SANTONS SWITCHES AND SWITCHGEAR

1000V DC switching
IP68 waterproof enclosures
ATEX dust explosion proof
Heat resistant up to 400C
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 metros
Tunnels, (underground) car parks
Machine building
Power plants and Power distribution
Defence industry
Ships and offshore installations
Solar (PV) installations

Packet switches
General

THE UNIQUE CONCEPT...

Santon has been manufacturing packet switches since the

WHAT YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW

early 1920s and the vast experience gathered over the years

The packet switch catalogue is in two parts, the informative

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

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

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

Catalogue.

custom made switches.

In General you will find information regarding the specific characteristics

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

A number of interesting features belong to the unique concept

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

of the Santon packet switch; features rarely found in other

switches is given.

rotary switches.
The entire standard range from 16A to 1000A in A.C. and D.C. can be found
These special features make our switches suitable for unfriend-

in Catalogue. This catalogue includes type numbers, diagrams and

ly environments, controlling difficult loads, for the execution of

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

different mechanical builds and increasingly for applications

Meter switches.

in electronics.

A BC1
BC1H
B BC3
C C6H
D C10H
E C20H

16A
25A
40A
63A
125A
250A

A.C. / D.C.
A.C. / D.C.
A.C. / D.C.
A.C. / D.C.
A.C. / D.C.
A.C. / D.C.

3P
3P
3P
3P
3P
3P

BASEMOUNTING
BASEMOUNTING
BASEMOUNTING
BASEMOUNTING
BASEMOUNTING
BASEMOUNTING

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 mounting

Packet switches supplied in heavy duty polyester enclosures are called the Citadel series. These 'Citadel' switches are suitable for extreme conditions, such as the HR Heat resistant and Citadels 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 manufacturers 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.

Cam switch as a voltmeter change over switch, 7 positions

ROBUST CONSTRUCTION...
DUE TO ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT
THE SWITCH ELEMENT

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

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

rotor moving contact bridge, which connects two stator

MOUNTING POSSIBILITIES

terminals. The knife shaped fixed contacts are clasped by

We offer three mounting possibilities:

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

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

bridge with an insulated spindle. During switching, the contact

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

surfaces wipe each other clean. The bridge and fixed contacts

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

are positioned between two insulated discs, which together

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

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

4
3
5

4
3
5

2
6

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

- Switch element of a packet switch, contacts closed.

- Switch element of a packet switch, contacts open

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

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

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

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

operating shaft. 6. Arc path.

5
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-

6
5

sure springs. 4. Plastic cam follower. 5. Rotating plastic cam. 6. Plastic shaft
part. 7. Insulated chamber. 8. Arc path.

1
4
8

2
3

a. Base mounting

THE CONCEPT

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

Several packets are assembled with the insulated spindle,

accessible from the front handle end.

a mechanism and a frame into a complete switch. An extremely robust finished product is achieved due to the base plate,

b. Panel mounting

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

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

carefully selected and electrolytically galvanised steel; this is

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

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

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

nents, plastic is used.

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.

- A.C. Mechanism
1. Continuous operating shaft
2. Starwheel
3. Nylon positioning wheel
4. Pullspring
5. Springholder
- A.C. / D.C. Mechanism
1. Operating shaft
2. Switch operating shaft
3. Set driving springs
4. Locking spring
5. Driving plate
6. Locking plate

5
3

6
3

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES...
DUE ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT
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.

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

In electronics a reliable contact, especially for change over signals

for plcs is being more and more appreciated and the excellent continuity 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 separation 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
Combination switch consisting of 6 pole main circuit 125A, 9 pole maincircuit
40A and 22 pole auxiliary circuit 16A

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

are therefore able to operate in surroundings of 80C.

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.
Assortment of escutcheon plates, handles and levers.

This characteristic, combined with the long switching route and the

crisp switching moment, provides a switch with a high rupturing capa1

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,

2
3

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

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

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.

1
2

1. Switches with electro-magnetic interlocking device. 2. Switches with

mechanical interlock. 3. Switch with mechanical door interlock for motor control centre. 4. Doorcoupling for switch 3 above.

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 locking 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 national and international regulations are taken into account, such as:
NEN DE BS and IEC
Many authorities have tested our packet switches and depending

Cam operated microswitch as an auxiliary built on a 800A packet switch.

on the type and model, reports or certificates are available.

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

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

A. A6 Column, 200 poles, 16A with padlocking device

B. 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.

To name a few:
TV, KEMA, Lloyds 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 fr 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.
1

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.

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.

10

PROVEN IN PRACTICE...
DUE TO ITS UNIQUE CONCEPT
Santon manufactures its packet switches for the most har-

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

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

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

operate under very extreme circumstances. The excellent

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

engineered basic construction and appropriately selected

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

materials are a starting-point of this reliable product.

housing with a Faraday cage.

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

For the rolling stock throughout Europe: Shock and vibration resistancy

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

of switches is very important, thats why on many trains Santon is

of the switch.

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

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

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

From this concept Santon started to develop and manufacture

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

packet switches, initially for applications in the shipping indus-

unit with four switching barrels. Steel manufacturing companies use

try. Alterations and modifications were amongst the first orders

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

and therefore custom made. The experience for which we

ches are also supplied to a number of electricity suppliers throughout

became well known, has evolved to what the Santon switch

Europe.

has become today: the most produced and reliable packet

switch in the world.

THE BEST PROOF: PRACTICE

By proving its 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 components 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

11
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 clients specification. Producing custom-made has become a speciality of Santon. It has become increasingly important to keep up with
todays 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 concept, 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.