Basics of Safety Switches

Basics of Safety Switches
A quickSTEP Online Course
© Siemens industry, Inc. www.usa.siemens.com/step

Trademarks
Siemens is a trademark of Siemens AG. Product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
National Electrical Code® and NEC® and NFPA 70® are registered trademarks of the National Fire
Protection Association.
NEMA® is a registered trademark and service mark of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
UL® is a registered trademark of UL, LLC.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-2

Course Topics
Welcome to Safety Switches. This course

covers the following topics:
Chapter 1 – Basic Concepts
• Introduction
• Circuit Protection
• Fuses
• Enclosures
Chapter 2 – Siemens Safety Switches
• Design and Ratings
• Switch Types
Final Exam
If you do not have an understanding of basic
electrical concepts, you should complete Basics
of Electricity before attempting this course.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to…

• Explain the difference between fusible and non-fusible safety switches
• Explain the need for circuit protection
• Identify fuse types and classes
• Define common fuse ratings
• Identify the types of Siemens safety switches
• Explain the basic construction, operation, ratings, and benefits of Siemens safety
switches
• Identify Siemens safety switch accessories

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Definition
A safety switch is a common type of enclosed switch.

Safety switches are most commonly used as a
disconnecting means for an electrical service or as a
disconnecting means for an electric motor.
The enclosure provides a degree of protection to personnel

against incidental contact with live electrical equipment. It
also provides protection to the enclosed equipment against
specific environmental conditions.
There are two families of Siemens safety switches, general

duty and heavy duty.

Application
NEC® Article 430.102 requires a disconnecting means for

each motor controller and the disconnecting means must be
within sight of the controller.
This disconnecting means can also serve as a

disconnecting means for the motor if it is in sight of the
motor and the machinery to which the motor is connected.
NEC® Article 430.102 includes an number of additional

details and exceptions. Refer to the full article for details.
Various types of devices can serve as the disconnecting

means for a motor, but safety switches are designed to
reliably serve this purpose.

Poles
The term poles refers to circuits that pass through a switch.

The number of poles is the number of circuits that the
switch can connect and disconnect.
The accompanying drawing, for example, shows a 3-pole

safety switch. The three circuits are mechanically
connected so that all three poles connect and disconnect
the line and load simultaneously when the switch is
operated. In the accompanying illustration, each pole has a
fuse for overcurrent protection.

Symbols
Symbols are used in a diagram to represent components.

The symbols commonly used for a disconnect switch are
shown in the accompanying graphic. The switch is normally
shown in its "off" or "open" state.

Throw
Throw is the term used to specify the number of circuits to

which a conductor can be connected. All the examples
shown so far have been for single throw switches.
However, Siemens also offers double throw switches in
both general duty non-fusible and heavy duty fusible and
non-fusible designs.
Double throw switches are used to transfer loads from one

power source to another or to connect a single power
source to either of two loads. For example, the
accompanying illustration shows 3-pole, non-fusible
switches. For either of the two applications, no power is
applied to a load with the switch in the center (Off) position,
and only one set of contacts can be closed at a time.
In the diagram on the left, with the switch in the up position,

the upper power source is connected to the load. With the
switch in the down position, the lower power source is
connected to the load.
In the diagram on the right, with the switch in the up

position, the power source is connected to the upper load.
With the switch in the down position, the power source is
connected to the lower load.
Fusible and Non-Fusible Safety Switches
As shown in the top illustration, a non-fusible safety switch

has no circuit protection capability. It simply provides a
convenient means to open and close a circuit. Opening the
circuit disconnects the load from its source of electrical
power, and closing the circuit connects the load.
Circuit protection must be provided by external overcurrent

devices such as a circuit breaker or fuses and a motor
protection device. In many cases, circuit protection is
provided on both sides of the non-fusible switch. For
example, circuit protection can be provided in a panelboard
or switchboard that provides power to the switch and an
overload relay can be located near the motor.
As shown in the bottom illustration, a safety switch can be

