SANTON’S SWITCHES AND SWITCHGEAR

1000V DC switching

IP68 waterproof enclosures

ATEX dust explosion proof

Heat resistant up to 400°C

Isolators with positive flag indication

Chemical resistant

Shock and vibration proof

Mechanical robust housings

Steel works

Chemical works

Food processing plants

Cement production plants

Railways, Trains, trams and metro’s

Tunnels, (underground) car parks

Machine building

Power plants and Power distribution

Defence industry

Ships and offshore installations

Solar (PV) installations

Packet switchesG e n e r a l

A – BC1 16A A.C. / D.C. 3P BASEMOUNTING BC1H 25A A.C. / D.C. 3P BASEMOUNTINGB – BC3 40A A.C. / D.C. 3P BASEMOUNTINGC – C6H 63A A.C. / D.C. 3P BASEMOUNTINGD – C10H 125A A.C. / D.C. 3P BASEMOUNTINGE – C20H 250A A.C. / D.C. 3P BASEMOUNTING

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THE UNIQUE CONCEPT...WHAT YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW

The packet switch catalogue is in two parts, the informative

part ‘General’ catalogue and a review of the standard switches in part

‘Catalogue’.

In ‘General’ you will find information regarding the specific characteristics

of the packet switch along with technical data and an overview of acces-

sories. Furthermore in this part an indication of the many types of special

switches is given.

The entire standard range from 16A to 1000A in A.C. and D.C. can be found

in ‘Catalogue’. This catalogue includes type numbers, diagrams and

dimensioned drawings of ‘Off/On’, Changeover, Step, Group, Motor and

Meter switches.

Santon has been manufacturing packet switches since the

early 1920’s and the vast experience gathered over the years

benefits you the customer in the shape of: constant high levels

of quality and a great flexibility in the production of special,

custom made switches.

A number of interesting features belong to the unique concept

of the Santon packet switch; features rarely found in other

rotary switches.

These special features make our switches suitable for unfriend-

ly environments, controlling difficult loads, for the execution of

different mechanical builds and increasingly for applications

in electronics.

A B C D E

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Packet switches supplied in heavy duty polyester enclosures are cal-

led the ‘Citadel’ series. These 'Citadel' switches are suitable for extre-

me conditions, such as the ‘HR’ Heat resistant and ‘Citadel’s’ for IP65 to

IP68 and can be found in the seperate brochure 'Citadel Catalogue'.

There are applications in which a cam switch is given preference

over a packet switch; for instance, where more than 4 positions are

required or where the operating environment is not too arduous.

Santon is the only manufacturer’s in this market, who with both the

packet and cam switch in its production are in a position to offer

objective advice.

For cam switches seperate catalogues are available.

C30 400A A.C. 300A D.C. 3P Base / Panel mounting C50 500A A.C. 500A D.C. 2P Base / Panel mounting

C80 1000A A.C. 800A D.C. 3P Base / Panel mountingCam switch as a voltmeter change over switch, 7 positions

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ROBUST CONSTRUCTION...DUE TO ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT

spring occurring, it remains possible to open and/or close the switch.

MOUNTING POSSIBILITIES

We offer three mounting possibilities:

To ensure the correct location of the switch position the switch must,

in all three cases, be mounted in such a way that, when viewed from

the handle end, the green sealing was is on the right side of the switch

spindle while the white sealing was is on its left side.

THE SWITCH ELEMENT

The principle of a packet switch, is formed by a double bladed

‘rotor’ moving contact bridge, which connects two ‘stator’

terminals. The knife shaped fixed contacts are clasped by

the blades of the bridge. Switching takes place by turning the

bridge with an insulated spindle. During switching, the contact

surfaces wipe each other clean. The bridge and fixed contacts

are positioned between two insulated discs, which together

form the switch chamber, the so-called ‘packet’. The cam

switch works on an entirely different principle: In the closed

position, the moveable contact bridge is pressed onto the fixed

contacts by means of springs, a cam on the rotating spindle

pushes the contact bridge against the pressure of the springs,

away from the fixed contacts, this opens the contacts but there

is no wiping cleaning action between the contact surfaces.

MECHANISMS

The A.C. mechanism gives a slow break quick make action.

Although the speed of operation is only “semi independent” on

the hand operation of the switch, the two pullsprings do assist

the closing of the contacts and ensure positive positioning.

With the D.C. mechanism the operating springs are tensioned

by the hand operation through a 90 arc, at the end of which the

stored energy is released to drive the contacts at a fast speed,

independent of the hand operation. This gives a quick make

and break switching action necessary for D.C. switching. This

mechanism can also be used for A.C. applications. It applies to

both mechanisms that in the unlikely event of a rupture of the

A B

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A - Switch element of a packet switch, contacts closed.

B - Switch element of a packet switch, contacts open

1. Fixed contact and terminal. 2. Rotating contact bridge in sandwich construc-

tion. 3. Insulated chamber. 4. Arc shields (fibres) 5. Room for the insulated steel

operating shaft. 6. Arc path.

