Home » Guides » Industrial » Industrial Goods » Pricing and Costs of Drum Switches

Pricing and Costs of Drum Switches

Choose drum switch manufacturers that offer affordable products

By Terri Deno
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

  • 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.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.