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Cam Switches Rotary Changeover Selector Switches | 10A-63A | Multi-Position
Isolator Switch - Cam Switch
KRIPAL manufactures cam-operated rotary switches in the UKC3 series for circuit selection, control switching and instrumentation applications in industrial control panels and equipment. These switches use a cam-driven contact mechanism where rotating the handle turns a shaped cam that opens and closes individual contact elements in a programmed sequence, enabling complex switching functions such as ammeter and voltmeter selection, motor control (forward/reverse/stop), star-delta starting, and multi-speed motor control. Available with rated thermal currents from 10A to 63A at 400V AC, the UKC3 can accommodate up to 12 contact elements on a single switch body with switching angles of 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. The modular build-up design allows the switch to be configured for specific applications by selecting the number of contact elements, the switching program (make-before-break or break-before-make), and the handle type (knob, lever or key-operated). Certified to IEC 60947-3 and IEC 60947-5-1 for control circuit devices, KRIPAL cam switches are used extensively by panel builders for motor control, instrumentation switching and process control applications.
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UKTN Series Rotary Changeover Switch 20A 3 Position IP65 Cam Switch
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UKT Series rotary switches are engineered for reliable performance in circuits up to 440V AC, 50Hz.
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Ask a QuoteCam Switch Selection Guide: Multi-Position Switching for Industrial Control
A cam switch (also called a rotary cam switch) is a multi-position switching device where the contact sequence is determined by the shape of a rotating cam rather than by the handle position directly. Each cam lobe pushes against a contact bridge, opening or closing the circuit at a precise angular position. By stacking multiple contact elements on a common shaft, each with its own cam profile, the switch can execute a predetermined sequence of contact operations as the handle is rotated through its positions. The cam profiles are cut to order at the factory per the customer’s switching program specification. This selection guide covers switching programs, contact ratings, handle types and application-specific configurations.
UKC3 Cam Switch Series Technical Specifications
Switching Programs and Contact Configuration
The cam profiles define the switching program: which contacts are closed at each handle position. Standard programs include ON-OFF (1-0, single circuit switching), changeover (1-0-2, selecting between two circuits), ammeter switch (connecting one ammeter to three phase CTs in sequence), voltmeter switch (L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L1, OFF positions), and motor control programs (forward-OFF-reverse, star-delta-OFF). Each contact element is a double-break design with silver-alloy contacts, rated for AC-21A (resistive) and AC-15 (electromagnetic loads up to 72VA). The contact elements are assembled on a common shaft with spacers, and the complete switch stack is secured by through-bolts. The switching program is defined by a “contact development diagram” showing the closed contacts at each handle position, which the customer specifies when ordering.
Handle Types and Panel Mounting
The UKC3 is available with knob handles (standard black or red-yellow emergency scheme, suitable for panel door mounting), lever handles (for applications requiring higher operating torque, such as spring-return to OFF), and key-operated handles (for security applications where the switching function must be restricted to authorized personnel, with the key removable in specified positions). The handle mechanism includes a detent that provides positive tactile feedback at each switching position, and the number of positions (2, 3, 4 or more) is determined by the detent plate. Spring-return mechanisms are available for applications where the handle must automatically return to a defined position when released (for example, a motor jogging control where the handle is spring-return from the JOG position to OFF).
Motor Control Applications
The UKC3 is extensively used for motor control switching. A forward-reverse (FWD-OFF-REV) switch for a three-phase motor uses 6 contact elements: 3 for the forward contactor coil circuit (interlocked with the reverse contactor) and 3 for the reverse contactor coil circuit. A star-delta starter switch uses a 3-position program (STAR-OFF-DELTA) with contacts that first energize the star contactor and the main contactor (connecting the motor windings in star for reduced starting current), then after a timed transition, open the star contactor and close the delta contactor (connecting the windings in delta for full-voltage running). A two-speed motor switch (Dahlander winding) uses contacts that reconfigure the motor winding connections between low-speed and high-speed configurations.
