just because some of these sites refer to homeowners, they work for small businesses, too.)

I recommend: First stop: ServiceMagic, where you can be matched to a prescreened electrician for free. This invaluable site offers limitless resources, including tips for drawing up Contractor Agreement Forms (contracts are a MUST when dealing with laborers!) and sample contracts. Or, check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) member, ConstructionDeal.com’s Online Electrician Referral Service, where, if you answer a few simple questions, you’ll receive free bids – plus references! – from interested electricians.

Make sure they’re insured

However you find your electrician candidates – whether you’ve gotten recommendations from friends, or gone online, make sure the people you’re considering have current, valid insurance, and offer warranties on their work and products. All electricians must have liability insurance.

I recommend: Check out NeedContractor, a free contractor referral service that provides verified U.S. insured and licensed contractors quotes for residential projects, including home offices; ask these contractors if they handle work for small businesses located outside your home, too. Simply choose your state, and within 48 hours, they promise to have up to four estimates from prescreened electricians.

Pre-screen your professionals

It’s always important to pre-screen your employees or contractors, but in this case: it’s a step you cannot bypass. Always check references, and ask about such things as the quality of the work, whether the jobs were completed on time and within the original budget, and the electrician’s work ethic and dependability.

I recommend: Don’t skip the Better Business Bureau (BBB) when screening your potential electricians – just enter the person’s name (or the business name) to find out if any problems have been reported, and if so, if those problems were resolved by the company. The Federal Trade Commission offers an excellent fact sheet about hiring contractors (though this page is designed for home improvement, it works just as well for your small biz projects). Check out Our Family Place for a great interview and evaluation checklist for potential contractors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contract requirements vary by state, but even if they are not required in your state, you should always insist on a written contract.
• •  Comply with regulations: Make sure the electrician follows local building codes and regulations, or you’ll be stuck paying fines and repairing the mistakes.
• •  Keep down costs: Consider picking out your own lighting and other electrical fixtures.
• •  Bundle mini, non-urgent electrical jobs together before you call out the electrician so the hourly fee is kept to an efficient minimum.
• •  Getting the permit: A permit is necessary for most work over $300, so check local guidelines.
• •  Never, ever pay before the work is complete.
• •  Ask your electrician about getting a back-up generator for emergencies.

Whether you buy rotary, toggle, pushbutton, reed or rocker-style electrical switches, specifications to consider include electronic switch type or design, AC and DC operating power and maximum current capacity ratings. Appropriate wiring terminals must be in place before installing or using electric switches. Some types of electronic switches require soldering, or using screws or clamps to ensure a positive connection. Surface mount technology connects to the surface of circuit boards for most computer connections. Other terminals, such as in-line or feed-through, attach to flexible cords for a proper electrical connection.

Switch membranes are also examples of supplies for electrical switches. These are alphanumeric coverings that include keypads with labeled functions. Standard, long, short and ball toggle handles are used specifically with toggle switches, and rocker switches operate with actuators, which are devices that transform energy into motion. Other supplies for electrical switches include screws, nuts and keys. Seals are also available to cover and protect most industrial electrical switches from dust, water, temperatures and other environmental factors.

1. Ensure that industrial electrical switches have working controls, whether they are automatic or manual.

2. Shop for mounting supplies and other hardware for electrical switches.

3. Buy parts that also repair electronic switches.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the proper controls for operating industrial electrical switches

Search for the right handles, levers and other components that operate with electrical switches.

I recommend: Electrical switch providers Carling Technologies produces single- and double-pole electrical switches with nylon, phenolic and steel-plated bases. Standard and specialty electrical switch components can also be found at Omron Electronic Components.

Look for standard base, mounting hardware and other compartments for electrical switches

When you're not using electronic switches, make sure to protect and store the devices safely.

I recommend: Steven Engineering offers bases for electric switches in different styles and configurations, as well as other supplies for electrical switches. Honeywell Sensing and Control manufactures environment-sealed electrical switches, including toggle, rocker and pushbutton electric switches for industrial use. In addition to electrical switches, APEM Components manufactures and distributes switch membranes and mounting accessories.

Seek supplies, parts or additional services that repair electronic switches

Consider hand tools, testers and other special services to maintain industrial electrical switches.

I recommend: Grainger Industrial Supply provides repair parts for a variety of products, including electronic switches. Garvin Industries supplies a wide inventory of industrial electrical switch installation and repair accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Common labels for electric switch configurations include 'normally open' and 'normally closed.' 'Normally open' refers to the open or disconnected electrical switch circuit when reset to its normal position, while 'normally closed' means the electrical circuit is closed or connected when set in its normal operating position.
• •  Most electrical switches and supplies apply to computer keyboards and electronic, automated and aerospace applications. Parts should be certified by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).