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How to Choose a 2-Position Selector Switch

A selector switch is turned to a position instead of pressed. If you need a third position, such as OFF between HAND and AUTO, choose a 3-position selector switch; for a function you start with a press, a momentary or latching pushbutton. For a 2-position switch, check these six points.

  • Operator. A short knob, a long knob or a key. Seen from the front, the short knob stays within the 29 mm round face and the long knob is 36 mm long. A keyed switch has no knob and changes position only with its key.
  • Action. Maintained switches stay in the position they are turned to; spring return switches turn back when released. See Maintained or Spring Return.
  • Illuminated or not. Illuminated knobs light with a 24 V LED in the knob color, red or green, and include the lamp holder. Non-illuminated knobs are red or black. Keyed switches are non-illuminated.
  • Contacts. Every PBS114 comes with one normally open (NO) contact, assembled. One more contact block can be added to the switch: NO or NC, sold separately.
  • Border and ring. Plastic or metal.
  • Environment, approvals and mounting. Rated IP65. CE and cURus, a UL recognized component for use in UL listed equipment. Fits a standard 22 mm hole.

Maintained or Spring Return

A 2-position selector switch either holds the position it is turned to or returns from it. A maintained switch, also called stay-put, suits a state or a mode that should last; a spring return switch acts like a momentary button and suits a short command. Mark each position with a legend plate such as OFF / ON or MANUAL / AUTO.

ActionUse it forPBS114 option
Maintained: stays where it is turned until it is turned back.A state or a mode, such as ON / OFF, AUTO / MANUAL or LOCAL / REMOTE.Short or long knob: plastic or metal, lit or unlit.
Key: Drawable or Non-Drawable, plastic or metal.
Spring return: turns back when released, so its contact changes only while held.A short command, such as JOG, TEST or RESET.Short or long knob: plastic or metal, lit or unlit.
Key: plastic or metal.

Selector Switch Accessories and Replacement Parts

Every PBS114 ships assembled with its contact and, on illuminated switches, the lamp holder. To finish the panel, add a legend plate frame labeled OFF / ON, MANUAL / AUTO, 0 1 or another pair of functions, add a normally open or normally closed contact block, and mount the switches in a pushbutton control station with 1 to 5 holes.

Should I choose a 2-position or a 3-position selector switch?

A 2-position switch has two positions and nothing between them, for choices such as OFF / ON or MANUAL / AUTO. If you need a third position, such as OFF between HAND and AUTO or between FORWARD and REVERSE, choose a 3-position selector switch.

Can I add a contact to a 2-position selector switch?

Yes. Every PBS114 ships with one normally open contact assembled, and one more contact block can be added to the switch: normally open (PB020001) or normally closed (PB020002), sold separately. To confirm which position the added contact switches in, contact our team.

Can a maintained selector switch restart a machine after a power cut?

It can. A maintained switch stays in its position while the power is off, so the circuit it switched can come back on when power returns. Where an unexpected restart could injure someone or damage equipment, start the machine with a momentary pushbutton instead, so it needs a new start command after the power comes back.

Can a selector switch turn a motor or the main power on and off?

Not directly. PBS114 is a control switch for control circuits: its contact is rated AC-15 for 6 A at 120 VAC and 3 A at 240 VAC. Let the selector switch control a contactor or motor starter that switches the motor, and use a disconnect switch to isolate the power.

Can an illuminated selector switch switch a 120 VAC circuit?

Yes. The contact on every PBS114, illuminated or not, is rated AC-15 for 6 A at 120 VAC and 3 A at 240 VAC, so it can switch an AC control circuit. The LED is rated 24 V, so it cannot run on 120 VAC.

What is a key selector switch for?

A keyed switch has no knob, so only someone with the key can change its position, for example a mode that only authorized staff should change. PBS114 keyed switches come maintained (Drawable or Non-Drawable) or spring return. For where the key can be removed, contact our team.