Electrical Safety Switches in San Diego

Electrical Supplies Unlimited (ESU) buys and sells electrical safety switches for commercial, industrial and electrical contractor applications. We source new, used and surplus safety switches in a range of amperage ratings, voltage configurations and enclosure types. Whether you need a switch for a new installation, replacement equipment for an existing electrical system or a hard-to-find model, ESU can help locate the equipment you need.

Our safety switch offerings include ratings from approximately 15 amps to 600 amps, with voltage configurations commonly ranging from 240V to 480V. Available products vary by manufacturer and inventory. We also source indoor NEMA 1 and outdoor NEMA 3 enclosure configurations, depending on the application and equipment requirements.

What Are Electrical Safety Switches?

An electrical safety switch is a disconnecting device used to isolate electrical power from equipment, machinery or a section of an electrical system. It provides a means of disconnecting power so that qualified personnel can perform maintenance, service or repairs according to applicable safety procedures.

Safety switches are commonly installed near equipment that requires a local disconnecting means. Applications include commercial HVAC systems, industrial machinery, pumps, motors, manufacturing equipment and other electrical installations. The correct switch must be selected for the electrical load, voltage, environment and installation requirements.

Fusible and Non-Fusible Safety Switches

Electrical safety switches are generally available in two primary configurations: fusible and non-fusible.

Fusible safety switches contain fuse provisions and can provide overcurrent protection when equipped with the correct fuses. They are commonly used where the electrical system design calls for a fused disconnect to protect connected equipment and conductors.

Non-fusible safety switches provide a means of disconnecting electrical power but do not provide fuse-based overcurrent protection. They are used in applications where the required overcurrent protection is provided elsewhere in the electrical system.

Choosing between fusible and non-fusible equipment depends on the circuit design, connected load and applicable electrical requirements. ESU can help locate the requested equipment, but final selection and installation should be based on the manufacturer's specifications and the requirements of the project.

Indoor and Outdoor Safety Switches

Safety switches are manufactured with different enclosure ratings to accommodate their installation environments. ESU sources both indoor and outdoor configurations, including NEMA 1 and NEMA 3 enclosures.

NEMA 1 safety switches are generally intended for indoor locations where protection from incidental contact and falling dirt is required. They are commonly used in electrical rooms, equipment rooms and other suitable indoor installations.

NEMA 3 safety switches are designed for outdoor use and provide protection against specified environmental conditions, including rain and windblown dust. The exact enclosure rating must be appropriate for the installation environment. Locations exposed to additional moisture, corrosion or other conditions may require a different enclosure type.

Safety Switch Amperage and Voltage Ratings

ESU sources electrical safety switches across a range of current and voltage ratings. Available configurations include products from approximately 15 amps through 600 amps, with common voltage applications including 240V and 480V systems. Single-phase and three-phase equipment may also be available, depending on the model.

When replacing an existing safety switch, it is important to match more than the amperage rating. The replacement must be suitable for the system voltage, number of phases, pole configuration, fuse requirements, enclosure type and installation conditions. The switch's horsepower rating, where applicable, and other manufacturer specifications should also be checked for motor applications.

New, Used and Surplus Electrical Safety Switches

Electrical Supplies Unlimited offers sourcing options for new, used and surplus electrical safety switches. Surplus equipment can be a useful option for contractors and maintenance departments looking for discontinued products, replacement components or alternatives to standard distributor inventory.

ESU has more than 40 years of experience in the electrical supply industry, helping electricians and businesses locate electrical equipment from a variety of manufacturers. If you need a particular safety switch that is no longer readily available, we can help search for a matching model or identify possible sourcing options.

We also buy surplus electrical equipment. Contractors, electrical businesses and facilities with unused or decommissioned safety switches may contact ESU to discuss selling their inventory.

Related Electrical Equipment

Safety switches are often used alongside other electrical distribution and control equipment. ESU also supplies and sources electrical disconnects, motor controls, motor starters and panelboard switches.

For larger commercial electrical installations, visit our page on commercial service electrical equipment to learn more about the distribution equipment ESU buys and sells.

Buy or Sell Electrical Safety Switches at ESU

Whether you need a new safety switch, a used or surplus model, or a hard-to-find replacement for an existing installation, Electrical Supplies Unlimited can help. We serve electrical contractors, commercial businesses and industrial customers throughout San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties, and work with customers nationwide to source electrical equipment.

Call 858-558-2850 to ask about available safety switches or to discuss surplus equipment you would like to sell. When requesting a switch, have the manufacturer, catalog number, amperage, voltage, phase and enclosure information available whenever possible. Photographs of the equipment nameplate can also help us identify the correct model.