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a. Base mounting

The switch is attached by its base plate. The terminals are angled to be

accessible from the front handle end.

b. Panel mounting

The switch is attached by its top plate, the terminals are angled to

be accessible from the rear base end. With this type of mounting the

mounting plate is provided with different holes. In general, of the 2

holes 1 will be used. When mounting switches of a greater length, one

can also make use of the slotted holes.

c. Combination panel and base mounting (Universal)

This attachment is standard for switches ranging from 63A to 1000A.

The terminals with these switches are in horizontal position. For

switches up to and including 40 A, a combination of panel and base

mounting is available on request.

THE CONCEPT

Several packets are assembled with the insulated spindle,

a mechanism and a frame into a complete switch. An extre-

mely robust finished product is achieved due to the base plate,

frame bolts, mechanism, spindle and top plate being made of

carefully selected and electrolytically galvanised steel; this is

as opposed to cam switches where for most of these compo-

nents, plastic is used.

Switch element of a cam switch, with one contact closed and one

contact open.

1. Fixed contact with terminal. 2. Moving contact bridge. 3. Contact pres-

sure springs. 4. Plastic cam follower. 5. Rotating plastic cam. 6. Plastic shaft

part. 7. Insulated chamber. 8. Arc path.

A - A.C. Mechanism1. Continuous operating shaft2. Starwheel3. Nylon positioning wheel4. Pullspring5. Springholder

B - A.C. / D.C. Mechanism1. Operating shaft2. Switch operating shaft3. Set driving springs4. Locking spring5. Driving plate6. Locking plate

A B

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SPECIAL FEATURES

The concept and the materials used ensure that our packet

switch combines a number of special features.

The rotation of the contact bridge has a self cleaning effect on

the contact surfaces, thus pollution caused by dust or grease

deposit and even soot formation is prevented from having

an adverse effect on the contact resistance. Not only is this

beneficial when switching heavier loads but also it increases

reliability under very low currents and voltages.

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES...DUE ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT

• In electronics a reliable contact, especially for change over signals

for plc’s is being more and more appreciated and the excellent conti-

nuity provided by the Santon packet switch is perfect for this and many

similar applications.

• The sandwich construction for the contact bridge provides under

influence of electro-magnetic forces, an increased contact pressure

with greater electric currents. In other words, no danger of the sepa-

ration causing arcing or welding under heavy starting currents or with

short circuit conditions. Because of this the packet switch is ideal

when a reliable high making capacity is needed.

• The choice of the materials and the big contact surfaces result in

a switch which, with regard to its dimensions, offers a high thermal

capacity. This means that there are often sufficient reserves present

to allow for higher ambient temperatures. Many of Santon's switches

are therefore able to operate in surroundings of 80C.

Control panel with two interlocked switches, to customers' specification.

Combination switch consisting of 6 pole main circuit 125A, 9 pole maincircuit 40A and 22 pole auxiliary circuit 16A

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• The long arcing path, doubled because of the two-sided interruption,

and the powerful quick break mechanism, make the switch suitable

for direct current switching and also for inductive and capacitive A.C.

loads.

• The direction of movement of the rotating contact in relation to

the fixed contact, together with the design of both, guarantee that

a possible spark when switching off under load, will be confined to

the leading/trailing edges of the contacts and will leave the actual

contact surfaces unharmed; this in contrast to what takes place with

cam switches: where, the spark will be created exactly between the

contact points.

• This characteristic, combined with the long switching route and the

crisp switching moment, provides a switch with a high rupturing capa-

city. Therefore, for many types, the acceptable motor load (application

category AC23) is equal to the thermal nominal current rating. With

cam switches, in general, a drastic reduction must be applied.

• It is thanks to the sandwich construction that the electrical contacts

are shock and vibration proof. Under the influence of an acceleration,

both contact blades will have the tendency to move in the same direc-

tion. Since the fixed contact is between the blade, one will press har-

der if the other should want to move away. And a spark will be created

in the middle of the contact points.

• The robust construction of mechanism and frame complete the

assembly into a shock proof unit which manages to withstand acce-

lerations up to 200G in 6 different directions, without interrupting the

electrical circuits and without any damage. This is why Santon packet

switches are found on ships, dredgers, submarines, trains and vibra-

ting machines amongst others.

Assortment of escutcheon plates, handles and levers.

1. Plastic triple padlocking devices. 2. Stainless steel triple padlocking devi-ces. 3. doorcouplings, with or without door interlock. 4. Handle with central keylock. 5. Watertight operating shaft glands (IP67 / 68)

1. Switches with electro-magnetic interlocking device. 2. Switches with mechanical interlock. 3. Switch with mechanical door interlock for motor con-trol centre. 4. Doorcoupling for switch 3 above.

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NUMEROUS VARIATIONS...DUE TO ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT

Not only can the packet switch, thanks to its steel components,

withstand quite a lot of rough handling, but it is also suitable for

many special uses. An extra large switch with, for example, 180

contacts is therefore no problem. The fixing of additional cams or

any other accessory for the operation of other elements or for loc-

king is easily achieved, as is the fixing of bolt-on auxiliary switches

or the mounting of several switch columns.

