Power management company Eaton today announced the launch of its double-door, line-side isolation switch, the industry’s first compartmentalized, fusible safety switch. The latest in Eaton’s growing family of safety switching devices, the new switch features an innovative two-door design with an internal barrier that isolates the fuse base from line-side power, enhancing the safety of work environments for equipment operators.

“At Eaton, our engineers are constantly seeking ways to improve the safety of our products for those who interact with them every day,” said John Alexander, product manager, Eaton. “With our new double-door safety switch, our engineers have provided a solution to a common concern for maintenance personnel, who often risk exposure to line-side voltage when replacing fuses in safety switches. We’re proud to deliver the benefits of improved safety for workers and simplified general maintenance and testing.”

Eaton’s new double-door, line-isolation switch provides lowered exposure, enhanced safety and improved uptime when accessing the load-side fuse compartment. Additionally, the new switch enables maintenance personnel to:

·       Observe the position of the movable blades within the switch base: External viewing window and enhanced visible blade components allow observation of whether the circuit is open or closed.

·       Prevent doors from being opened when the switch is energized: An interlocking mechanism keeps the door closed when the handle is in the ON position, while a defeat mechanism enables user access when necessary.

·       Maintain line isolation from incoming line-side cables within the fuse compartment: A barriered wireway for bottom feed applications can be removed for top exit.

·       Simplify testing and maintenance: Screw-down fasteners on the upper switch compartment add an extra layer of safety, while an optional lower viewing window provides visibility into fuses with blown fuse indicators.

·       Increase flexibility to meet application needs: Double-door designs accept many safety switch accessories and are available with the following ratings:

o   30 A through 1200 A

o   240 Vac and 600 Vac

o   NEMA© Type 12/3R and 4/4X enclosures

Eaton’s double-door, line-side isolation switch was developed in Eaton’s Switching Device Flex Center. Based in Cleveland, Tennessee, the facility designs and modifies safety switches, enclosed circuit breakers and rotary disconnects for needs that are not met by standard products. Products developed in the Flex Center are specially designed for harsh environments or enhanced safety and customer convenience, or are custom products for specific customer applications.

Visit Eaton.com/doubledoor to learn more about double-door, line-side isolation switch. Additionally, click here to learn more about Eaton’s complete family of switching device solutions. For more information, visit Eaton.com.