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3-Position Selector Switches

3-position selector switches turn to one of three positions, a center position between two outer ones, to choose between modes such as HAND, OFF and AUTO. Maple Systems PBS115 selector switches are 22 mm panel-mount switches, IP65 rated and cURus recognized, with a short knob, a long knob or a key, maintained or spring return, illuminated (24 V LED) or non-illuminated, plastic or metal, each with two NO contacts.

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How to Choose a 3-Position Selector Switch

A selector switch is turned to a position instead of pressed. A 3-position switch adds a center position, often OFF, between two outer positions. If two positions are enough, choose a 2-position selector switch; for a function you start with a press, a momentary or latching pushbutton. For a 3-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. The keyed switch has no knob, changes position only with its key, and comes maintained with a metal border and ring.
  • 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. The keyed switch is non-illuminated.
  • Contacts. Every PBS115 comes with two normally open (NO) contacts, assembled. One more contact block can be added to the switch: NO or NC, sold separately.
  • Border and ring. Plastic or metal; the keyed switch is metal only.
  • 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.
Configure Selector Switch
Maple Systems Pushbuttons Non-illuminated, Selector Switch-3POS, Short Knob, Plastic, Red, PBS115MP22R-20
Short knob: red or black, maintained or spring return.
Maple Systems Pushbuttons Non-illuminated, Selector Switch-3POS, Long Knob, Plastic, Red, PBS115NP22R-20
Long knob: a 36 mm knob, maintained or spring return.
Maple Systems Pushbuttons Non-Illuminated, 3POS Keyed Selector Switch-Drawable, Metal, PBS115SM22N-20
Key: no knob; maintained, with a metal border and ring.
Maple Systems Pushbuttons Illuminated, Selector Switch-3-POS, Short Knob, Plastic, Green, PBS115MP22G-20L2
Illuminated knob: red or green, with a 24 V LED.

Maintained or Spring Return

A 3-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 the three positions with a legend plate such as MANUAL / OFF / AUTO or FORWARD / OFF / REVERSE.

ActionUse it forPBS115 option
Maintained: stays where it is turned until it is turned back.A choice that should last, such as HAND / OFF / AUTO, FORWARD / OFF / REVERSE or HIGH / OFF / LOW.Short or long knob: plastic or metal, lit or unlit.
Key: Drawable, 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.

Selector Switch Accessories and Replacement Parts

Every PBS115 ships assembled with its two contacts and, on illuminated switches, the lamp holder. To finish the panel, add a legend plate frame labeled MANUAL / OFF / AUTO, FORWARD / OFF / REVERSE, HIGH / OFF / LOW or another set of three positions, add a normally open or normally closed contact block, and mount the switches in a pushbutton control station with 1 to 5 holes.

View All Pushbutton Accessories
Maple Systems Pushbuttons-Accessories- NO Contact Block (Normally Open) - PB020001
NO Contact Block
Maple Systems Pushbuttons-Accessories- NC Contact Block (Normally Closed) - PB020002
NC Contact Block
Maple Systems pre labeled legend plate frames - PB04020L
MANUAL / OFF / AUTO Legend Plate
Maple Systems pre labeled legend plate frames - PB04022L
FORWARD / OFF / REVERSE Legend Plate
Maple Systems pre labeled legend plate frames - PB04021L
HIGH / OFF / LOW Legend Plate
Maple Systems PB01002A - Double white control box assembled
Control Station

3-Position Selector Switch FAQs

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

Choose 3 positions when the switch needs a third choice, usually OFF between two others, such as HAND / OFF / AUTO or FORWARD / OFF / REVERSE. For two choices, such as OFF / ON or MANUAL / AUTO, choose a 2-position selector switch.

What is a hand-off-auto (HOA) switch?

A 3-position selector switch marked HAND, OFF and AUTO. In HAND the equipment runs from the switch, in OFF it is stopped, and in AUTO an automatic control, such as a PLC, a float switch or a timer, runs it. A MANUAL / OFF / AUTO legend plate marks the positions. To confirm which contact closes in which position on a PBS115, contact our team.

Can I add a contact to a 3-position selector switch?

Yes. Every PBS115 ships with two normally open contacts 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. PBS115 is a control switch for control circuits: its contacts are 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 contacts on every PBS115, illuminated or not, are rated AC-15 for 6 A at 120 VAC and 3 A at 240 VAC, so they 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. The PBS115 keyed switch, PBS115SM22N-20, is maintained, with a metal border and ring. For where the key can be removed, contact our team.

Not sure which selector switch fits your panel?

Tell us what each position needs to do and your control voltage, and our team will help you choose.

Contact Our Team