SPECIFICATIONS AND TESTING

During the construction of Santon packet switches, various natio-

nal and international regulations are taken into account, such as:

NEN DE BS and IEC

Many authorities have tested our packet switches and depending

on the type and model, reports or certificates are available. Cam operated microswitch as an auxiliary built on a 800A packet switch.

1. Switch 16A with fast-on terminals. 2. Switch with terminal shrouds 40A.3. Various terminal shrouds 16-125A.

Device to operate simultaneously a switch 16A and 2 airvalves 6 ATO

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A. A6 Column, 200 poles, 16A with padlocking deviceB. 4 Column selector switch 40 poles 16A

1. D.C. switch 125A, 4 positions, to be operated either by handwheel or by electric motor. 2. Switch 40A operated by rotating pneumatic cylinder. 3. A.C. switches to be operated by rotating electro magnatic coils. The mutual locking device between the switches is also operated by a rotating magnetic coil.

D.C. fused combination switch 125A, with built on non-moving fuses, having double interruption on both sides (thus quadruple interruption per pole). The unit is provided with position indicator, right angle operation, doorcoupling and padlocking device, similar switches could be manufactured for ratings from 16 to 630A in 2, 3 or 4 poles.

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1. 40A switch with extra long operating shaft. 2. Some special shaped shafts. 3. A.C. switch with spring return. 4. Push-return operated A.C. switch 16A.

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To name a few:

TÜV, KEMA, Lloyd’s Register of a Shipping, Bureau Veritas,

Germanischer Lloyd, Nemko, Demko and Semko.

In addition to this, Santon packet switches have also been approved by

various military authorities such as the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Land

Force (U.K.), Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (Germany) and

the Marina Militare (Italy).

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Within the framework of our general quality assurance policy, not only do

we pay careful attention to the components used, but our switches are

also subjected to various tests on a regular basis.

Every packet switch that you receive from Santon has been checked

before sending out and provided with a green and white wax seal on the

frame bolts. Santon guarantees the proper functioning of the switch for a

period of one year, providing the seal has not been broken.

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PROVEN IN PRACTICE...DUE TO ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT

switches, varying in size from 16 A to 1000 A for alternating as well

as for direct current, are specified in their list of materials. Special

demands are asked of this type of switch. They have to be shock-proof,

anti-magnetic, waterproof to 100 kPa and they must have a synthetic

housing with a Faraday cage.

For the rolling stock throughout Europe: Shock and vibration resistancy

of switches is very important, that’s why on many trains Santon is

the standard and is also used to open and close doors and operating

railway bridges. For Metro's, Santon produced a number of multipole

switches with complex switching sequences. Santon's solution is a

unit with four switching barrels. Steel manufacturing companies use

Citadel cases with padlocking-latching devices. Enclosed packet swit-

ches are also supplied to a number of electricity suppliers throughout

Europe.

Santon manufactures it’s packet switches for the most har-

duous and complex. Santon's packet switches often have to

operate under very extreme circumstances. The excellent

engineered basic construction and appropriately selected

materials are a starting-point of this reliable product.

A switch is often considered a minor part of a larger system;

of course this is true, but it detracts nothing from the reliability

of the switch.

After all the weakest link in a chain determines its strength.

From this concept Santon started to develop and manufacture

packet switches, initially for applications in the shipping indus-

try. Alterations and modifications were amongst the first orders

and therefore custom made. The experience for which we

became well known, has evolved to what the Santon switch

has become today: the most produced and reliable packet

switch in the world.

THE BEST PROOF: PRACTICE

By proving it’s quality in the market place, Santon acquired

a good name and a vast assortiment of products. Experience

is also the best teacher. What would seem to be a difficult

problem for a client, is for Santon a recognizable practical

situation, Santon has grown to be importer, manufacturer and

supplier of complete switch-systems, developed in our own

company, built in our own company and using the best compo-

nents on the market.

You will find users of the Santon packet switch in many areas

of business, the navy for instance; a large amount of Santon

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SERIAL-PRODUCTION VS CUSTOM-MADE

Santon has succeeded to produce competitive switches not only in

large quantities but in singles as well. Many switches are produced to

a client’s specification. Producing custom-made has become a speci-

ality of Santon. It has become increasingly important to keep up with

today’s changes in legislation and demands, such as “CE”-marking

and verification of products meeting new IEC-standards have been a

priority with Santon for many years.

Evidently, building one single switch to a particular specification can

have more value than standard off-the-shelf switches. Santon supplies

a broad range of standard switches. For standard problems there are

standard solutions but in many cases and for other manufacturers

these standard solutions are not possible and Santon has become the

specialist in custom made non standard switches, designed and tested

for the clients purpose.

Whatever the quantity, we keep the price-level attractive.

Quality and reliability of the switch is the Santon name. Coupled with

our unique archiving system in which every switch is preserved in con-

cept, repeat orders and inquiries are dealt with efficiently and speedily.

This system has resulted in our achieving the ISO 9001 accreditation,

with which Santon puts the last piece of the switch into place.