combined with fuses in a single enclosure. This is referred
to as a fusible safety switch. The switch provides a
convenient means to manually open and close the circuit,
and the fuses provides overcurrent protection.
Even when a fusible safety switch is used, additional circuit

protection may be required to protect the load because the
primary function of the safety switch’s internal fuses is to
protect the wiring from damage due to overcurrent.
This chapter covers the following

topics:
• Introduction
• Fuses
• Enclosures

Overcurrent
Current flow in a conductor always generates heat. The

greater the current flow, the hotter the conductor. Excess
heat is damaging to electrical conductors. For that reason,
conductors have a rated continuous current carrying
capacity or ampacity. Current beyond the rated capability of
a conductor is referred to as overcurrent. Overcurrent can
result from a short circuit, an overload, or a ground fault.
The first two types of overcurrent conditions are described
in the following paragraphs.
A short circuit occurs when two bare conductors touch

causing the resistance between the conductors to drop
significantly. This reduction in resistance causes an
immediate and destructive increase in current.
An overload is a typically a much lower current than a short

circuit. An overload occurs when too many devices or the
wrong type of devices are connected to a circuit or when
electrical equipment is made to work beyond its rated
capabilities.

Short Circuits
When exposed conductors touch, a short circuit occurs, and

the circuit resistance drops to nearly zero. Because of this
very low resistance, short circuit current can be thousands
of times higher than normal operating current.
Ohm’s Law shows the relationship of current, voltage, and

resistance. For example, a 240 volt motor with 24 ohms of
resistance would normally draw 10 amperes of current.
When a short circuit occurs, resistance drops dramatically.

For example, if the above resistance dropped to
24 milliohms due to a short circuit, the current would
increase to 10,000 amperes.

Instantaneous Overcurrent Protection
When a short circuit occurs in an unprotected circuit,

current continues to flow until the circuit is damaged or the
power is removed manually. The peak short-circuit current
of the first cycle is the greatest and is referred to as peak
let-through current. The electromagnetic force associated
with this current can cause mechanical damage to electrical
components.
The maximum destructive energy let-through is a measure

of the energy associated with this current. It is capable of
producing enough heat to melt conductors.
A properly applied overcurrent protection device will

instantaneously open the circuit, limiting peak let-through
current (IP) and energy.

Motor Overloads
In general, the greater the amount of overcurrent, the more

quickly a circuit must be disconnected from its power
source. Therefore, instantaneous overcurrent protection is
essential when a short circuit occurs. Overloads, however,
require a delayed response. To understand this better,
consider the operation of a typical AC induction motor.
When most motors start, they draw current in excess of

their full-load current rating. For example, a NEMA
design B motor typically has a starting current of about six
times its full-load current. For some high-efficiency motors,
the starting current is even higher. Motors are designed to
tolerate a high starting current for a short time. As a motor
accelerates to operating speed, its current drops off quickly.
In the accompanying example, the motor’s starting current

rises to 600% of full load current, but after eight seconds,
current has dropped to the rated value. Depending on the
size of the motor, the time required for the current to drop to
the full load level or below may be shorter or longer.
Whatever this time is, it is critical for the motor’s power
circuit to be designed to handle this short-duration overload.

NEC® Articles
Various NEC® articles discuss overcurrent protection.

Some of the relevant articles are listed below.
• Article 210 covers branch circuits

• Article 215 covers feeders supplying branch circuit loads
® • Article 230 covers service conductors and their control
and protection
• Article 240 covers general requirements for overcurrent
protection and overcurrent protection devices (up to 600
volts)
• Article 430 covers motors, motor circuits, and controllers
It is beyond the scope of this course to cover this content,

but it is useful to consider the intent of this information. In
general, these articles are designed to ensure that
conductors and overcurrent protection devices are properly
sized for their loads and that overcurrent protection devices
provide the appropriate level of protection for conductors in
the event of an overcurrent.

