Drum Switches

Find reversing drum switch distributors, suppliers or manufacturers for industrial and commercial switches

By Robert Hill

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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

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.