Drum switches are important parts of industrial and commercial machinery. A drum switch usually has three positions: forward, reverse, and off. You can also find drum switches that only go forward or backward.

Suppliers of drum switches offer a wide range of products, because the power range of different models of drum switches can vary widely. The pricing and costs of drum switches are determined by what features your business will require. Some of the features available from drum switch suppliers include:

1. Multiple options for housing the unit, depending on the elements it will be exposed to.

2. How much power you will need from an industrial drum switch, compared to a general switch.

3. Whether you buy a one position or three position model.

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Choose drum switch distributors that offer three position switches

The three position switch is the most common. This drum switch will allow you to move forward, in reverse, or stop the process all together. This is perfect for medium to large size conveyor belts and other industrial applications. Reversing drum switches with three positions cost $200 to $300.

I recommend: Rand MHE provides many styles of reversing drum switches that fit with most types of conveyors. Pacific Parts & Controls offers similar a model. However, its product gives you many more options for customization, including the type of operation (knob or lever) and the ability to flush mount the switch to the wall.

Find a distributor of drum switches that offers used or refurbished switches

Because drum switches are heavy duty pieces of machinery, many companies can find perfectly good used drum switches for their needs. Before using a used drum switch, the equipment should be checked thoroughly and the parts replaced as necessary. A used drum switch will run from $100 to $175.

I recommend: Surplus Record specializes in used and surplus equipment, and can provide different styles of used drum switches. Industrial Surplus is another distributor that sells used drum switches for industrial applications.

Find a drum switch supplier that offers switches for harsh environments

The safety requirements set down by the National Equipment Manufacturers Association (NEMA) regulate the proper enclosures for drum switches. In turn, this will impact the switch type you choose. You should choose a drum switch that can to stand up to harsh elements if the switch needs to be outdoors or in an area where damage could easily occur. Heavy duty switches with the proper casing can cost $300 to $500.

I recommend: Hubbell Industrial Controls has a wide selection of drum switches that also provide weatherproof casings to keep the switch working, even in harsh conditions. NEMA Enclosures Mfg. explains NEMA ratings so you can choose which is best for your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are concerned you may overload your industrial drum switches, ask distributors of drum switches if their products come with overload protection or an option to buy it.

A drum switch operates in three positions: reverse, forward and off. Units include spring return to center or maintaining switch position. Primary ratings include horsepower, required electrical power and applications for single or three phase motors.

Choices range from general to industrial drum switches, with many models in between. Different housings and options add to the price. When buying a reversing drum switch consider the following:

1. Know your power requirements, regular 115 to 600 VAC, and needed horsepower for general or heavy-duty use.

2. Consider housing options for outside weather rain protection or sealed oil protected units.

3. Some models include DC operated reverse drum switches for specific operations.

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Order from distributors of drum switches with in-stock inventories

Find reverse switches for AC polyphase, single phase and DC motors. Rainproof enclosures and oil tight flush mounting are available on some models.

I recommend: Contact Steven Engineering for additional models or fill in the form for information on Mfr. Part # 2601AG2 Square D drum switch 2 HP 575 VAC or Mfr. Part # 2601BG1 600 VAC 7.5 HP. Click “Search” and enter the Square D product numbers to see the full line for each manufacturer's part, with prices. Order heavy duty drum switches at Galco Industrial Electronics.

Purchase from suppliers of drum switches offering wide selections

Find your required choice for single and three phase switches with various power ratings.

I recommend: Select a drum reversing switch with up to 600 VAC and various starter types at W.W. Grainger, order online with account. Scroll down the page to buy a single phase 115 VAC 1 1/2 to 2 HP that also produces 1/4 HP VDC or a higher duty drum switch at H & R. Order online at DrillSpot.com, a drum switch supplier carrying several name brand products.

Work with drum switch manufacturers for available models or solutions

Models include maintained or spring return contacts for off mode in single or three phase operations.

I recommend: Contact Omni Metalcraft for a manual starter 1 1/2 HP 115 VAC single phase, 2 HP 230 VAC single phase or 2 HP 460 VAC three phase reversing drum switch where overload or short circuit protection isn’t an issue. To see the selections at Omni Metalcraft, click “Controls,” then “Reversing Drum Switch.” Buy online single or three phase drum switches with handle assembly in 120, 200, 230 or 460-volt models by Advance Controls, a drum switch manufacturer.

Buy industrial drum switches for demanding environments

Applications for these switches involve light to heavy duty industrial settings. Some units contain enclosed switch action with spring return.

I recommend: Contact Hubbell Industrial Controls for a Class 58 Type 4258 industrial drum switch for AC and DC motors and rated to 10 HP 600 V or Type 4253 suitable for hoists, cranes and other industrial applications. Choose up to 85 HP for enclosed or open switch action drum switches at MSC Industrial Direct with online ordering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Overload protection for reverse drum switches typically involves an additional magnetic or manual starter. Some switches contain this feature; also, some companies provide the starter as an accessory.

Receiving drum switches education and training to build your and your employees' knowledge of the machinery you all use. This training allows you to see diagrams and read information about how drum switches work and how you can work on them. A drum switch is traditionally used to change or reverse a motor circuit. These types of switches are most commonly used in single-phase motors. If your company uses drum switches training it allows you to relax and know that you and your employees can install and wire the switches with the highest confidence.

Drum switches education and training consists of learning about the switches and how they are installed, learning how to wire standard switches and learning how to wire reverse switches. The trainings teach all you need to know in order to install a new switch or troubleshoot a problem with an older switch.

1. Understand what industrial drum switches are and how to install them.

2. Wire drum switches like a professional.

3. Learn how to wire a reversing drum switch.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about industrial drum switches and how to install them

Industrial drum switch manufacturers offer two types of drum switches: standard and reversing. Learn about the different drum switches and how to install them to ensure you choose the right switches for your company. The more you and your employees learn about the installation process, the safer and more effective the installation will be. be.

I recommend: Tooling University offers online classes for all major manufacturers of drum switches. Read the installation guides for installing drum switches on boats as well as information about a variety of drum switches from leading suppliers at DockGear.

Review information and diagrams that focus on wiring drum switches

Most drum switch distributors provide wiring diagrams with the switches. Learn different wiring configurations in order to properly rewire a drum switch without searching for the wiring diagram that was provided by the drum switch supplier.

I recommend: Metal Web News provides how-to guides for wiring drum switches. Sieb Magnet Systems supplies wiring diagrams for a variety of drum switches.

Learn how to wire a reversing drum switch

Distributors of drum switches that specialize in reversing drum switches may not always provide wiring instructions. Wiring instructions for the most common manufacturers of reversing drum switches are available for free on the Internet.

I recommend: Visit HYTROL for information and diagrams for wiring reversing industrial drum switches. L'Armurerie du Roi offers information about wiring drum switches as well as links to helpful diagrams.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Read information about protection against overloading reverse drum switches to help you decide how and where to install a drum switch. Most manufactures supply safety and overload packages that can be purchased separately.