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topics:
• Introduction
• Fuses
• Enclosures

Fuses
Most fuses are one-shot devices. When a fault occurs, the

fuse element melts and opens the path for current,
interrupting the fault. The time it takes for a fuse to interrupt
the fault is called the clearing time, which includes the time
it takes for the fuse element to melt plus the time it takes to
extinguish the arc of current across the melting element.
The clearing time for a fuse is inversely related to the level

of fault current over a fuse’s designed range. This means
that the fuse clearing time is less for a higher level of fault
current than for a lower level of fault current.
Many fuses used in power distribution systems are current

limiting. There are various factors required to classify a
circuit protection device as current limiting, but essentially it
means that, as shown in the accompanying graphic, a
current limiting fuse significantly reduces the peak let-thru
current when a fault occurs. The intent is prevent damage
to conductors and protected equipment by reducing the
electrical energy applied to the conductors and load.

Fuse Types
There are various types of fuses used in power distribution

systems. Three common types are shown in the
accompanying list.
Fast-Acting Fuse Fast-acting fuses open quickly when an overcurrent occurs.

For this reason, they are used to provide short circuit
protection for non-inductive loads. As such, they are not
suitable for use with motors and other inductive loads.
Time-Delay Fuse Time-delay fuses provide a delayed response to allow

temporary overloads to clear. Because the amount of delay
required varies with the load characteristics, fuses are
Dual Element Fuse available to fit the full range of load requirements. Because
time-delay fuses provide both short circuit and overload
protection, they are used in a wide range of applications.
Dual-element fuses may have time-delay designation

because these fuses have two fuse elements. One element
provides overload protection with time delay. (UL states that
time delay means having a 10-second operating delay at
500% of the fuse label rating.) The second element
provides short circuit protection similar to a single-element
fuse. Dual-element fuses are most frequently used on
motor loads.
Fuse Ratings
Because application requirement vary, fuses are available

with a wide range of characteristics. In addition to size,
mechanical design, and element type, the ratings shown in
the accompanying list must be considered when choosing a
Voltage Rating fuse for an application.
The voltage rating of a fuse must be at least equal to the

circuit voltage. The voltage rating of a fuse can be higher
Current Rating than the circuit voltage, but never lower. A 600 volt fuse, for
example, could be used in a 480 volt circuit, but a 240 volt
fuse should not be used in a 480 volt circuit.
Interrupting Rating The current rating, also called ampere rating, of a fuse is its
continuous current-carrying capacity. The current rating of
fuse must match the requirements of the load and
associated conductors.
The interrupting rating of a fuse is the maximum current

that the fuse can safety interrupt. The interrupting rating
required must be at least equal to the the level of fault
current available for the circuit.
For additional information on fuse selection, refer to the

previously listed articles in the NEC®.
Low Voltage Fuse Classes
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) establishes and

standardizes basic performance and physical
specifications for products that undergo its safety
test procedures. Among the standards developed
by UL are standards for classes of low voltage
fuses (fuses with voltage ratings of 600 volts or
less).
Fuses are grouped into classes based on their

operating and construction characteristics and
ratings. When selecting fuses, it is a good idea to
refer to the fuse manufacturer’s application data to
make sure that a specific fuse is appropriate for the
fault characteristics and types of loads involved.
The accompanying graphic shows the most

commonly used low voltage fuse classes for safety
switches. Siemens general duty switches use fuses
in classes H,K, R, and T. Siemens heavy duty
switches use fuses in classes H, J, K, L, R, and T.
The accompanying graphic also shows fuse kits

required for class R fuses. A class R fuse kit
prevents the use of lower rated H and K fuses.
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topics:
• Introduction
• Fuses
• Enclosures

