Rockwell Automation introduces its new universal visible-blade disconnect switch

Photo by Rockwell International Corporation

Panel builders across industries have an increasingly global customer base, resulting in a broader range of standards that need to be met. To help reduce design complexity, Rockwell Automation announces the new universal visible-blade disconnect switch. The disconnect switch has global ratings of UL, CSA, CE and CCC.

The new Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1494U visible-blade disconnect switch provides capabilities for applications with 30, 60 and 100 amps. Rockwell Automation will be rounding out the Bulletin 1494U line this year, with ratings up to 600 amps.

“Panel builders are no longer working with customers in just one region,” said Jeff Depka, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “They need to meet a number of international standards. We designed and tested the new disconnect-switch family to be accepted globally.”

The Bulletin 1494U visible-blade disconnect switch provides visible confirmation that the switch is in the “on” or “off” position as it isolates motors, motor controllers and other loads from a supply circuit.

The switch covers all applications, thereby reducing needed inventory. Users can choose from a number of styles and options to meet their specific application needs, including nonfusible or fusible versions, and the fusible version provides short-circuit protection. The switch can also be connected for rod or cable operation. With the cable option, users also have the flexibility to mount the switch anywhere in the panel, regardless of the handle’s location.

Panel builders can take advantage of enhanced safety for customers with the optional back-of-hand protective cover for the line and load sides, as well as auxiliary contacts, for status notification to the control system. The disconnect switches are also NFPA 70-compliant – as the switch, operating mechanism and handle are connected at all times, whether the panel door is open or closed.

The new Bulletin 1494U disconnect switch saves users panel space with a 30 percent smaller footprint than previous offerings. In addition, the switch, mechanism and multitap lugs together have an industry-leading footprint that is almost 50 percent smaller than the footprint of previous combinations.

Aluminum lugs are standard on the universal disconnect switches, and accept copper and aluminum wiring for easier installation. Fuse clips are pre-installed for the fusible styles. With the multiport lug connector, users no longer have to wire through a distribution block and can instead connect wires directly to the disconnect switch.

For more information, please visit http://www.rockwellautomation.de.

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