Instrumentation and Measurement Switching
Ammeter switches (AS) and voltmeter switches (VS) are standard UKC3 configurations for switchboard instrumentation. An AS-3 (3-phase ammeter switch) has 4 positions (OFF-L1-L2-L3) and uses make-before-break contacts to ensure the CT secondary circuit is never open-circuited during switching (an open-circuited CT can generate dangerous voltages). A VS-3 (3-phase voltmeter switch) measures L1-L2, L2-L3 and L3-L1 voltages with a single voltmeter, using 4 positions (OFF-L12-L23-L31). These switches reduce the number of panel instruments required (one ammeter and one voltmeter instead of three of each), saving panel space and cost while still providing access to all phase measurements.
Configure Your Cam Switch Application
- Switching Program Design: Describe your switching sequence and our engineers design the cam profiles and contact configuration.
- Contact Development Diagram: We provide a diagram showing the switch contact states at each position for your panel schematic integration.
- OEM Supply: Source UKC3 switches pre-configured for your standard panel designs with part numbers for repeat ordering.
Rotary Switching for Control Panels, Generator Transfer and Instrument Selection
KRIPAL UKC3 cam switches provide the multi-position, multi-contact switching capability for motor control, instrumentation and process control applications in industrial panels. From the forward-reverse switch on a workshop machine tool to the ammeter selector switch on a main switchboard, the UKC3’s configurable cam profiles and modular contact stack design deliver exactly the switching sequence required for each application.
Machine Tool Motor Control
A lathe, milling machine or drilling machine uses a UKC3 forward-reverse switch to control the spindle motor direction. The switch has 3 positions (FWD-OFF-REV) and the contact program ensures that the forward and reverse contactor coils can never be energized simultaneously (mechanical and electrical interlock). The switch is mounted on the machine control panel at the operator’s workstation, with a lever handle that can be operated while wearing work gloves. The spring-return from FWD and REV to OFF provides automatic motor stop when the operator releases the handle, a safety feature for machine tools where the operator may need to stop the spindle quickly.
Main Switchboard Ammeter and Voltmeter Selection
A factory main switchboard uses UKC3 ammeter and voltmeter selector switches to monitor all three phases with a single analog ammeter and voltmeter. The AS-3 switch sequentially connects the ammeter to each phase CT secondary, with make-before-break contacts ensuring the CT secondaries are never open-circuited. The VS-3 switch connects the voltmeter across each phase pair (L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L1). The panel operator rotates the switches to check each phase in sequence, recording the values in the switchboard logbook. The key-operated handle option prevents unauthorized personnel from switching the CT circuits.
Pump Duty-Standby Selection
A water pumping station uses a UKC3 duty-standby selector switch to designate which of two pumps is the duty (lead) pump and which is the standby (lag). The switch has 3 positions (PUMP1 AUTO / OFF / PUMP2 AUTO) and the contacts select which pump’s starter circuit is enabled. In the AUTO positions, the duty pump starts automatically on a level signal from the tank float switch, and if the duty pump fails to start (confirmed by a flow switch), the control system automatically starts the standby pump. The OFF position disables both pumps for maintenance. The key-operated handle prevents unauthorized duty changeover, ensuring the pump running hours are balanced per the maintenance schedule.
HVAC System Mode Selection
A building HVAC control panel uses a UKC3 mode selector switch with positions for HEAT-OFF-COOL-AUTO. In HEAT, the switch enables the boiler and heating pump circuits; in COOL, it enables the chiller and chilled water pump; in AUTO, it enables both and the building management system selects heat or cool based on the outdoor air temperature. The multi-deck contact stack accommodates the 8-12 circuits that must be switched for a complete HVAC mode change, all driven by a single handle rotation. The switch simplifies the operator interface and reduces the risk of selecting conflicting modes compared to separate switches for each function.