Enclosures
For the purpose of this course, an enclosure is the case

that houses the components of an electrical device. The
function of the enclosure is to prevent someone from
accidentally touching an internal component that may have
voltage applied and to protect internal components from
damage.
Various standards describe enclosure types. One of the

more frequently cited standards is NEMA standard 250. In
addition to NEMA standard 250, published by National
Electrical Manufacturers Association, UL 50 and UL 508,
published by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., are also
important standards for electrical equipment enclosures.
These standards provide enclosure descriptions, features,
and test criteria for hazardous and nonhazardous locations.
The following brief descriptions cover enclosures available

for Siemens safety switches. Within the industry, it is
common to refer to the enclosure type numbers as NEMA
types, but these type numbers also apply to UL 50 and
UL 508.

Type 1 Enclosures
Type 1 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to

provide protection against limited amounts of falling dirt and
contact with the enclosed equipment in locations where
unusual service conditions do not exist.
Siemens type 1 safety switch enclosures have the following

features:
• Tangential knockouts in all box surfaces (30-600A heavy

duty and 60-600A general duty)
• Two- and three-point mounting with top keyhole
• Formed flange enclosure edges
• 180º plus side opening door
• Drawn cover design for increased durability and
resistance to damage (30-600A)
• Rugged metal handle with a red insulating grip
• Front operable cover interlock release with positive
rotating
• release action (30-1200A heavy duty and 60-600A
general duty)
• Metal nameplates on all heavy duty switches

Type 3R Enclosures
Type 3R enclosures are intended for outdoor use primarily to provide

a degree of protection against falling rain and sleet. They are not
intended to provide protection against conditions such as dust,
internal condensation, or internal icing.
Siemens type 3R safety switch enclosures have the following

features:
• Tangential knockouts in all box surfaces below lowest live parts

(30-600A)
• Two- and three-point mounting with top keyhole
• Formed flange enclosure edges
• 180º plus side opening door
• Double overlap enclosure door top to provide superior protection
against entry of rain
• Type HA hub provision 30A general duty
• Type HS hub provision (30-200A switches)
• Galvanized steel construction
• Drawn cover design for increased durability and resistance to
damage (30-200A)
• Front operable cover interlock release with positive rotating release
action (30-1200A heavy duty and 60-600A general duty)
• Metal nameplates on all heavy duty switches
Type 4/4X Enclosures
Type 4/4X enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily
to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain,
splashing water and hose-directed water. They are not intended to
provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation or
internal icing. This enclosure type meets the 4X definition by providing
a high degree of protection against corrosion.
Siemens type 4/4X safety switch enclosures have the following

features:
• Ground lugs installed as standard

• External mounting feet with two-, three- and four-point mounting
• Formed front gasket flange with continuously welded seams
• Heavy duty, front-opening, low-profile stainless steel latches
• Stainless steel enclosure
• Stainless steel interior parts on 30-200A switches
• Formed-out enclosure flanges that prevent liquid entry when door is
open
• Rugged hinge design
• 180º-plus opening door
action (30-1200A heavy duty)
• Stainless steel nameplate
Non-metallic 4X Enclosures
A non-metallic 4X enclosure made of fiberglass-reinforced

polyester and has no external metal parts.
Siemens non-metallic 4X safety switch enclosures have the

following features:
• External mounting
• Ground lug installed as standard
• Fiberglass reinforced polyester enclosure
• No external metal parts
• Removable door for easy wiring
• Front operable cover interlock release with positive
rotating release action

Type 3R/12 Enclosures
Type 3R/3S enclosures are intended to provide a degree of protection

against windblown dust and to allow operation when ice-laden. They are
not intended to provide protection against conditions such as
condensation or internal icing.
Type 12 enclosures provide a degree of protection against dust, falling

dirt, and dripping water in indoor locations, but are not intended to protect
against conditions such as internal condensation.
Siemens type 3R/12 safety switch enclosures have the following features:
• External mounting feet with two, three and four-point mounting
• Formed front gasket flange
• Unique heavy duty, front-opening, low-profile latches
• Galvanized steel enclosure
• Formed out enclosure flanges that provide an added degree of
protection against entry of dust
• Rugged hinge design
• 180º-plus opening door
• 3R/3S/12 rating as standard allows outdoor use
action (30-1200A heavy duty)
• Metal nameplates on Type 3S/12 enclosures

