IEC Selector Switch

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm struggling to use the IEC selector switch icons to generate an appropriate 3-position / single pole / triple ganged type configuration. Can anyone help me convert the attached switch drawing to an IEC type implementation please?

Richard

[vladop]

I send you parent and child block.

Insert parent for the first pole and child for all others.

Vlado

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the components, however they seem to have only 2 selectable contacts rather than the three required.

Richard

[vladop]

Insert parent block as first pole, child block for second pole and another child for third pole.

Link them all with Link components with Dashed Line command.

See attachment.

Vlado

[Anonymous]

Hi,

That's fine. I've added an additional contact to both the parent and child components to give the required number of contacts i.e. 1 pole and 3 throws.

Thanks very much for helping me out.

Richard

[Icemanau]

I find the IEC style of selector switch symbols confusing. So do all of the other electricians I work with. There is nothing to show what the contact position is in multiple positions. Most dwgs in Australia use the symbols I've attached as they show the contact states for each position. This actually makes it easier for fault finding or testing as the electrician can see  what the switch actually does on each contact.

Regards Brad

[vladop · Accepted solution]

See attached image with position labels marked.

Vlado

[Icemanau]

That part is easy to understand. The part that is confusing is HOW to tell what contacts are closed in what positions.

For example, a 3 position selector switch has 6 individual contact states for each contact.

1,

2,

3,

1,2,

2,3

1,3

(number is position that contact is closed in)

How do you show those states when all you have is a changeover, n/o or n/c contact?

Regards Brad

[vladop]

On the attached image 3 positions are shown separately.

Because contacts are show in OFF position, line above OFF label is continuous.

Above other two position labels (AUTO and MANUAL) lines are dashed.

Vlado

[Icemanau]

All your examples have one contact closing in one position. What if you need a contact closing in TWO positions. There is nothing in the IEC symbol to show this. The additional switch position I've added to your file shows what I mean. The IEC symbol fails when you have a switch with 16 contacts, all meant to close in multiple positions and 3 or more switch positions.

Don't forget that sometimes there won't be a OFF position but someting totally different. An example would be Manual, Automatic and Remote. You may need a contact to be closed in 2 or more positions to enable different parts of a circuit without having to many contacts hanging of the back of a switch..

Regards Brad

[vladop]

I send you voltmeter switch with 7 positions and its catalog excerpt.

Vlado

[Anonymous]

Well, when dealing with complex switches the IEC standard 60617-7 is clear in that it is vague, basically what works for you and your client is right and meets the standard.

All methods in this thread meet the IEC standard in that the person making the drawing thinks the information is presented clearly for it's use.

I have attached extracts to cover this

[testsubject]

I would add a legend right by each switch depicting its closed state in all positions.

XXO-Closed in position 1 and 2, Open in position 3

OOX-Open in position 1 and 2, Closed in position 3

and so on...