Generator Control Panel Mode Selection
A standby generator control panel uses a UKC3 mode selector switch with positions for AUTO-TEST-OFF. In AUTO, the generator controller monitors the utility supply and automatically starts the generator on failure; in TEST, the generator starts and runs on load for the weekly test run without transferring the load from the utility; in OFF, the generator is disabled and cannot start. The contacts enable the appropriate control circuits for each mode, and the key-operated handle prevents the switch from being left in OFF after maintenance (the key can only be removed in AUTO).
Configure Cam Switches for Your Panel
- Application Configuration: Describe your required switching sequence and our engineers specify the UKC3 contact configuration and cam program.
- Panel Integration: Request 2D panel cutout drawings and wiring diagrams for your specific UKC3 configuration.
- OEM Supply: Source UKC3 switches pre-configured for your standard panel designs with dedicated part numbers.
KRIPAL Cam Switch Manufacturing: Precision Cam Mechanisms
KRIPAL cam switches are manufactured on a dedicated rotary switch assembly line where the cam-operated contact stacks, multi-position detent mechanism, and panel-mount or enclosure housing are produced, assembled, and tested. Each cam switch undergoes contact sequence verification and dielectric testing for global multi-position switching and control circuit applications.
Cam-Operated Contact Stack Assembly
The cam switch contact mechanism uses a series of cam discs mounted on a common shaft that actuate double-break contact pairs according to a programmed switching sequence. Cams are precision-molded from reinforced thermoplastic with the switching profile verified on an optical comparator. Contact stacks are assembled with silver-nickel contacts rated for the specified operational current.
Multi-Position Detent Mechanism with Positive Indexing
The detent mechanism providing discrete switching positions (2, 3, 4, or more positions with maintained or spring-return action) is assembled with a hardened steel index plate and spring-loaded roller. Detent torque and position accuracy are verified on every switch, with the mechanical life rated at 100,000 operations minimum per IEC 60947-3.
Contact Sequence and Switching Program Verification
Each cam switch undergoes a contact sequence test where a programmable tester rotates the switch through all positions and verifies the make/break pattern of every contact against the specified switching program. Standard programs include voltmeter selection (V0-V1-V2-V3), ammeter selection, ON-OFF-ON changeover, and step control sequences.
Dielectric Withstand and Insulation Testing
Every cam switch undergoes dielectric withstand testing at 2500V AC between open contacts, between adjacent contact stacks, and between live parts and the mounting panel or handle. Insulation resistance is measured at 500V DC with a minimum acceptable value of 5 megaohms per IEC 60947-3 for new, clean switches.
Distributor Stock Holding Programs for Cam Switches
KRIPAL supports distributor inventory programs with agreed stock levels for standard cam switch models including voltmeter and ammeter selection switches, changeover switches, and step switches. Custom contact sequence configurations are available with defined lead times.
Private Label and OEM Branding for Cam Switches
Custom front-plate engraving, OEM part numbering, and distributor-branded packaging are available. KRIPAL supports the supply of cam switches with customer-specified switching program diagrams pre-configured at the factory.
Multi-Region Certification and Compliance Support
CE, UKCA, and IEC 60947-3 EN 60947-3 compliance documentation is provided according to target export markets. Technical documentation files including switching program diagrams are maintained and updated in line with evolving regulatory requirements.
Direct Technical Access to KRIPAL Production Engineers
Your technical team communicates with the engineers who designed and assembled your cam switches. Application questions including custom switching program design and contact rating for specific loads receive answers within 24 hours during China business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore FAQ >A cam switch uses rotating cam lobes to actuate electrical contacts in a programmed sequence, enabling multi-position switching from a single rotary control. Common applications include manual-auto-off motor control and generator changeover.
KRIPAL cam switches support 2 to 12 positions with custom switching programs. The number of positions depends on the contact arrangement and cam profile specified.
Break-before-make (BBM) opens the first contact before closing the second, preventing momentary short circuits. Make-before-break (MBB) bridges both contacts momentarily, used where uninterrupted circuit connection is required during switching.
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