Type 7 and 9 Enclosures
Type 7 enclosures are intended for indoor use in locations

classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, or D, as defined in the
NEC.
Type 9 enclosures are intended for indoor use in locations

classified as Class II, Groups E, F, or G, as defined in the
NEC.
Siemens type 7 and 9 safety switch enclosures have the

following features:
• Molded case switch available in 30-600A ratings

• Cast aluminum enclosure
• External door clamps
• External mounting feet
• Metal nameplate
Articles 500 through 504 of the NEC® cover the use of

electrical equipment in locations where fire or explosions
due to gas, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable
fibers may be possible. The accompanying graphic
summarizes the materials that are found in Class I and II
locations. Refer to the NEC® for additional information.

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topics:
• Switch Types

Switch Design
A Siemens VBII safety switch enclosure

houses the switch mechanism, wire
connectors, and an operating mechanism.
A handle, connected to the operating

mechanism, opens and closes the visible
blade contacts.
If the switch is fusible, the enclosure also

houses the fuse clips.
Provisions for locking the door and/or switch

handle are also provided.

Knife Blade Switch Principle
Switches use contacts to break the circuit and stop the flow
of current. A typical switch assembly consists of a
stationary contact, a hinged movable contact, and an
operating handle. The hinged movable contact may also be
referred to as a knife blade. If the movable contact is not
touching the stationary contact, no current flows.
Moving the handle to the "on" position closes the contacts

and provides a complete path for current to flow from the
power supply to the load.
Moving the handle to the "off" position opens the contacts,

interrupting the flow of electricity. As the contacts start to
open, current continues to flow across the air gap between
the two contacts in the form of an arc. Current continues to
flow until the physical distance between the contacts is
great enough to interrupt the flow of current.
The point at which the arc is extinguished is called the

break distance.

VBII Safety Switch Design
Unlike the knife-blade switch, the switching action of

Siemens 30 to 200 amp VBII safety switches breaks the arc
in two places, creating two smaller arcs and reducing the
heat generated. Switching speed is also increased because
the breaking distance is effectively doubled. The overall
result is enhanced performance and increased longevity.
Also, in contrast to the knife blade switch, VBII safety

switch blades are self-aligning, ensuring positive contact.
Furthermore, the electrical hinge, a wear and friction point,
has been eliminated resulting in fast, positive, and reliable
switching action.

Over-center-toggle Switch Action
Another feature which enhances the speed of switching is

the over-center-toggle design. During operation of the
switch, as the handle is moved past the midpoint, the switch
suddenly and rapidly snaps from off to on or from on to off,
depending upon the direction of movement of the handle.
Besides enhancing the switching speed, this also gives a
positive feel to the switch operation.

Defeatable Cover Interlock
The VBII safety switch cover interlock prevents someone from

opening the door while the switch is in the "on" position.
Normally, the interlock also prevents someone from turning the
switch on with the door open. However, for the purposes of
testing or servicing, the door interlock is defeatable. As shown
in the accompanying illustration, this can be done with an
ordinary screwdriver.

VBII Safety Switch Types
The following types of Siemens VBII safety switches are

available:
• General duty switches

• Heavy duty switches
• Double throw switches
General duty switches are intended for applications where

reliable performance and continuity of service are needed,
but where duty requirements are not severe and no usual
service conditions are present.
Heavy duty switches have a rugged construction that

enables reliable performance and continuity of service in a
broad range of single throw applications.
Double throw switches are intended to transfer a load from

one power source to another or to connect one power
source to either of two loads.

Switch Ratings
All Siemens safety switches have voltage, ampere, and

short circuit withstand ratings and are load break and,
where appropriate, horsepower rated. Siemens fusible
safety switches, when used with designated fuses, also
have an interrupting rating.
The voltage rating is the maximum voltage that a switch is

designed for. The applied voltage can be less than the
voltage rating, but not more. Switches have both AC and
DC voltage ratings.
The ampere rating is the maximum continuous current that

a switch is designed to carry.
The short circuit withstand rating is maximum short-circuit

current that a safety switch can carry for a short time.
The interrupting rating is the maximum current that a fusible

switch can safely interrupt with the fuses designated for that
that switch.
Load break and horsepower ratings are assigned based on

successful completion of the UL testing sequences shown
in the accompanying tables.
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topics:
• Switch Types

VBII General Duty Safety Switches
VBII general duty safety switches are intended for use primarily on power
supplies rated at 240 VAC or less, where the available fault current is 100 kA
max. (with Class J, R, or T fuses) or 10 kA max. (with Class H fuses). They
can be supplied in a Type 1 (indoor) or Type 3R (outdoor) enclosure.
Fusible general-duty safety switches are available with two or three poles (both
with solid neutral). Non-fusible general duty safety switches are available with
two or three poles. All general duty switches have both cover and handle
padlocking capabilities.
General duty plug fuse type switches (not shown) are available for 120/240 or
240 volt applications. 1-pole and 2-pole versions are available are rated at 30
A. A separately supplied, 30 A Type S plug fuse is required. A 2-pole non-
fusible version is also available and is rated at 60 A.
Ampere ratings: 30, 60, 100, 200, 400, 600 A

Voltage ratings: 240 VAC/250 VDC
Fusible switches will accept the following UL class fuses:
• 30A “LF” - 30A max plug fuses
• 30-600A “GF” Class H or K standard
• 30-600A “GF” Class R with kit
• 100-600A “GF” Class J - move base
• 100-200A “GF” Class T with kit
• 400-600A “GF” Class T - move bases
VBII Heavy Duty Safety Switches
Heavy duty safety switches are intended for use in applications where one or
more of the following conditions apply:
1. Rugged construction, reliable performance, continuity of service and ease
of maintenance are emphasized.
2. Available fault currents higher than 10,000 A are likely to be encountered,
such as in manufacturing plants, mass production industries, and
commercial, institutional and other large buildings served by network
systems or transformers of higher capacities.
3. System voltage is 600V AC or DC max.
4. Type 12 or 4/4X enclosure is required.
Ampere ratings: 30, 60, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1200 A
Voltage ratings: 240, 480, 600 VAC; 250, 600 VDC
Fusible switches will accept the following UL class fuses:
• 30-600 A “HF” Class H or K Standard
• 30-600 A “HF” Class R with kit
• 30-200 A “HF” Class J - move base
• 100-200 A “HF” Class T with kit
• 400 A and 600 A “HF” Class R with kit
• 400 A and 600 A “HF” Class T with kit
• 400A (new design) “HF” Class J - move base (no kit required)
• 600 A, 240 V “HF” , Class J - move base to 600 V position and install kit
• 600 A, 600 V , Class J with kit
• 800-1200 A “HF” Class L or Class T with kit
VBII Heavy Duty Safety Switch Enclosures
Siemens offers a broad selection of heavy duty safety

switches with Type 1 or 3R enclosures. Selected
heavy duty safety switches are also available with
other enclosure types such as Types 4/4X stainless
steel with viewing window, Type 4X non-metallic, and
Type 12 with viewing window.
Siemens safety switches with a window for viewing

visible blade position and Type 4/4X stainless steel or
Type 12 enclosures are available with 30 to 400 A
ratings. The window also allows viewing of indicating
fuses for 30 to 200 A fusible switches.
Siemens heavy duty safety switches are also available

in 30 to 200 A ratings with 316 grade stainless steel
Type 4/4X enclosures with or without a viewing
window. These enclosures are more corrosion
resistant than the standard 304 grade stainless steel
enclosures. Type 316 stainless steel enclosures are
especially suited for environments containing a high
level of chlorine or other chemicals commonly
encountered in marine, waste management, food and
beverage, petrochemical, and mining applications.

Interlock Receptacle Safety Switches
Interlock receptacle safety switches provide a receptacle for

powering heavy-duty portable equipment such as refrigerated
trucks, welders, and other portable electric tools.
These switches are fitted with a Pyle National or similar

receptacle which is interlocked to prevent insertion or removal of
the plug when the switch is in the "on" position. The receptacle
prevents operation of switch if an incorrect plug is inserted.
Interlock receptacle safety switches are rated for 30, 60, and 100
amperes. These switches are available with Type 12 or 4/4X
enclosures.

VBII 4-Pole and 6-Pole Safety Switches
VBII 4-pole and 6-pole heavy-duty fusible and non-fusible safety

switches are available with current ratings of 30 to 200 amperes.
4-pole switches are available with either a Type 1 or Type 12/3R
enclosure. 6-pole switches are available with either a Type 12/3R
or Type 4X stainless steel enclosure.
These switches are commonly used as a disconnecting means

for 2-speed, 2-winding motors. A 4-pole switch is also used in 3-
phase, 4-wire circuits when a switching neutral is required.

Enclosed Photovoltaic Disconnect Switches
Solar disconnect switches are designed for use in DC photovoltaic power

generation circuits. These circuits are defined by article 690 of the NEC®
which requires the grounded conductor to be at ground potential at all
times, preventing it from being switched.
Siemens solar disconnect switches incorporate powerful magnets that

assist the double break switching action that quickly dissipates the very
hot arcs generated when a 600 VDC circuit is opened under load.
30-200 A, 600 VDC fusible and non–fusible switches are available in

Type 1 and 3R enclosures. They are provided with an additional
door-mounted warning label as required by the NEC and are supplied
with a factory-installed equipment ground bar. They are built to UL98
requirements but are UL listed in file number E335018 as UL1741
photovoltaic disconnect switches. These 3-pole switches are approved to
switch three separate 600 VDC circuits. The design incorporates many of
the standard VBII switch features.
400-600 A, 600 VDC fusible and non–fusible switches are available in a

Type 3R enclosure and are UL98B listed.
200 A, 1000 VDC fusible switches are available Type 1 and 3R

enclosures and are UL98B listed.

Double Throw Switches
Heavy duty, double throw, non-fusible switches are

available with current ratings of 30 to 1200 amps.
General duty, double throw, non-fusible switches are
available with current ratings of 100 or 200 amps.
Most products are available with a Type 1 or Type 3R
enclosure. A few versions are available with a
Type 12/3R or Type 4X enclosure.
Double throw switches are used to connect a single

power source to either of two loads or to transfer
loads from one power source to another.
For example, a critical piece of equipment often

needs a back-up power supply in case the main
power supply fails or needs maintenance.
In the accompanying example, a motor can be

connected through a double throw switch to power
supply A or power supply B. When the handle is in
the center position the switch is off and no power
flows to the motor. Moving the handle to the up
position connects the motor to power supply A.
Moving the handle to the down position connects the
motor to power supply B.
Safety Switch Accessories
Some of the accessories available for Siemens VBII safety

switches are shown in the accompanying illustration.
Heavy duty switches are UL approved to accept copper lug kits.

Equipment ground kits are available for general duty and heavy
duty switches. Isolated ground kits are also available for 30 to
600 A heavy duty switches. Some circuits with a high degree of
computer or other electronic loading require an isolated ground
to prevent interference from the building ground and neutral
lines.
Auxiliary contacts are available only for heavy duty switches.

They come with one normally open and one normally closed or
two normally open and two normally closed contacts. A PLC
auxiliary switch for 30 to 200 A switches is also available. It has
very low contact resistance, which is compatible with PLC
circuits.
Fuse puller kits are field installable in 30 to 100 A heavy duty

switches.
Class R fuse clips are used to prevent the installation of

noncurrent-limiting Class H or Class K fuses. All general and 30
to 600 A heavy duty switches are field convertible to accept
© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Class R fuse clip kits.
Page 2-18
VBII Safety Switch Catalog Numbers
Each VBII safety switch has a catalog

number. The catalog number provides a
description of the safety switch. There are
nine parts to the catalog number for a
Siemens VBII safety switch.
For example, as the accompanying chart

shows, a switch with the catalog number
HF364NRCUA has the following
characteristics:
• Switch Type: Heavy Duty

• Fused or Non-fused: Fused
• Number of Poles: 3
• Voltage Rating: 600V
• Ampere Rating: 200A
• Neutral: With Neutral
• Enclosure Type: 3R
• Special Application with: Factory-installed
Copper Lugs
• Series Type: 400A, 600A

VBII Safety Switch Accessories Catalog Numbers
Each type of safety switch accessory has a

catalog number. The catalog number
provides a description of the accessory.
There are five parts to the catalog number
for a Siemens VBII safety switch.
For example, as the accompanying chart

shows, an accessory with the catalog
number HR64NA has the following
characteristics:
• Switch Type: Heavy Duty

• Accessory Type: Class R – Fuse Clip Kit
• Voltage Rating: 600V
• Ampere Rating: 200A
• Series Type: 400A, 600A

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construction and hard-shell cases, they can be easily
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Course Completion
This course covered the following This course has covered the topics shown on the left.
Thank you for your efforts. You can complete this course by
topics: taking the final exam and scoring at least 70%.

• Introduction
• Fuses
• Enclosures
• Switch Types

Basics of Safety Switches

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Basics of Safety Switches

A quickSTEP Online Course

© Siemens industry, Inc. www.usa.siemens.com/step

UL® is a registered trademark of UL, LLC.

Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-2

Welcome to Safety Switches. This course

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-3

Upon completion of this course you will be able to…

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-4

Virtual Instructor-led Learning - Classroom lectures delivered in the convenience of your

Simulators - World-class simulation systems available for training or purchase

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-5

A safety switch is a common type of enclosed switch.

The enclosure provides a degree of protection to personnel

There are two families of Siemens safety switches, general

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-6

NEC® Article 430.102 requires a disconnecting means for

This disconnecting means can also serve as a

NEC® Article 430.102 includes an number of additional

Various types of devices can serve as the disconnecting

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-7

The term poles refers to circuits that pass through a switch.

The accompanying drawing, for example, shows a 3-pole

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-8

Symbols are used in a diagram to represent components.

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-9

Throw is the term used to specify the number of circuits to

Double throw switches are used to transfer loads from one

In the diagram on the left, with the switch in the up position,

In the diagram on the right, with the switch in the up

As shown in the top illustration, a non-fusible safety switch

Circuit protection must be provided by external overcurrent

As shown in the bottom illustration, a safety switch can be

Even when a fusible safety switch is used, additional circuit

This chapter covers the following

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-12

Current flow in a conductor always generates heat. The

A short circuit occurs when two bare conductors touch

An overload is a typically a much lower current than a short

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-13

When exposed conductors touch, a short circuit occurs, and

Ohm’s Law shows the relationship of current, voltage, and

When a short circuit occurs, resistance drops dramatically.

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-14

When a short circuit occurs in an unprotected circuit,

The maximum destructive energy let-through is a measure

A properly applied overcurrent protection device will

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-15

In general, the greater the amount of overcurrent, the more

When most motors start, they draw current in excess of

In the accompanying example, the motor’s starting current

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-16

Various NEC® articles discuss overcurrent protection.

• Article 210 covers branch circuits

It is beyond the scope of this course to cover this content,

© Siemens Industry, Inc. 2016 Page 1-17

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